United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management

United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management. It is a subsidiary body of the United Nations Economic and Social Council established to address global challenges regarding the use of geospatial data. The committee provides a forum for coordination and dialogue among Member States, and aims to enhance global cooperation in the field of geographic information. Its work supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other international agreements.

History and establishment

The committee was formally established by the United Nations Economic and Social Council in July 2011 through Resolution 2011/24. This decision emerged from a growing recognition within the United Nations system of the critical role of geospatial information in addressing global issues. The establishment was preceded by deliberations at the United Nations Statistical Commission and built upon earlier efforts like the United Nations Regional Cartographic Conference series. Its creation was also influenced by the work of specialized agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Bank.

Objectives and mandate

The primary objective is to make accurate and reliable geospatial information readily available to support national, regional, and global development. Its mandate includes setting directions for the production and application of global positioning data and promoting its integration with statistical and other information. The committee works to develop effective strategies to build and strengthen national geospatial information capacity across all Member States. It also aims to address key policy issues, including legal and institutional arrangements, for managing geospatial resources.

Structure and membership

The committee is composed of experts nominated by Member States, who typically represent national mapping agencies, statistical offices, or related ministries. It is led by a bureau consisting of a chair and several vice-chairs elected from different regional groups. The committee's substantive secretariat support is provided by the United Nations Statistics Division located at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. It operates through a structure of thematic working groups and task teams, and collaborates closely with regional entities like the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

Key activities and initiatives

Key activities include the development of the Global Fundamental Geospatial Data Themes and the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework. The committee oversees the implementation of the Global Statistical Geospatial Framework and works on critical issues such as the integration of geospatial information with Earth observation data from programs like Copernicus Programme. It also leads initiatives on land administration and management through the Framework for Effective Land Administration. Regular publications include the Global Geospatial Information Management report series.

Relationship with other UN bodies and stakeholders

The committee maintains a close working relationship with the United Nations Statistics Division and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. It collaborates with specialized agencies including the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Hydrographic Organization. The committee also engages with external stakeholder groups such as the Open Geospatial Consortium, the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, and the Group on Earth Observations. It coordinates with regional commissions like the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

Impact and achievements

The committee has significantly elevated the importance of geospatial information within the United Nations system and for national development planning. Its frameworks have been adopted by numerous countries to modernize their national mapping agencies and spatial data infrastructures. The work has been instrumental in monitoring indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly through collaborations with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. It has fostered greater international cooperation, leading to improved standards and interoperability in geospatial data sharing across borders.