Representatives gathered to coordinate, discuss, and propose work-plans to promote global frameworks, common principles, policies, guidelines interchangeability of geospatial data and services. Specifically, the discussion topics at hand were 1) integration of geospatial, statistical and other related information, 2) national geospatial data and information systems, and 3) geospatial information and services for disasters.

The representative of Poland started the discussion by asking the promotion of geospatial information. The representative of the United States agreed, endorsing the global geospatial framework and claiming such a framework would benefit member states and international efforts to leave noone behind. The representative of Cuba emphasized the need for creating  data sources and strengthening the dissemination of technology as well as the availability and accessibility of data. On the other hand, some representatives asked for the academic network to introduce more education in the fields of geospatial and statistical information, such as the representatives of Singapore and China. China emphasized the need for a post graduate program to promote the integration and monitor the progress of its geospatial group. Representatives from Barbados and Nepal provided a different perspective on the same matter. They asked member states help at the regional level, as small island developing states need not be left behind. Nepal, in particular, has been working with geospatial and statistical agencies while producing the socio-economical atlas. The representative of Argentina similarly claimed member states must do the utmost to assist statistical institutes as the representative of Urisa Caribbean suggested an overarching framework to be adopted in each respective country. Other countries spoke, suggesting the implementation of framework, knowledge management, consolidation, and practical cooperation. Wellenstein then spoke, affirming member states overcome complex challenges of the geospatial divide. She asked countries to recognize their own unique attributes and tailor the principles, guidelines, and good practices respectively.

Meeting: Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management Seventh Session by Economic and Social Council

Date/Location: Thursday, August 3rd, 2017; 10:00-13:00; Conference Room 4

Speakers: Co-Chair; Representative of Poland; Representative of the United States of America; Peter Tiangco, Co-Chair of the Working Group on Disasters; Representative of Denmark; Representative of Cuba; Representative of Singapore; Representative of Peru; Representative of Canada; Representative of Australia; Representative of India; Representative of Nepal; Representative of Barbados; Representative of Malaysia; Representative of the Republic of South Korea; Representative of Argentina; Representative of Ecuador; Representative of Norway; Representative of Urisa Caribbean; Representative of Philippines; Representative of Cote D’ivoire; Representative of China; Representative of Costa Rica; Representative of Honduras; Representative of Eclac; Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis; Representative of the Dominican Republic; Representative of the State of Palestine; Representative of GEO; Representative of ESCAP; Representative of Mexico; Representative of Ethiopia; Representative of Japan; Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Representative of Belgium; Representative of the Netherlands; Representative of Jamaica; Representative of Spain; Representative of Burkina Faso; Representative of Slovenia; Representative of United Kingdom; Representative of Guatemala; Representative of Sweden; Anne Wellenstein; GGIM Secretariat

Written By: WIT Representative Janet Lee