UN-GGIM Arab States Committee Concludes Its 12th Meeting In Jeddah To Enhance Geospatial Information

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 took place from February 3 to 6. Officials, experts, and specialists from Arab member states, the UN-GGIM secretariat, and international organizations participated. The event aimed to exchange insights and practices to enhance geospatial information's role in achieving development goals in Arab countries.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the Arab Committee's 2024 annual report and monitored progress across its working groups. Contributions from international organizations regarding geospatial information within the Arab region were also discussed. The UN Global Center of Excellence for Geodesy and the UN Global Center of Excellence for Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation highlighted their notable efforts. Updates on Riyadh hosting the UN Global Geospatial Ecosystem Center of Excellence were shared.

A significant part of the discussions centered on empowering Arab women in geospatial information. Various experiences were shared to enhance their pivotal role across different levels. Concurrently, the fifth gathering of the high-level team of the Integrated Global Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF) was held for the first time in the Arab region. This event saw participation from 47 individuals representing diverse nations, including UN-GGIM member states.

The meeting resulted in several key recommendations. One was inviting interested Arab countries to sign a multilateral memorandum of understanding to improve global geodetic references quality, collaborating with the UN center of excellence for geodesy. Additionally, they approved an executive plan presented by the IGIF team. Eng. Abdullah Al-Qahtani was nominated as vice chair of the geodetic framework team for 2025-2028.

A joint meeting between the high-level team and the UN-GGIM expanded bureau also took place. Contributions from other regional committees under the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management were reviewed during this session.

Saudi Arabia, represented by GEOSA, chairs the UN-GGIM Arab States committee after being re-elected as president for three consecutive terms. It also holds the committee's general secretariat position. This leadership underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing geospatial information management within the region.

The gathering successfully facilitated knowledge sharing among experts and officials, promoting collaboration in geospatial information management across Arab states. The focus on empowering women and enhancing regional cooperation marked significant strides towards achieving development goals through improved geospatial practices.

With inputs from SPA