UN-GGIM Arab States Committee Concludes 12th Meeting In Jeddah With Key Recommendations

The 12th meeting of the Regional Committee of UN Global Geospatial Information Management for the Arab States (UN-GGIM Arab States) concluded in Jeddah. Hosted by the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA), it ran from February 3 to 6. The event gathered officials, experts, and specialists from Arab member states, the UN-GGIM secretariat, and international organizations to exchange insights and experiences.

The meeting aimed to enhance geospatial information's role in achieving development goals within Arab countries. Discussions included reviewing the Arab Committee's 2024 annual report and monitoring progress across working groups. Contributions from international organizations regarding geospatial information in the Arab region were also highlighted.

Efforts by the UN Global Center of Excellence for Geodesy and the UN Global Center of Excellence for Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation were emphasized. Updates on Saudi Arabia's hosting of the UN Global Geospatial Ecosystem Center of Excellence in Riyadh were shared. Contributions from other regional committees under the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management were reviewed.

The meeting also explored ways to empower Arab women in geospatial information fields. Discussions focused on enhancing their roles at various levels. Concurrently, the fifth gathering of the high-level team of the Integrated Global Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF) took place for the first time in the Arab region.

This gathering saw participation from 47 individuals representing diverse nations, including UN-GGIM member states, heads of technical working groups, and international experts. A joint meeting was held between this high-level team and the UN-GGIM expanded bureau.

Key Recommendations and Appointments

Several key recommendations emerged from these discussions. Interested Arab countries were invited to sign a multilateral memorandum of understanding to improve global geodetic references with support from the UN center of excellence for geodesy. The executive plan presented by the IGIF team received approval.

Additionally, Eng. Abdullah Al-Qahtani was nominated as a vice chair of the geodetic framework team for 2025-2028. The Kingdom, represented by GEOSA, continues to chair the UN-GGIM Arab States committee after being re-elected as president for three consecutive terms while also holding its general secretariat.

The meeting underscored significant advancements in geospatial information management within Arab states. It fostered collaboration among member states and international bodies to drive progress in this critical field.

With inputs from SPA