12th UN-GGIM Arab States Committee Meeting Ends in Jeddah

Photo : SPA

The 12th meeting of the UN Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) for the Arab States ended today in Jeddah. The meeting took place from February 3 to 6 and was hosted by the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA). Many important people, experts, and organizations from Arab countries, the UN-GGIM office, and other countries attended the meeting.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

The purpose of the meeting was to share ideas and updates about how geospatial information (such as maps and data) can help improve development in Arab countries. The members reviewed the Arab Committee's 2024 annual report and discussed the progress made by different working groups. They also heard from international organizations about the use of geospatial data in the region.

One of the key highlights was talking about the UN Global Centers of Excellence for Geodesy and Geospatial Knowledge, which are working to improve geospatial knowledge. They also discussed the plans to set up a new center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to support geospatial research and innovation.

The meeting also focused on how to support Arab women in the geospatial field. There were discussions about ways to help women take on more important roles in geospatial work.

The meeting also included the first gathering of the Integrated Global Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF) in the Arab region. This group included 47 participants from different countries and discussed plans for the future of geospatial work.

Several important decisions were made during the meeting. Arab countries were invited to sign an agreement to improve global geospatial references, and the executive plan for the IGIF was approved. It was also decided that Eng. Abdullah Al-Qahtani would become the vice-chair of the geodetic framework team for the next term from 2025 to 2028.

Saudi Arabia, represented by GEOSA, will continue to lead the UN-GGIM Arab States Committee after being re-elected for three terms. The Kingdom also holds the committee’s secretariat, helping to guide the region’s work with geospatial information.

This meeting was important for strengthening the use of geospatial information in Arab countries and making sure it helps with development goals across the region.