EuroGeographics welcomes UN moves to anchor geospatial information in global frameworks

EuroGeographics has welcomed moves by the United Nations to embed geospatial information within its broader frameworks.

In a series of interventions delivered at the 16^th Session of the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), the not-for-profit association said the growing emphasis was critical in raising the sector’s visibility. In particular, it backed the establishment of the new UN-GGIM: Europe Working Group on Data in Response to Global Agendas which focuses on incorporating geospatial information into future development frameworks.

Sallie Payne Snell, Secretary General and Executive Director, said: “Geospatial information is widely recognised for its vital role in addressing global and regional challenges, but its greatest impact comes when we work together. We warmly welcome UN-GGIM: Europe’s new Working Group which is an important step in anchoring geospatial information into global development and regional policy frameworks beyond 2030. EuroGeographics is well placed to support this work by drawing on our experience of using case studies to demonstrate the value of authoritative data and further strengthen its profile among policy makers.”

She added: “As part of our wider commitment to a stronger, more connected international community, EuroGeographics will continue to bring European perspectives to UN-GGIM. This includes practical solutions that improve access to official information such as our new harmonised large-scale dataset EuroCoreReferenceMap – the foundation for a European Geospatial Data Infrastructure – and our licensing agreements for Copernicus Services and Copernicus Reference Data Access Portal (CORDA) developed through our long-standing partnership with the European Environment Agency.”

The Brussels-based organisation, which represents Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities, also reiterated its commitment to fostering collaboration and capacity building via its extensive knowledge exchange network and continued provision of the UN-GGIM: Europe Secretariat through its Service Level Agreement with Kadaster Netherlands.

EuroGeographics is an international not-for-profit organisation (AISBL/ IVZW under Belgian Law. BCE registration: 833 607 112) and the membership association for the European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities.