India is hosting the 13th Plenary Meeting of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UNGGIM) for the Asia-Pacific region from November 26, 2024, at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This landmark event, organized by the Survey of India (SOI), underscores the growing importance of geospatial data in driving sustainable development globally.
Significance of the 13th UNGGIM Asia-Pacific Plenary Meeting
The conference offers a platform for:
- Knowledge Exchange: Sharing experiences and capabilities among member countries to enhance expertise in geospatial information.
- Active Cooperation: Strengthening collaboration and building ties among nations to address geospatial challenges.
- Capacity Building: Boosting regional capacities in managing geospatial systems and information effectively.
Participation and Representation
- International Delegates: Experts from 30 countries and 91 delegates are attending the conference.
- India’s Role: Over 120 Indian experts will actively contribute to discussions on diverse geospatial topics.
- Organized by: The Survey of India, with participation from global and regional stakeholders in geospatial technology.
Theme and Focus Areas
The conference is centered around the theme:
“Geo-enabling the Data Economy for Sustainable Development.”
This emphasizes the role of geospatial data and technologies in powering the global digital economy and supporting sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Key Sessions and Topics
- Day 1:
- Regional Seminar on Cadastral and Land Management:
Exploring modern techniques for managing land resources efficiently. - Integration of Geospatial and Statistical Information:
Highlighting the value of combining statistical and spatial data for informed decision-making.
- Regional Seminar on Cadastral and Land Management:
- Day 2:
- Regional Workshop on GNSS-CORS Network:
Discussing the sustainable operation of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) network. - Seminar on IGIF Implementation:
Focused on implementing the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF) to develop robust geospatial information systems.
- Regional Workshop on GNSS-CORS Network:
Role of Geospatial Data in Sustainable Development
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Geospatial technologies play a crucial role in addressing global challenges, such as:
- Urban Planning: Efficient land use and infrastructure development.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Tracking environmental changes and planning adaptive measures.
- Disaster Management: Enhancing disaster preparedness and response strategies.
- Agriculture and Resource Management: Supporting precision farming and sustainable resource utilization.
India’s Leadership in Geospatial Innovation
India has emerged as a leader in leveraging geospatial technologies for development:
- Survey of India (SOI): The national mapping agency has been at the forefront of integrating advanced geospatial tools.
- Digital India Initiative: Promoting the use of geospatial data in governance, agriculture, and infrastructure.
- Geospatial Policy 2021: India’s liberalized geospatial policy aims to boost innovation and private sector participation.
Why This is Relevant for Competitive Exams
The 13th UNGGIM plenary meeting is a significant topic for:
- Current Affairs: Understanding India’s global contributions to geospatial technology and sustainable development.
- Science and Technology: Insights into GNSS, IGIF, and their practical applications.
- Environment and Economy: Exploring the link between geospatial data and the data-driven economy.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- What is UNGGIM?
A UN initiative to improve global geospatial information management. - Conference Theme:
“Geo-enabling the Data Economy for Sustainable Development.” - India’s Role:
- Host of the 13th Plenary Meeting.
- Significant contributions to geospatial innovation and policy development.
- Geospatial Technology Applications:
- Climate change mitigation
- Disaster management
- Urban planning and infrastructure
- Sessions to Note:
- GNSS-CORS Network workshop
- IGIF Implementation seminar
By hosting the 13th UNGGIM Asia-Pacific Plenary Meeting, India continues to demonstrate its leadership in geospatial innovation, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing the role of data in achieving sustainable development goals.
