(4th meeting) Sixteenth session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM)

Good afternoon, delegates.
I haven't started.
I just want to tell you all to take a sip of water because you're going to need it for getting through the presentations quickly this afternoon.
But not so quickly that it disturbs our interpreters peace.
Thank you.
I call to order the fourth meeting of the sixth session of the committee of experts on global geospatial information management.
Before proceeding with the next item, I'd like to give the floor to Saudi Arabia.
Miss Sahara Saha Sahara Jawad.
Miss T will be doing a short presentation on the World Special Congress, the third one.
Miss Howard, I give the floor to you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Good evening, distinguished delegates and colleagues.
It is my pleasure to provide an update on progress for the United Nations Word to Special Information Congress.
During this presentation, I will provide an overview of the major activities undertaking in preparing for the Congress started from a planning timeline, the global call for abstract, our communication and outreach effort, the abstract review process and the development of substantive program, concluding with an overview of program ethic lists.
This Congress is about shaping the future of ospial information, not simply discussing emergent technology.
It will be strength international cooperation, promote responsible digital transformation, and build a resilient global opicial ecosystem that serve governments and society alike.
Saudi Arabia is owner to host the third United Nations World Special Information Congress in partnership with the United Nations under the UN GDIM framework.
Through Vision 2030 and the leadership of OSA, the Kingdom remains committed to advancing op innovation and strengthening international cooperation.
To support the successfully deliver of their Congress, we have appointed special W as professional Congress organizer.
BCO, building on its success role as the BCO for the Second United Nations World two Special Information Congress in India.
We are confident that it is experience and expert will help deliver our Class Congress.
The Congress will bring together more than 1,800 participants from over 100 country, representing government, international organization, industry, academia, and civil society.
It will serve as a global platform to build a partnership, exchange knowledge, and advance the rule of geosp information in addressing global challenges.
Planning for Congress began in September 20 25th with the establishment of International Advisory Committee and the development of its term of reference.
Since then, important milestones have been achieved, including the completion of preliminary program structure, the global call for abstract, and the review of submission.
We are now in the final stage of completing the substantive program before the Congress in November 2026.
The call for abstract open on 23, February 2026 and remain open until 6th of May 2026.
The review process was conducted over several months to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation of every submission.
Notification have been issued progressively since mid of July with speaker registration continuing ahead of the Congress in November.
To encourage board participation, comprehensive global outreach campaign was implemented.
This includes targeted communication with stakeholder, collaboration with U NGGIM, regional committees, social media engagement, global webinars, and promotional materials distributed at international event.
A key component of our outreach strategy was direct engagement with all five UN GGIM regional committees through dedicated virtual meeting.
In addition, two global information webinar were organized to explain the submission process, answer questions, and encourage participation.
These activities strength awareness and contributed to the high level of interest received.
The of abstract was designed to attract contribution across all Congress focus area and thematic tracks.
It's encouraged participation from government leader, practitioners, researcher, innovators, academia, industry, and importantly, the next generation of judicial professionals.
The objective was to ensure that the Congress reflect the diverse perspective and experience from around the world.
The review of abstract submission was undertaken by international task team representing government agencies, international organization, academia, and private sector.
The team met regularly throughout the review period and apply the structured, transparent and consist evaluation process to ensure fairness and maintain the high quality of Congress program.
Each abstract twice carefully assess based on the relevance of the Congress team, the quality and the clarity of the purpose contribution, its potential impact on policy and practice and its forward looking perspective.
The review process also emphasized balanced geographical representation, diversity of viewpoint, and meaningful participation from under represented group and next generation professionals.
The response of the call of abstract exceed expectation with a total of 450 submission received from around the world.
Following original review process, 307 abstract was selected with an additional 51 placed on a waiting list.
This accepted submission will contribute to approximately 256 available speaking opportunities through the Congress program.
As we see this slide presents an overview of accepted abstract through various statistical analysis.
The next slide additionally show additional statistics provide future insight into the compositions of the accepted submissions, including geographical area, sectorial representation, and technical experts.
The substantive program is organized around the strategical pillar, vision, integration, innovation, and future.
These pillars are intent to guide discussion that move from geospal information toward geospal insight for informed decision making and sustainable development.
The Congress program has been carefully designed to maximize engagement and knowledge exchange.
It includes six interactive preliminary sessions, 64 parallel session and opportunities for panel discussion involving expert from across the world.
This structure provides an effective platform for sharing experience, discussing emerging trends, and promoting collaborations.
The Congress program is organized into thematic tracks covering governance, interoperability, artificial intelligence, and innovation, centered outcome, partnership and investment, and regional and specialized domain.
Through regular virtual meeting, the committee review progress, provide strategic advance advice and ensure the program maintain its equality, relevance, and global perspective.
Day two of the Congress will feature a combination of preliminary and parallel session that focus on innovation, technology, governance, and practical implementation.
The final day of the Congress will focus on future direction, strength partnership, and identifying practical outcome that will support the continued development of the global epical information management.
The discussion will conclude the key messages and recommendation for future collaboration.
This is the lovely slide.
Welcome to Jeddah.
Jeddah a leading gateway to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea region, offer a well established international hub with extensive infrastructure and connectivity for hosting a global event.
Preparing for the third United Nations World Special Information Congress continue to progress as planned in close coordination with the United Nations secretaria and the relevant national authorities.
We continue to monitor region development closely and remain engaged with appropriate authority to assist any development that may be relevant to the Congress.
It is important to note that EDTA is located approximately 2,000 kilometers from the area of the current regional concern.
At this time, preparation and logistic arrangement for the Congress remain on schedule.
We remain committed to providing a safe and secure and welcoming environment for all delegants and we will continue to communicate relevant information in a timely and transparent manner as a preparation of progress.
We're looking forward to welcoming delegates from around the world to GTA, for the Third United Nations World J Information Congress.
The Congress will provide important platform for dialogue, collaboration, innovation, and partnership as we work together to advance the global up agenda.
In closing, I would like to thank all member state, members of the International Advisory Committee, reviewers, partners, and contributors to the detection and dedication and support throughout the planning process.
We look forward to welcoming you to Jetta.
We look forward to welcoming you to Jetta and to successful and impactful Congress.
Thank you so much.
I thank Mr.
Tit for the presentation, and we look forward to seeing everybody and Jeddah.
As announced at the end of our meeting this morning, the committee will now continue with its consideration of item eight entitled Global Geodetic Reference Frame to hear the remaining speakers.
I'm going to open the floor for our discussion on this item, and I kindly remind speakers of the time limit.
We currently have 32 delegates who want to make an input on this matter.
If we stick to 1.5 minutes per delegate, we're running close to 50 minutes to an hour.
However, if we can shorten that time to three paragraphs with commas and full stops for breathing, We could get through the item a bit quicker.
I'm requesting that we use commas in full stops and we look at a input of less than 1 minute and 30 seconds.
I will now I also need to say this that you do have the opportunity to provide your 1 minute 32nd input, the one that you were going to deliver to etments at un.org.
You can also submit the longer version without any commas and full stops.
To etments at un.org.
These will be published in the UN journal unless it's indicated for interpreters only.
I'm going to open the floor now and I thank you for your cooperation on the matter.
There's one more.
Cloud is very useful.
Despite the time limit, please also speak at a normal speed.
I will not be pointing at anyone on the floor today, but we do have some record holders from yesterday so that the interpreters can follow and hence I ask for the commas and the full stops.
I'm sure somebody will remind me that there's other punctuation that we should also use.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.
Thank you, Chair.
Cameroon, welcome the report.
I appreciate the work of the subcommittee and the UNDDC on governance and support the establishment of a structured consultation process on governance option that reflect the diversity of member states needs and requirements.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I wish to sincerely thank the Distinguished Representative Cameroon.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.
Thank you, Mr.
Couch.
China recognized the achievements made by the S commission subcommittee on DC, the United Nations Global data exchange of Excellence, and region committees in Implement General S resolution 69 266.
With the coordination of UNGCE, remarkable progress has been made in the development of global D supply chain, international governance of JDC Frank prediction, land and C integration and regional capacity building.
With regard to international geodetic governance, we note that objective disparities among member states particularly in the operation and maintenance of geo infrastructure and data management policies.
Pose challenges to be coordinated advances of global LDC.
China suggests taking multilateral memorand of understanding and global supply chain as practice drivers to refine, tiered and categorize the international collaboration framework.
Strly advance the optimization of global geologic governance system and promote balanced and sustainable development of global LDC.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of China.
I now call on the distinguished representative of Ecuador.
Thank you, Mr.
Co chair.
I'm going to speak in Spanish.
The delegation of the Republic of Ecuador expresses its appreciation to the subcommittee on geodesic for the report presented.
We welcome the progress achieved in the implementation of the roadmap for the global geodetic reference framework.
We also welcome the progress made on initiatives aimed at strengthening international cooperation, capacity building, and the sustainability of global geodetic infrastructure.
Ecuador reaffirms that a precise accessible and sustainable geodetic reference frame constitutes an essential component of the development of the National Geospatial I infrastructure and is an enabler for Earth observation, disaster risk management, land administration, climate change monitoring, and evidence based policy making.
In this context, The Military Geographic Institute of Ecuador as the national Geodetic Authority formally adopted in 2026, the new horizontal geodetic reference framework called Siegas Ecuador.
It was based on the ITRF 2020.
Okay.
And this strengthened the accuracy, traceability, and interoperability of the country's geospatial information and ensured that it was aligned with the International terrestrial reference system the ITRS, as well as with the geocentric reference system for the America's Sear gas.
Moreover, Ecuador formally adopted the new vertical geodetic reference frame in accordance with the Sear gas recommendations and with the recommendations of the International Association of Geodesy, the IAG.
This step strengthened the vertical component of the National Geodetic infrastructure.
Ecuador recognizes the strategic role played by the United Nations Global Geodetic Center of Excellence in promoting technical cooperation, knowledge, sharing, and capacity building, particularly in developing countries.
We also express our support for the development of a new United Nations General Assembly resolution which would reaffirm the importance of the global geodetic reference frame as essential infrastructure for sustainable development.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished Representative of Ecuador for speed, good punctuation, and that's all.
I now move to the distinguished representative of Canada.
Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
I'm going to speak on behalf of UN G GIM Americas.
UN G GIM Americas welcomes the report of the subcommittee of Geodecy and expresses its appreciation to the United Nations Global Geotic Center of Excellence for its continued support.
It also reaffirms that geodecy constitutes an invisible yet indispensable infrastructure underpinning sustainable development, climate action, and disaster risk reduction across the Americas.
UNGGIM America strongly supports the effort of the subcommittee of GeoDcy and the UNGGC to lead a structured consultation process on possible approaches to strengthening international governance arrangements for geodcy.
For our region, addressing operational fragmentation and ensuring long term sustainable financing are essential priorities for maintaining and strengthening the global geotic reference frame.
UNGGIMMics also encourages member states to work closely with their national authorities responsible for radio spectrum management to safeguard the radio frequency spectrum required for geodetic observations using BLBI within the framework of the International Telecommunication Union and the World Radio Communication Conference.
Finally, UN GGM Americas welcomes the organization of the seventh plenary of the subcommittee of eodicy and reaffirms its commitment to actively contribute to its outcomes by promoting the participation of member states from the region and exchange of good practices in geody.
Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
I thank the Distinguished Representative of Canada.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The United States notes that the global geodetic supply chain underpins all global geospacial activities.
Sustainable geodesy depends not only on maintaining global geodetic infrastructure, but also on investing in people.
Member states must build national capacity and strengthen regional collaboration to support the global geodetic supply chain regionally and globally to ensure its long term sustainability.
The United States supports establishing a formal and structured consultation process to further develop and refine governance options and implementation considerations for strengthening the global geody supply chain.
The United States welcome to subcommittee's collaboration with the IHO ISO, OGC to integrate geospatial data cost to cadastral land and sea domains for the blue economy, cultural resilience and safety of life.
We also support the subcommittee's commitment to engage with the International Telecommunication Union radio communications sector, and World Radio Communication Conference processes regarding radio frequency spectrum needs for geodesy.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished Representative of the United States for a very brief statement.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahamas.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
The Bahamas aligns itself with the recommendations before the committee and welcomes the report of the subcommittee of experts on geodicy.
We recommendmmend the continued progress in advancing the global geodetic reference ram in support of General Assembly resolution 69 slash 266 and reaffirm our support for these important efforts.
On the second discussion point, the Bahamas support more structured consultation on strengthening international governance arrangements for geodicy.
We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to the subcommittee and the United Nations Global Geodetic Center of Excellence for providing the Bahamas with the opportunity to participate in the recent geodetic reference workshop held in Santiago, Chile.
The knowledge and partnership gained have been invaluable in advancing our national geodeic capacity.
Finally, the Bahamas supports continued international efforts to protect the radio frequency spectrum essential for VLBI observation and encourages sustained member state engagement and participation in preparation for the ITU R enroll radio communication conference processes.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Bahamas.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I will provide the statement in Spanish.
Brazil, Bala.
Brazil values the efforts made by the subcommittee for the implementation of resolution 69 slash 266 of the United Nations.
We underscore the actions aimed at strengthening the sustainability of the global geodesy supply chain.
As well as the work done on capacity building, knowledge exchange, and in terms of international cooperation.
We're of the view that the availability of technical documentation and guidelines is vital in order to support countries in strengthening their geodetic infrastructure.
Brazil is of the view that the debate on international geodetic governance mechanisms must continue.
This debate must always respect the varying realities of member states and look to always bolster international cooperation.
Finally, Brazil recognizes the importance of protecting the radio frequency spectrum used by VLBI in order to guarantee the continuation of global geodetic monitoring.
Against this backdrop, it is vital to ensure the ongoing participation of member states in international debates on the protection of the radio electecric spectrum, strengthening dialogue between the geodetic community scientific organizations and national telecommunication authorities.
Thank you.
Than the distinguished Delegate of Brazil.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Denmark.
Thank you Chair.
Denmark welcomes the report and supports continued consideration of how international cooperation and governance in y can be further strengthened.
We recognize that the current fragmented landscape involves operational security and financing risks and consider the proposed governance pathways a useful basis for further discussion.
Denmark supports a structured consultation process that reflects the diversity of member states requirements.
Denmark underlines the importance of protecting the radio frequency spectrum use for very long baseline interferometry.
This remains a critical component of the global geodetic reference frame.
The Danish geodetic authority is working closely with the National telecommunications authority to ensure that this issue is reflected in the relevant international processes and urges other member states to do the same.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Denmark for helping us keep on time.
I now call on the distinguished representative of Honduras.
Thank you, Honduras thanks the subcommittee on geodesy for the progress made.
We acknowledge that a global geodetic reference framework that is robust is a crucial element to guarantee precise interoperable and reliable geospatial information, information which supports critical infrastructure, economic development, and decision making.
We also support efforts made to strengthen geodetic governance, international cooperation and capacity building.
For Honduras, strengthening national geodetic infrastructure is a strategic priority.
We recognize that modern geodeic infrastructure not only improves the quality of geospatial information, rather it also bolsters land planning, disaster risk management, climate change monitoring, and the sustainable management of natural resources.
For developing countries, the primary challenge remains that of guaranteeing the sustainability of this infrastructure through governance, financing mechanisms, and through capacity building efforts.
Finally, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing to strengthen our national geodeticic infrastructure and we continue to be committed to promoting international cooperation is something crucial if we are to build a global geodetic frame which is resilient and sustainable.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Honduras.
I now call on the distinguished representative of Chile.
Thank you, Mr.
Sure.
I will deliver my introdution in Spanish.
Chile takes note of the report of the subcommittee on geodesy.
We welcome the progress made with the implementation of the global geodetic reference frameworks, the GGRF.
We underscore the importance of cooperation capacity building, the implementation of the first joint development plan for Global geodesy and measures to strengthen the resilience of global geodetic infrastructure against this backdrop, we underscore the Adela project because of the contribution it makes to strengthening geodetic reference framework in tectonically active regions.
Moreover, we support the analysis of the mechanisms such as to ensure that we global and national geodetic governance.
Finally, we encourage member states to strengthen coordination and participation in ITU processes to guarantee the continuity of these essential services for the global geodetic reference framework and for the international community.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative Chile for assisting us to keep time.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fiji.
Thank you, Chair.
My delegation thanks the subcommittee on DC, the Unit Nation Global Geo Center of Excellence, and the Regional Jud working groups for the progress report.
Fiji attaches particular importance to this agenda item.
As a lead sponsor of the General Assembly resolution 69 stroke 266 on the global Geodetic Reference Frame for sustainable development, Fiji remains committed to a reliable, sustainable, and accessible global geodegic reference frame that benefits all member states.
Fiji appreciate the support of Australia through AS and Australia and the Pacific community, SPC and strengthening regional geodetic infrastructure and advancing the modernization of Fiji's geodic data.
Aligning with the global geodegic reference frame and international standards, will enhance positioning accuracy, support land resilience, disaster risk management, and sustainable development while promoting greater regional interoperability and cooperation.
Our delegation looks forward to continued partnerships that build natural capacity and strengthen the geospacial foundation needed for informed decision making across the Pacific.
I thank you the Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Fiji for the concise presentation.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Thank you, Chair.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands supports the conclusion that the global geo C supply chain requires stronger international coordination to ensure the long term sustainability and resilience of the global geodetic infrastructure.
We recognize that the main challenges are not primarily scientific or technical, but relate to governance, strategic planning, sustainable financing, and risk management.
At the same time, the existing scientific and technical system continues to function effectively.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands further recognizes that the workforce development, education, and capacity development are critical to the long term sustainability and resilience of the global geodetic infrastructure.
Emphasize that future governance arrangements should complement, not replace the International Association of Geodesy, while ensuring the sustainable operational delivery and scientific evolution of geodetic surfaces on the EIJ Scientific oversight, preserving scientific independence, technical authority, and international openness.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands encourages the committee of experts to task the subcommittee on geodesy in close cooperation with the UN GGCA, the EIJ, and the member states with developing a proposal for an international strategy and governance framework for the global geodetic supply chain.
Finally, member states are encouraged to strengthen national geodetic governance, recognizing that effective international governance depends on effective national arrangement.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guyana.
Thank you, chair.
Guyana welcomes the report on DC.
Guyana notes with great appreciation the role and multifac efforts of the subcommittee and the UN GGC in facilitating impactful capacity building workshops in the Americas and the continued usefulness of the comprehensive and insightful joint development plan on global GIDy.
Guyana strongly supports the subcommittee and the UNGGC in further developing structured inclusive consultations on international governance for DRC.
This consultations is urgent due to several factors, including the need to address the stag geodetic capacity divides and imbalances between north and south.
Without structured consultations, global standards will continue to evolve to assume a baseline of resource maturity that developing member states will find increasingly difficult to match.
The resulting governance framework must remain highly adaptive, utilize a phased implementation approach, starting with non binding targets, leverage regional structures like SAR gas, utilize MOUs and MOA frameworks promoted by the UN GGC, and prioritize sustained capacity development and technology transfer for developing countries.
Over the next decade, as national capacities mature, the global community should work towards a vision of a highly integrated world otic organization.
Finally, in collaboration with UN GGC, Guyana feels that the subcommittee must continue to translate into the language of the decision makers.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Guyana.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.
Thank you Chair.
The United Kingdom welcomes the report by the subcommittee on dsy.
This work is instrumental in driving forward the need for a global approach to dsy and growing interest to consider dsy as a strategic national capability.
The UK increasingly recognizes the value of a systems based approach to dsy to better reflect the interdependencies between geodetic infrastructure, data, services, institutions, and end user applications.
The UK is pleased to see the focus on the land and sea domain as well as the cadastral domain, which help position odysy as part of a wider geospatial ecosystem rather than a standalone technical specialism.
UK supports the need to explore the different options for strengthening international governance arrangements for dy and we will continue to participate in these efforts through the subcommittee on dicy.
The UK recognizes the importance of protecting the radiofrequency spectrums essential for geodetic VLBI observations and welcomes the advocacy work that has taken place to highlight this issue.
This is an area that has been identified in the UK expert assessments as both being vital for geodetic observations, but also for the crucial science and technology capabilities that depend on associated geodetic products.
We will continue to engage with the discussions around protecting radio frequency spectrum for geodetic VLBI, as well as recognizing the importance of other crucial techniques, including satellite laser ranging, which faces similar challenges around infrastructure fragility and long term sustainability.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore.
Thank you, Chair.
Singapore welcomes the report of the subcommittee on Geo C and commends the continued progress made during the intersectional period in advancing the global geographic reference frame and the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 69 slash 266.
Singapore also continues to actively support capacity development initiative of the UN GGC and welcomes the expansion of in person workshops across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas to strengthen national geographic capability and broaden participation.
In addition, Singapore supports targeting governance fragmentation, the delineation of responsibility, enhancing coordination, and exploring alternative mechanisms for long term financing to strengthen the global o supply chain.
As such, Singapore encourages the UNGCE to pursue a structured and inclusive consultation process that consider the diversity of member states perspectives and requirements to strengthen international commitment For the global Geodesy supply chain, Singapore reiterates the importance of demonstrating tangible benefits through practical use cases, especially the engagement with National Space Agency to help secure political buy in and long term investment and encourages that this demonstration be made accessible to all member states.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the Distinguished representative of Singapore.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Antigua and Barbuda.
Thank you, Chair.
Antigua and Barbua acknowledges the work done through the committee of experts on global geospatial information management.
Within the Americas, the UNGGCE presence is felt especially through a joint executed workshop of which we have benefited tremendously.
As we are currently re establishing our geodetic network locally, we are committed to share any insight of our status as we strive to better improving geospatial data, availability, quality, and accessibility within our win Islands state, and regionally, given our unique positioning.
As such, we support the eight priorities as presented in the HLG IGIF strategic plan of February 2026 and look forward to 100% achievement in the efforts.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the distinguished delegate of Antigo and Barbuda for a very clear and precise input.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria.
Dear Mr.
Chair, I'm trying to be fast.
Austria fully supports and recognizes the critical advancements outlined in the document, particularly the collaborative efforts of the subcommittee on geodacy and the UN GGC in transitioning towards sustainable long term governance and financing for the global geody supply chain.
Austria applauds the cross domain collaboration with standardization organization and the International Telecommunications Union to safeguard vital radio reference spectrums and integrate geodesy seamlessly across land and sea frameworks.
Austria strongly endorses the joint capacity development initiatives and regional workshops delivered across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, which play an essential role in bridging technical gaps and ensuring broad equitable participation.
Finally, even if I want to be really fast, in these terms, we would like to highlight a different approach to outreach and awareness raising.
In the last period, 2025, 2026, the Geodesy Cartoons Initiative was what you can easily find online has been started by the IHE with full support of Austria.
The first international geodessy Cartoon competition attracted 274 Sorry, 247 submissions from 119 cartoonists across 46 countries.
These results make geodyy commonly understandable and give this important topic a face and public visibility.
Please, dear delegates, let's discover geodsy with a smile.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Austria.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Germany supports the statement of UN GTIM Europe.
We especially highlight the tight collaboration between the subcommittee and the UN GTC, which helps to advance the critical understanding, awareness, recognition of geodsy as a vital foundation of the global geospatial and Earth observation infrastructure.
Germany appreciates the work of the subcommittee and the Center on governance and supports establishment of a structured consultation process on governance options that reflects the diversity of the member states needs and requirements, and we are willing to contribute resources to this consultation.
Furthermore, Germany appreciates the efforts made by the working group of the subcommittee on frequency Protection for the geodetic VLBI to protect geodetic VLBI observation from radiofrequency interferences and in particular, the work on the inclusion of a dedicated agenda item at the World Radio Communication Conference 2031 to be proposed at the conference in 2027.
Germany welcomes the progress made in Europe where the topic on frequency protection for geodetic VII was brought to the attention of the European Radio Spectrum Policy Group.
Furthermore, we encourage all member states to engage with their respective spectrum management authorities to forward the pressing issue at national and regional level.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Germany.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Japan expresses its appreciation for the significant achievements accomplished by the subcommittee on DC during the intersectional period, in particular, the development of the options paper on International governance for geoly developed by the subcommittee in collaboration with UN GCE.
Japan recognizes the importance of international governance for geoly and the need for continued discussions on this matter.
Japan reaffirms its commitment to continued engagement in these initiatives and will further contribute to strengthening the sustainable global Geodetic refererence frame and global geodegic supply chain as chair of the UN GGM Asia Pacific Working Group on geogic preference frame.
Japan also expresses its appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the working group of the subcommittee on frequency Protection for geodetic FL BI.
Protecting geodetic observation from radio frequency interference is essential to ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and sustainability of global geodetic reference frame and the satellite based services that depend upon them.
Japan will continue to participate in discussions aimed at establishing an appropriate framework for the frequency protection and also encourages member states to be involved in the initiatives.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Japan for helping us keep momentum.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.
Chair of South Africa takes note of the subcommittees report and support continued implementation of the General Assembly resolution 69 slash 266, appreciating the importance of a stable and accessible global geologic reference frame.
SAC supports a structured consultation process on international governance for eodacy led by member states and informed by science and operations.
The consultation should also address sustainable funding, life cycle maintenance, and the development of expertise in regions, especially where capability is limited.
South Africa has a direct interest in reliable geodetic and radio astronomy observations.
We therefore encourage coordinated protection of radio frequency bands required for VLPI and related services in support of national Geospatial telecommunications and scientific authorities in member states.
We further encourage the subcommittee on DC and the UN GTCE to work with regional committees on an evidence based assessment of infrastructure and capability gaps.
South Africa supports a global governance approach that strengthens the complete supply chain and produces reliable services for every member state.
Thank you very much, Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jamaica.
Thank you, co chair.
Jamaica takes note of the report of the subcommittee on DRC and commends the substantial progress achieved in advancing implementation of the GGRF and the United Nations General Assembly resolution 69 slash 266.
Jamaica supports a more structured consultation process led jointly by the subcommittee and the UN GGCE to examine options for strengthening international governance arrangements for GRC.
Jamaica supports continued engagement by member states to safeguard radio frequency spectrum essential for VLBI observation.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Jamaica.
I don't even have a comment for that.
Thank you for your input.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Finland.
Thank you.
Finland welcomes the report of the subcommittee on and ongoing work of the UN Global Aeolic Center of Excellence.
Finland supports strengthened governance arrangements and structured consultation process that takes into account the diverse needs of the member states.
Finland views the three proposed governance pathway as a solid basis for further discussions and emphasizes the importance of allowing all member states to contribute to discussion before advancing any governance options.
Finland also encourages member states to work closely with national spectrum authorities to safeguard the LBI frequency bands in preparation for future world credit code communication and conferences.
Finland supports the continued work of both the subcommittee and Center of Excellence.
Thank you, Mr.
Cocha.
I thank the distinguished representative of Finland for the brief intervention.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia.
Thank you, Chair.
Australia notes the significant advancements achieved over the past 12 months to promote a sustainable global geodcy supply chain and thanks to the subcommittee on geocy and the UN GGCE for their work.
Australia considers that strengthening governance is a fundamental aspect of a sustainable future for the global geodcy supply chain.
Australia recommends the committee of Experts request the subcommittee on juicy and the UN GGCE work together to, firstly, progress development of governance options in the intersectional period, including through consultation with member states and secondly, maturing the evidence base to support member states engaging in this process.
Australia is willing to contribute people resources towards this task.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished delegate of Australia for efficiently using time.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burundi.
Thank you.
Mr.
Chair of the delegation of the Republic of Burundi thanks the Committee of Experts on global Geospatial Information Management of the UN for the continued efforts that it makes to strengthen the global geodetic reference frame.
It is recognized as an essential infrastructure for sustainable development.
In Burundi, a static geodesic network includes 17 first order benchmarks as part of densification efforts.
More than 52nd order benchmarks have been built and measured within several communal administrative seats.
Burundi reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with international bodies, member states, and African regional organizations as well as technical partners to promote sustainable, precise and accessible geodeic infrastructure to benefit economic and social development.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Burundi.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Donga.
Thank you, Chair.
The Kingdom of forma welcome the report of the subcommittee on geodcy and its coordinated effort with the UN GGCE.
We acknowledge the work of the subcommittee in raising the awareness on geody as a vital foundation for satellite services and applaud the capacity development trainings provided by the ENGGCE in conjunction with the subcommittee.
Thelma also support the development of a robust geo supply chain and the security and strategic risks stemming from a fragmented management of a global ge supply chain.
A small island states will be at the forefront if it becomes an issue.
Thelma acknowledged the urgent work for the integration of geogy across terrestrial land and the sea domains.
We acknowledge the site event for the policy and technical development at land at sea.
Would include the expertise, difficulties, and the urgent needs for a modernized geodetic system.
Finally, the request the subcommittee and the EON GGCE to continue its plan regarding the critical sales of geodetic reference frame system in the Pacific.
Only a few islands have modernized their geotetic data and nearly all have not had a modern tical system.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished.
Apologies.
I was wasting time.
I thank the distinguished representative of Tonga.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeriia.
Thank you, Mr.
Sir.
I will speak in Arabic.
Al Jazir Algeria appreciates and support the important work being undertaken by the subcommittee on JD and the UN GGCE on strengthening the international governance of DC.
Also, Agreia supports the report in this session and supports the establishment of a structured consultation process on governance options that reflect the diversity of member states needs and requirements.
Aja calls on the subcommittee and the GGCE to continue efforts to translating the different global frameworks, regional initiatives to a technical assistance to build the capacities and exchange knowledge and support the geodetic and geospacial capabilities in developing and vulnerable states.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished delegate of Bulgeria for the focused contribution.
I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Burkina Faso.
Thank you here.
I take the floor on Yan Ye Ye Africa.
Yan Ye Ye Africa welcome the report of the Civ Committee of and Command the member of the CIP Commission and the United National Global Geotic Center of Excellence for the substantial progress achieved during the intersectional period.
The region recognized that the global discipline chain remains fragmented and evenly restructured and insufficiently financed and that the vulnerability are felt most acutely in the region where geotic infrastructure is sparse.
En G Africa, therefore, strongly encouraged the subcommittee in collaboration with the ENG GCE to continue and to deepen the consultation process on international governance for UDC and support a more structural consultation with member states.
Young G G Africa is p to report continued progress at the regional level.
Working Group three on the African Geotic Reference framework was formally arrested in July 2025 and is mandate dated to develop, promote, and implement AFRF.
The regional encourage all African member states to contribute genetic data and to take part in the collaborative computation process.
Capacity development continues through AES, LCMLD, the ENEECA and the International Federation of Surveyor, while the YG Africa initiative led by South Africa is strengthening regional infrastructure coordination and technical capacity.
On the governance pathway presented, Yang Game Africa support option B, the expansion of an existing legally binding institutional or governance framework together with the immediate establishment of the proposed minimum coordination function.
Finally, gave him Africa support the continued work of the subcommittee to safeguard the radio spectrum essential for geodetic VLBA observation, and I encourage African member states to engage the national Spectrum authorities ahead of the 2027 preparatory meeting for the World Radio Communication Conference.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Norway appreciates the work of the subcommittee and the Global Geodetic Center of Excellence and supports the establishment of a structured consultation process on governance options that reflects the diversity of member states needs and requirements.
Norway is willing to contribute resources to secure a suitable consultation process and looks forward to continuing this work together with the subcommittee, the UN GGCE member states, and other stakeholders.
As stated by Uruguay and others, we urge member states to engage with the national spectrum authorities ahead of the World Radio Communication Conference in 2027 to ensure the protection of VLBI frequencies.
We welcome the subcommittee's continued engagement to guide member states regarding this matter.
Finally, NRO aligns itself with UN GGM Europe's intervention and supports France's suggestion of changing the name of agenda item eight to the global geodesy supply chain.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Norway.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belgium.
L.
The Kingdom of Belgium welcomes the report of the subcommittee.
We welcome the progress made with a view to protecting the necessary radio frequency spectrum necessary for VLBI.
We encourage member states to engage in dialogue with their national authorities responsible for the spectrum with a view to the future work of the ITU and the upcoming global conference on radio communications.
Belgium recognizes the need to strengthen the coordination, sustainable financing, and the resilience of the global geodetic supply chain.
Any future mechanism should be established through structured global consultations that are transparency in nature and supported by the GGCE.
Belgium appreciates the supporting documentation drawn up by the subcommittee.
This should be easily accessible in several languages so that it can be used and adapted by member states and regional groups.
Finally, we wish to thank the members of the subcommittee.
They actively contribute to all this work and we encourage the subcommittee to ensure that its membership remains in line with its mandate.
It should continue to promote active meaningful participation over time.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Belgium.
I now give the floor to the Distinguished representative of the Philippines.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The Philippines takes note of the report of the Subcommittee of Experts on dy and appreciates the efforts made by the subcommittee in advancing progress for the global genetic reference frame and General Assembly resolution 69266.
The Philippines stands to benefit from the subcommittee's activities and in particular, expresses its sincere appreciation to the United Nations Global Genetic Center of Excellence for its continued support and technical guidance in advancing the modernization of the country's genetic reference system.
The Philippines also supports the subcommittee's undertaking in collaboration with UNGGCE to conduct a more structured consultation takes into account the diverse realities of member states, including the resources, priorities, and maturity in jodacy.
This will ensure more inclusive and flexible international governance arrangements for global jodacy.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines for the efficient use of time.
I now call on the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan to take the floor.
Klan supports the work of the subcommittee of expert of Global Geodetic reference frame and UN Global Geodetic Center of Excellence.
Duration the intersection period, we transferred the absolute gravimetric measurement of 70 points in Karlsan which are included in IT GDF.
Moreover, consultation regarding the course network data, I am going on collaboration with EIG, International Association of God and Aref and ORF.
We welcome the continuing of work on global reference frame.
Thanks.
I thank the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan for the precise contribution.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the International Association of Geodesy.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The International Association of Geodesy commends the subcommittee on geodesy for the progress of its work during the intersectional period and in particular for its efforts to protect the radio frequency spectrum used for geodetic VOBI observations.
VLBI is the only geodetic observing technique that can measure UT one, a parameter crucial for eye accuracy, positioning, and timing.
UT one is measured using a global network of radio telescopes that observe naturally occurring weak radio emissions from cosmic sources.
Strong artificial signals at the same radio frequencies interferes with VOBI's ability to measure UT one.
The IAG thanks the subcommittee on geodsy and member states for their efforts to protect the radio frequency spectrum needed for geodetic VOBI and encourages others to join this effort.
The IAG has over 160 years of experience working with geodetic institutions to build the geodetic infrastructure needed to determine a global geodetic reference frame.
The IAG stands committed to working with the subcommittee on geodcy and the UNGGCE to accomplish our common goal of developing a sustainable and resilient global geodcy supply chain and global geodetic reference frame.
And the IAG encourages the subcommittee and the UNGGCE to undertake any and all consultations needed to achieve that goal.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of the International Association for eodicy.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Pacific community.
Dear Mr.
Chair, the Pacific community aligns itself with the statement delivered by Fiji and thanks to the subcommittee on uric and the United Nations Global Genetic Center of Excellence for their continued leadership in advancing and strengthening the sustainability of the global genetic reference frame.
For Pacific Island countries and territories, y is a fundamental infrastructure.
It underpins land and marine administration, hydrography, navigation, disaster risk management, climate adaptation, infrastructure development, sea level monitoring, and the sustainable management of our vast ocean resources.
The Pacific Committee welcomes the report's focus on strengthening the global GenRSC supply chain, including governance, coordination, operational resilience, capacity development, and sustainable financing.
These are issues of particular importance for small island developing states.
Where maintaining geenoic infrastructure is often challenged by geographic remoteness, high operational costs, limited technical capacity, and vulnerability to natural hazards.
In this regard, Pacific Community encourages the UN GDC to further support Pacific Island countries through a dedicated implementation program under the Joint Development Plan for Global Gacy in translating global objectives into national and local outcomes.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of the Pacific community.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of FIG.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
FIG welcomes the continuing progress of the subcommittee and strongly supports the critical work of the GGCE towards strengthening the GGRF its supply chain.
Each and every day, geospatial professionals from the Federation's 269 member associations, spanning public, private, and academic sectors all rely upon the GGR F and its derive geodetic products across all aspects of their technical activities.
Consequently, FIG encourages the subcommittee undertaking a more structured and broader consultation around international governance arrangements for sy, as well as continuing to raise awareness of the spectrum, the radio spectrum concerns which impact critical geodetic infrastructure.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of FIG.
We have just heard the last speaker on this item.
I now invite Mr.
Guillaume Loud, the Geospatial Information Officer at the Global Geospatial Information Management section of UNSD to summarize the main points of this discussion.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The Committee of Experts welcomed the report of the subcommittee on geodesy and appreciated the progress and activities undertaken, including the substantial and coordinated efforts with the United Nations Global Geodetic Center of Excellence to advance the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 69 266 and welcome the efforts to integrate geospatial data across the cadastral, land and sea domains through the collaboration with the Standards Development Organization, IHO, ISO, and the EOGC.
The committee of expert noted the growing global recognition that the geody supply chain underpins all activities and reaffirmed its concern about the risk arising from its current financing and governance arrangements and further noted the ongoing discussion on options for an international governance for geodesy to address these vulnerabilities and ensure resilient and sustainable global geosy supply chain.
The committee of experts agreed to further scope and advance a structured consultation process on the options for an international governance for geodesy and emphasized the importance of ensuring diversity from member states and the inclusive of the science community, in particular, the International Association of Geodesy and the private sector, and recommended the consultation process to be conducted with support and in close collaboration with the UN GGCE.
The committee of Expert recognized that the proposed consultation on options for an international governance for geodesy would require financial resources to be mobilized to undertake the necessary preparatory work and analysis to elaborate a plan and approach related to the different options and to support member states engaging in this process.
The Committee of experts appreciated the work of the subcommittee working group on frequency Protection for geodetic observation and of the UN GGCE to engage in national, regional and international radio frequency spectrum forums to raise awareness on the importance of protecting the radio frequency bands used by the very long baseline interferometry to create geodetic products needed for satellite operations and encourage the continued efforts on this matter in the lead up to the World Radio Communication Conference 2027.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank Mr.
Lasaud and all the participants for the valuable contributions to this interesting exchange of views.
The committee has thus concluded this stage of the considerations of agenda item eight.
The committee will now turn to Agenda Item ten entitled Geospatial Information for Climate, Environment and Disaster resilience.
I invite miss Nantzlo Nabele, UN GGM co lead for the holistic report and Chief Director of the Spatial Development Planning and and use Management Section of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development of South Africa to take the introduce a seat on the podium.
Under this item, the committee has before it a note by the Secretariat entitled to Special Information for Climate, Environment and Disaster Resilience, contained in document E slash C dot slash 2026 slash 11 and its addendum.
I now give the floor to miss Otzelo Nsabli to introduce the document.
Distinguished guest.
Distinguished representatives, delegates, observers, and colleagues, allow me to introduce Agenda ten spatial Information Climate for climate, environment, and disaster resilience.
Climate change is intensifying disaster.
Accelerating biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
This poses significant risk to sustainable development with vulnerable communities being the most severely affected.
These challenges are compounded by the growing urbanization, demographic change, increasing demand on natural resources, underscoring the importance of integrated approaches that support resilience, informed decision making, and sustainable development.
At its 15th session, the committee recognized the growing convergence of climate, environmental, and disaster risks and agreed to develop a holistic report and coordinated work plan on resilience within the context of relevant United Nations framework.
In response, the Bureau, together with the additional members of expanded Bureau and in close collaboration with the chair of the working group on spatial information for disaster risk management, undertook a collaborative effort to develop a holistic report of the role of the spatial information in supporting action climate environmental sustainability, disaster resilience.
The report draws upon the committee's previous work, national experiences, technical expertise, and stakeholder consultations, including discussion held through global webinars webinar convened in advance of the 16th session.
The group also submitted complimentary background documents to provide practical examples, lessons learned, and proposed actions to advance the implementation.
The report recognizes close interlinkages between climate, environment, and disaster resilience and highlights that the implementation of the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2015, 2030, and the common Montreal global Biodiversity framework increasingly depends on the authoritative, interoperable, and accessible geospatial information for evidence based decision and resilience monitoring.
The report seeks to strengthen the strategic position of geospatial information within the broader United Nations landscape and highlights the opportunities to enhance governance, interoperability, partnership, and capacity development and innovation while reinforcing the role of geospatial information as a fundamental evidence for evidence based policy investment and action.
The committee is invited to take note of the present report and progress in advancing spatial information for climate change, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience to provide the guidance on sustaining the holistic approach, strengthening collaboration and refining the 2026 23 to plan to identify opportunities to enhance engagement among the regional committees, functional groups, thematic networks, and the United Nations system, to strengthen the capacity development, cooperation and knowledge exchange, and to provide guidance on practical mechanisms to improve access to observation, geospatial information, interoperability and platforms imaging and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, particularly for developing countries.
I think you share.
I thank Min Sable.
Before I open the floor, we have over 20 delegates that would like to make an input on this matter.
And therefore, we're not going to have a tea break this afternoon.
I am going to ask that we really focus.
I'm concerned about a 1 minute cutoff, but I'm going to ask that we focus on 1 minute 30.
And this sounds very undiplomatic, that there be an automatic cutoff at 1 minute and 45 seconds.
I thank you for your cooperation.
Let me just be clear.
The microphone will start blinking at 1 minute.
It will run until 1 minute 30, but at 1 minute 45, unfortunately, we'll have to move on to the next delegate.
Thank you.
All right.
I will now open the floor and I give the floor to our first delegate, the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea.
Thank you, Mr.
Chu.
The Republic of Korea welcome the reports and 2026 2030 work plan on climate, environment, and the digs resilience.
The challenges are closely connected and often affect the same communities.
Therefore, we need to integrate information, the sports timing decisions, and the practical action.
We also need stronger cooperation, common standards, and effective data sharing among relevant agencies.
In particular, as the satellite imagery and the geospacial information should be arranged before digest occurs.
The Republic of Korea will continue to share its experience in satellite data, data twins, GAI and the National Geospacal Information Management.
We look forward to working with UNGM AP and the member states to strengthen crimate resilience and just preparedness.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I sincerely thank the distinguished representative of Korea.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.
Thank you.
Cuba welcomes the comprehensive report on geospatial information for climate, the environment, and disaster resilience.
We recognize that this holistic approach is vital to address climate change, increasing frequency of extreme phenomena, and the need to protect our people and ecosystems.
Our country is highly vulnerable to hurricanes, floods, and drought and as such, we've developed a robust wealth of experience in disaster risk management.
The civil defense system in Cuba is internationally renowned for its ability to organize communities to disseminate preventive education and to provide rapid response.
Moreover, we've strengthened the use of geospatial information and diagnosis models to improve early warning land planning, and the protection of coastal regions.
In the face of sea level rise, specific examples include the use of satellite imagery to monitor the path of hurricanes.
We underscore the importance of ensuring that developing countries receive technical and financial support to strengthen modern geospatial infrastructure which is comprehensive and as such, overcome barriers imposed as a result of external circumstances.
In our case, for example, the blockade.
We are committed to actively contributing to the strategic use of geospatial information to move towards more resilient societies.
Thank you.
I want to thank the distinguished representative of Cuba.
I was getting nervous.
I wasn't knowing how to apologize if it got cut but well done.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turquia.
Thank you, Mr.
Co chair, distinguished delegates, Turkey, welcomes to holistic Report.
We are pleased to be a member of the writing team.
We also thank the Secretariat and writing team.
Turkey supports the reports call on integrated evidence based approach to climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters.
We also believe that Earth observation is essential in this context.
Turkey therefore supports practical measures mentioned in the report to promote more equitable access to Earth observation data, particularly for developing countries.
Cooperation with the existing mechanisms, including UN Spider and the International Charter, space and major disasters could also improve access to emergency earth observation data and strengthen national preparedness and response.
We also value the sharing of country experiences.
Turkey provided several national case studies to background document and we support its further development into a digital and knowledge sharing Cp.
Looking ahead, Turkey supports a balanced practical work plan addressing the interconnected pillars.
We regard the current work plan as a foundational document that will benefit from further guidance, inputs, and refinements by the committee.
In this context, Turkey is of the view that The existing holistic reporting arrangements, including the holistic writing team, the working group on the spreadsheet information for DRM, and the former task team on climate resilience, along with the relevant governance mechanisms should be adopted under a revised coordination framework that builds on their members existing I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey.
I just want to also note that the final sentences can be submitted electronically.
I now move forward to the distinguished representative of India.
Thank you, Chair.
India appreciate the Bureau and Secretariat for preparing the comprehensive report and is grateful for opportunity to contribute its development.
India support treating climate, environmental disaster resilience as a single resilience agenda, and believe US Special information should be recognized as fundamental digital public infrastructure for informed decision making.
Early warning and disaster preparedness.
India welcomed the 2026 2030 BRC plat, particularly its focus on governance, interoperability, capacity building, and responsible use for emerging technology such as AI and Earth observation.
We also support a stronger international cooperation to improve access to geospacal technology and capability.
India remain committed to working with the UNGGM community to advance practical country led solution for climate resilience, environmental sustainability and disaster preparedness.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of India for the focused input.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair of France.
Thanks to the working group for the report and pursuing an integrated approach between climate environment and resilience.
We'd like to underscore the importance of having harmonized geospatial indicators and shared frame of reference to concretely measured changes in the environment.
For example, in France, En produces every two years a digital map at a large scale for the entire French territory, including its departments abroad to follow the evolution of land use and planning in order to evaluate in a fine tuned manner environmental impacts and changes to biodiversity.
Our model is opened for free use and has already been used by statistics agencies to produce statistics in various European countries without a need for retraining AI models.
Discussions are underway through Euro Geographics and USDR regarding the possibility of producing a large scale land use map at the European level using these AI models.
Which would be enriched with complementary training data collected voluntarily by countries, the outcome should enrich the Euro Core reference map.
We believe that the program of W 26 2030 ought to place a special focus on the sharing of these kinds of methods in other regions of the world, including through capacity building efforts.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of France for the succinct input and I also thank the interpreter.
We'll make sure that the next delegate is not French speaking.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mozambique.
Thank you, Chair.
I'm speaking on behalf of GGM Africa.
Africa commends BREO, the Secretariat, South Africa as a co chair, and all member states that contribute to preparation of the holisical report ofial Information for climate, environment, and disaster resilience.
The report provides a timely and comprehensive framework that provides spatial information as a strategic enable to evidence based decision, resilience and sustainable development.
Africa emphasized that successful implementation will require sustainable investment in national dispatial information management capacities, particularly in developing countries.
Capacity developed should extend beyond technical training to include institutional strengthening leadership policy development, knowledge exchange, and sustainable finance.
U NGD Africa Fa calls for equitable access to authnative partial information, health observation data, interoperability, digital infrastructure, and emerging technology, including artificial intelligence to ensure that all member states can fully benefit from innovation while leaving no one behind.
Africa welcomes the proposed 2026 2022 intersectional work plan and encourage it refinement through measurable implementation target, strong support for UNGGAF implementation, enhance the capacity development and close alignment with the agenda.
I thank the distinguished representative of Mozambique.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Honduras.
Thank you, Mr.
Cher.
Honduras Honduras is grateful for the presentation of the report.
We support the comprehensive approach to geospatial information.
It's recognized as something crucial in terms of addressing climate change, the protection of the environment, and disaster resilience.
We agree that the integration of geospatial information into decision making is vital to strengthen planning, risk management, and sustainable development for Honduras, one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and extreme natural phenomena.
Resilience begins with knowledge of territory.
Having geospatial information which is official, updated, and reliable is vital to understand how we are vulnerable, preempt risks, and design public policies which protect our people and which foster safer and more sustainable development.
With this in mind, we are developing monitoring initiatives to monitor coastal dynamics.
The Harness international technical cooperation, and this is helping with land management and adaptation to climate change.
Honduras is of the view that strengthening resilience requires continued investment in geospatial information and international cooperation so that countries are able to transform this data into timely and effective decisions.
We reaffirm our commitment to continuing to work with the international community to consolidate geospatial information, which ultimately produces more resilient territories, environmental management, and compliance with the SDGs.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Honduras for a focused input.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.
Thank you, Chair.
Brazil takes notes of the report and welcomes its integrated approach to climate, environmental disaster resilience.
Brazil supports the continued application of the Deselkvision to guide the public policy at the national level, highlighting the importance of integrated official statistics and sp information to identify, foster environmental vulnerabilities, and to support risk management and climate adaptation efforts.
Brazil agrees with the refinement of the 26 strnary work plan.
Brazil proposes strengthen cooperation Latin American and the Caribbean through joint capus building workshop, South South technical Achange and p methodological guidance for the implementation of the UN IJF and the strategic framework on JSP information service for disasters, including addressing challenges related to data segregation in specific population groups, include gender and risk canalys.
At last, Brazil further proposed the rules of regional groups for cap developing in the open Artificial intelligence and no observation combined with support for open source platforms that enable sustainable infrastructures.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil for the brief input.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Antigua and Barbuda.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Antigua and Barbuda wishes to thank and welcomes the extensive work done through the committee of Geospatial Information for climate, environment, and disaster resilience.
As a CDs, we do face many challenges as it relates to climate.
With one of our economic drivers being tourism, we are faced with a maritime phenomenon being a high re influx of sarcasm seaweed.
By welcoming the proposed mechanisms to improve access to Earth observation data, interoperable platforms, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
We do believe access and capacity, as outlined in the work plan priorities, sorry, will aid cds affected by similar environment situations while creating case studies.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the Distinguished Delegate of Antigua and Babuda for the efficient use of time.
I now give the floor to the distinguished Delegate of Bahamas.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The Bahamas aligned itself with the statement delivered by the regional representatives and welcomes the comprehensive report on the integrated approach towards climate change, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience.
As a small island developing state, the Bahamas continues to experience disproportionate impacts from climate change, including stronger hurricanes, coastal erosion, sea level rise, and ecosystem degradation.
Realities reinforce the importance of authoritative, accessible, interoperable geospatial information and supporting evidence based decision making before, during, and after disasters.
Obama supports the proposed 2026 to 2030 working plan and encourages to continue collaboration across the UN GGIN regional committees, thematic networks, and a wider United Nations system to strengthen technical capacity, knowledge exchange, and sharing of best practices.
We further support practical measures to improve equitable access to Earth observation data, interoperable geospatial platforms and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, particularly for developing countries.
Such capabilities to enhance national preparedness, climate adaptation, environmental monitoring and resilience building efforts.
The Bahamas thanks to the working group for its continued leadership and full support the recommendations before the committee.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
I thank the distinguished delegate of the Bahamas.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria.
Chair, I'm reading a shortened version of the intervention on behalf of UNGM Europe.
ONTGM Europe welcomes the holistic report on climate, environment, and disaster resilience, and in particular, the progress made in further anchoring peer spatial information management into the broader frameworks of the United Nations.
As the 2026 to 2030 work plan is refined, UNTM Europe would welcome further clarity on how the proposed focus areas will be prioritized and resourced to help ensure the ambitious set out in the report can be delivered in practice.
ONTM Europe also underlines the importance of practical and equitable access to Earth observation data, emphasizing the need to optimize existing mechanisms such as UNOSASyr and the International Charter.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Yes.
I thank the distinguished representative of Austria.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore.
Thank you, Mr.
Co chair.
Singapore welcomes the comprehensive costed report on Geospatial Information for climate, environment, and disaster resilience and commends the collaborative effort in preparing this important document.
Singapore is acutely aware of the compounding and interconnected nature of climate, environmental, and disaster risk.
Geospatial information is therefore central to Singapore's efforts in climate adaptation and emergency preparedness and we recognize its value in enabling informed action over time.
Singapore supports the report's framing of the geospatial information as a foundational public good and encourages the committee to prioritize the five strategic gaps identified in the report as the basis for practical and action oriented 2026 2030 work plan.
We support the emphasis on responsible and context based use of emerging technologies in alignment with governance, ethics, standards, capacity, and national development priorities.
Singapore further supports the development of the background compendium as a living resource for peer learning and regional exchange and encourage member states to contribute national experiences and use cases to strengthen the collective evidence base and sustain this holistic approach to refine the 2026 2030 work plan.
Thank you, Mr.
Co chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Singapore for observing time.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jamaica.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I'll read shortened versions of the Jamaica statement and the statement on behalf of UN GGM Americas.
We, Jamaica, appreciate the Secretariat's efforts in coordinating collaboration with the working group on GI for disaster risk management and member states of the holistic report writing team.
Our thanks are extended to all our partners, and we further commend South Africa for its effective leadership of this initiative.
We further encourage input and guidance and refinement of the draft work plan of the committee from the committee of experts and relevant stakeholders.
Additionally, we recommend leveraging existing expertise within the holistic writing team, the working group on Geospatial Information for disaster risk management, and the former task team on climate resilience towards the formulation of a repurposed working group on geospatial Information for climate environment and disaster resilience.
Finally, Jamaica also confirms our willingness to support the refined work plan execution by contributing national experiences to future compendiums, the statement on behalf of the UN GGM Americas.
UNGGM Americas takes note of the comprehensive report on GI for climate, environment, and disaster resilience and expresses its full support for the integrated holistic resilience approach and the work program.
We reaffirm its commitment to advancing this approach across the region by strengthening geospatial governance.
Additionally, we consider it essential to strengthen collaboration among the regional committees and functional groups and thematic networks.
Thank you, co chair.
I want to thank the distinguished representative of Jamaica.
You had us under a bit of pressure here because you did two statements, so you would have got double time, but you still did it in single time, we thank you for that effort.
Well done.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Ly values the integrated report focus of the report that recognizes the relationship between environmental sustainability, climate change, and disaster resilience.
We are of the view that an effective response requires Interoperable, timely and reliable geospatial information rooted in robust geospatial governance and national geospatial data infrastructure, which is robust.
It's vital to here strengthen standing mechanisms for coordination, common standards and capacity building to integrate geospatial information, statistical information, and land observation information.
We proposed that the 2026 2030 work plan prioritize geospatial governance, timely access to land information data and capacity building can incorporate case studies which guide how work is implemented.
We also support the active participation of regional committees, thematic networks, and UN agencies, as well as equitable access to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence based on principles of transparency, interoperability and responsible use of data.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Chile for helping us maintain momentum.
I now move to the next delegate who will be given the floor, the distinguished representative of Mexico.
Mr.
Chair of Mexico takes note of the report and recognizes the value of moving towards an integrated approach to geospatial information where the climate is concerned.
That is climate environment and disaster reliance.
These challenges are closely linked and require territorial information which is interoperable and which facilitates more timely and more evidence based decisions.
In our experience, coordination between technical communities and institutional communities is essential to avoid data fragmentation and to strengthen the effective use of geospatial information in public policy design.
Mexico is currently developing its national platform for climate risks and adaptation, which is interoperable.
Here, we have a holistic vision of climate risks because the platform will make it possible to preempt risks and foresee needs for adaptation, we'll be able to scale it down to municipality levels and this will allow local consultations.
Here, it's particularly relevant to ensure that the 2026 2020 work program strengthens the exchange of national experiences and peer lesson learning exercises as well as capacity building.
This is particularly true sub nationally where we continue to see significant information gaps and gaps in the use of geospatial tools.
Thank you.
I want to thank the distinguished representative of Mexico for speedy input.
I now want to give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.
Thank you, Chair.
South Africa welcomes the holistic report and supports an integrated approach across climate, environment, and disaster resilience and supports collaboration across climate, environmental, and disaster resilient communities at the national, regional and global levels.
South Africa welcomes and supports the proposed 2026 to 2030 work plan, recognizing that it needs a it remains a work in progress and looks forward to contributing to it further refinement and implementation.
South Africa encourages structured collaboration at regional and global levels, including with the UN GGIM regional committees, functional groups, thematic networks, and the wider United Nations systems.
South Africa supports improved access through interoperable open standard platforms that enable the sharing of authoritative Earth observation and geospatial data alongside the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
South Africa supports the proposal from Turkey that the existing arrangements around the holistic writing team, the working group on geospatial information for disaster risk management, and the former task team on climate resilience be repurposed and strengthened.
Thank you, chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa for the brief input.
I now move to the distinguished representative of Guyana.
Thank you chair.
Geir welcomes the holistic report and feels that positioning geospatial information has been essential for addressing climate, environment, and disaster resilience is a step in the right direction.
This provides a solid footing across the UN system, inclusive but not limited to the three main conventions related to land, climate, and biodiversity.
This allows for regular time based comparison on progress within these conventions.
Guyana notes that there has been an increased use of geospatial information to support reporting in these conventions.
Occurrence of natural disasters such as flood, hurricane, earthquake, drought, wildfires and other events are more frequent now and affects people, infrastructure, ecosystems, and livelihoods together.
Early warning system relief operations, rebuilding and rebuilding efforts need the support of geospatial information.
Guyana finally agrees with the position that the value of geospatial information lies in its ability to connect people, places, risk, services, investment, and results, and is an important tool for decision makers when considering resource allocation.
In this regard, Guyana supports the program of work as outlined in the report.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Guyana for the succinct input.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fiji.
Thank you, Chair.
The Fiji delegation, thanks to relevant working groups, the Secretariat, and contributing member states for the report on geospatial information for climate, environment, and disaster resilience.
Fiji strongly supports the continued integration of geospatial information into climate action, environmental management, and disaster risk reduction.
The Pacific small island developing states faces the devastating impacts of climate change.
Our widely dispersed islands and vast ocean space also make hazard monitoring, emergency response, and infrastructure planning complex and costly.
We acknowledge the importance of geospatial information for understanding risk, protecting communities, and directing limited resources.
However, many Pacific island countries continue to face fragmented data sets, limited access to current imaginary high resolution evaluation elevation data, insufficient technical capacity, weak data sharing arrangements, and this spends on short term externally funded projects.
The Fiji delegation therefore calls for closer cooperation among U NGGIM, Asia Pacific, the Pacific Geospatial and Surveing Council, the Pacific community, the UN agencies and development partners to translate global frameworks into practical and sustainable specific solutions.
We support the report and stand ready to contribute to stronger, inclusive and resilient geospatial arrangements for the Pacific.
Thank you Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Fiji.
I now give the floor to the distinguished Representative of Ecuador.
Thank you, Mr.
Cochir Ecuador wishes to thank the task team rather and all contributors for the excellent work done to prepare this holistic report.
We welcome the clearer strategic focus adopted and fully support the integrated approach approach rather that recognizes climate, environmental, and disaster resilience as interconnected challenges requiring coordinated action.
We particularly appreciate the positioning of geospatial information as implementation intelligence as something which supports evidence based decision making, targeted investments, preparedness, response, and long term resilience.
Moreover, we wish to highlight the crucial role played by national mapping agencies as authoritative providers of crucial geospatial information, These institutions are responsible for producing and maintaining official geospatial data sets as well as national geospatial infrastructures standards, and reference frameworks that underpin effective decision making across all sectors.
Strengthening their role and promoting sustained investment in their capacities will be fundamental to ensuring that reliable, interoperable, and authoritative geospatial information is available such as to support the implementation of the SDGs, the Sendai framework, and other global commitments.
Thank you.
Than the distinguished representative of Ecuador for the focused input.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tonga.
Thank you Chair.
For small island developing states in the Pacific, this topic is an everyday experience.
We have seen it all in our lifetime.
The adverse impact of climate change, sea level rise, storm surge and tsunami on a low lying ato, the fragile environment threatened by human development and a devastating increase in the frequency and magnitude of tropical cyclones and natural hazards.
Therefore, Thelma generally support the effort to have a unified approach to climate, environment, and disaster resilience and going days, they are addressed in silos.
Therma recognized the holistic approach which provide vital information of cooperative approach adopted and the positioning of geospacial information which is essential for addressing climate, environment, and disaster resilience.
Drawing on national experience, the holistic reports identify cross cutting values, good practices, and lesson learned to navigate our way forward.
It moving forward supports the work plan, 2026 2030, which introduces a transformative shift from fragmented reactive approaches to integrated geographical enabled resilience system.
It highlights the shift from response to resilience, from silos to integration, from reactive to anticipatory, and from sectoral to systematic.
This is key.
With these five variety areas, the work plan is navigating us from how we normally do things to where we should be To the distinguished representative of Tonga, I apologize.
The time has expired.
I now pull on the distinguished representative of the UNGJM Private Sector Network.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The Private Sector Network welcomes the report and supports a holistic approach to climate, environment, and disaster resilience.
As the report rightly recognizes, connected risks cannot be addressed through disconnected information systems.
Geospatial information must therefore provide decision right intelligence before, during, and after events.
Our recent private sector network America's experience coordinating industrial support for Hurricane Melissa in support of Jamaica's response demonstrated the value of rapidly mobilizing private sector data, technology, and expertise.
It also reinforced an important lesson.
Partnerships, data access, arrangements, and search capacity should be established before the disaster strikes.
The private sector network therefore supports the works plans focus on Earth observation, interoperable platforms, AI, and capacity development, particularly for developing countries and small island developing states.
The private sector network stands ready to help build these prepositioned partnerships, co create and share disaster response and operational blueprints, and translate innovation into practical resilience outcomes.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of the private sector network for the brief input.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of FIG.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
FIG fully supports this report and this forward looking work plan as heard today.
We appreciate the discussion point to engage with relevant stakeholders, including members of the thematic network, such as geospatial societies, and the need to improve practical mechanisms, tools in order to support climate, environmental, and disaster resilience.
On behalf of the FIG community, I wish to highlight that climate action has been a central pillar of our work over the past years.
Drawing on contributions from across our global membership, we produced two key publications I'd like to highlight to you.
2026 was the surveying for climate resilience, offering practical guidance and in a call to action as the second publication, a call to action on climate responsible land governance and disaster resilience.
I would like to share these with you as resources for the UN GGIM member states and support any future working group focused on this pressing agenda.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of FIG for the efficient use of time.
Again, I now call on the UN GGM Academic Network.
Okay.
Thanks, Chair.
The academic network recognized that addressing these global trend challenges requires not only technological innovation, but also stronger interdisciplinary education, research, and capacity development.
We are therefore strengthening collaboration among our member universities to better prepare the next generation of os professionals with knowledge and skills need to support evidence based decision making and resilience planning.
Building on the global expertise within our network, we will promote the development and sharing of educational resources, case studies, and training opportunities that demonstrate wholesale special information, artificial intelligence, and special analytics can support climate action and disaster risk reduction.
The academic network looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the member states working group on geospal information for disaster risk management and other thematic networks to strengthen geospacial capacity and harness the full potential of geospacal information for more reasoned and sustainable future.
Thank you, Chair.
I think the distinguished I left that product out earlier, the distinguished representative of the UNGJM Academic Network.
I now call on the distinguished representative of Euro Ggraphics to take the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Euro Geographics would like to inform the committee that our framework license agreement with the European Environment Agency overcomes the legal barriers to data access for the Copernicus services for disaster response, recovery, security, and land monitoring.
This makes authoritative geospatial information available to users of the Copernicus Reference Data Access database, providing those users with a centralized gateway for accessing geospatial reference data from the European countries participating in the Copernicus program.
EuroGographics also provides services and the Cop IDEA Consortium, which includes opportunities for working with the European Environment Agency to provide the high value edge matched Pan European harmonized dataset that we are working on in terms of Euro Core reference map.
We are very happy to share these experiences as practical solutions to making official datasets available for dark disaster and climate resilience.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Euro Gragraphics for the efficient use of time.
I now call on the European Association for Remote Sensing Companies to take the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I speak on behalf of FIR, representing Europe's airsource elevation industry in collaboration with the European Space Agency.
We welcome the holistic report and support its coordinated approach.
Because today's risks are connected, our information system and stakeholders must also work together.
Europe Earth Servation ecosystem has operational services on how a coordinated approach works in practice.
For example, the Copernicus Emergency Management Service connects different stages of flood management.
Its European flood awareness system can forecast floods up to ten days in advance and alert the rapid mapping service the flooding occurs.
Satellite derived data mats from public but also private missions can help authorities identify affected areas, direct emergency action, assess damage, and plan recovery.
It is important to highlight the collaborative spirit already evidence in these services.
The European Commission, emergency authorities, earth conservation companies, and the wider mapping and data communities work together to transform of spatial information into timely, practical support when matter most.
Coordination and collaboration are key when disaster matters.
ERSk and ISA stand ready to contribute with operational cases information to this work.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative As for the clear and succinct input.
We have now heard the last speaker on this item.
I now invite Mr.
Guillaume Lasaud, the Geospatial Information Officer of UNSD to summarize the main points of the discussion.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The Committee of Experts welcome the holistic report background documents, and thank the working group on geospatial Information for Disaster Risk Management, the Bureau and the Secretariat for their combined efforts in advancing geospatial information for climate change, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience.
The committee of Expert reiterated the importance of an integrated, interconnected, and evidence based approach to climate, environment, and disaster resilience, welcomed the work plan for the period 2026 and 2030 and suggested its refinement and noted the need to advance the agenda item within the context of the committee's strategic framework and to further incur the activities of the United Nations systems and frameworks.
Committee of expert agreed that the agenda be undertaken by a repurpose working group on climate, environment, and disaster resilience to address the topic in comprehensive and holistic approach with combined membership from the holistic report members, former working group, and task group members under this agenda item.
The committee of Expert encourage member states to strengthen national geospatial governance arrangements by enhancing coordination and integrated approach among relevant national agencies to help protect communities and ensure resilient societies and encourage member states to mainstream geospatial information into national development planning, climate adaptation planning, disaster risk reduction strategies, environmental management programs, infrastructure investment, and resilient financing frameworks.
Committee of Expert reiterated the importance of practical and equitable access to globally available geospatial information in its many forms, including Earth observation, and emphasized the need for the committee through its member states to strengthen the Bureau and the Secretariat, to strengthen the engagement with existing United Nations mechanism, including the United Nations platform for Space based Information for Disaster Management and emergency responses, and the International Charter Space and Major Disaster, and other relevant forums and Earth observation organization.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank Mr.
LaSau and all the participants for their valuable contributions to this interesting exchange of views.
The committee has thus concluded this stage of the consideration of agenda item ten.
I really want to thank all the delegates for the consideration of time.
I think just as a break from all the pressure, if we can just stand up for 1 second, and then we'll sit down and we'll continue because we've still got a little bit of time to fit some more work in.
Just 1 second.
Just where you are, please.
You can all follow me if you like.
All right.
Thank you very much.
We will continue.
Thank you.
We'll continue now.
The committee will now turn to agenda item 11 entitled Integration of Geospatial Statistical and Other Related Information.
I invite Mr.
Claudio Senna, co chair of the United Nations Expert Group, expert group on the integration of Statistical and Geospatial Information and Geography coordinator at the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics of Brazil to take the introducer seat as he has already done on the podium.
Under this item, the committee has before it a note by the Secretariat entitled, Integration of Geostatistical and other Related Information contained in the document E slash C dot 20 forward slash.
2026 forward slash 12 and its addendum.
I now give the floor to Mr.
Claudio Dana to introduce the document.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman, distinguish representatives, delegates, observers, and colleagues.
The Committee of expert has before it the report of the Expert Brook on Integration of Statistical and geospatial information, together with a background paper on the global Statistical Geospatial framework and the data deggregation by geographic location.
At its 50th session, the committee endorsed the second edition of the Global Statistical spatial Framework, recognize its alignment with the United Nations Integrated Jospatial Information Framework and encourage member states to continue its implementation and personalization.
The committee also called for a stronger collaboration between National Jointspatial Information agents and national Statistical Office to build more coherent national data ecosystems.
The present report describes the expert groups progress under its work plan for 2025 to 2027.
Its task teams are strengthening coordination across statistical guidance, organizing an open repository of implementation resource, and advancing technical guidance on gel coding, address registers, common geographs, statistical grids, institutional arrangements, and data deggregation.
The expert group has also promoted regional implementation and Pear learning while advancing collaboration across the statistical and spatial communities.
We are pleased to inform the committee that the expert group has continued to strengthen coordination with the Statistic commission, serving as an important bridge between the statistical and spatial communities.
Key achievements include the endorsement of the second edition of the GSGF at the Commission's 20 26th session, as well as the recognition of the need for enhanced collaboration with its subsidiarity bodies to minimize the duplication of efforts and promote the implementation of the GSTF across the statistical domains.
The accompanying background paper emphasized that geographic deggregation is essential for revealing disparate concealed with national and regional average.
By Linking census surveys, administrative records, earth observation, and other source turf location, the framework enables information to be organized for the geographic areas most relevant to policy and service delivery.
Small estimation and related methods can extend this capability, but must be supported by reliable source data, clear measures of quality and uncertainty, appropriate safeguards for privacy and confidentiality, and adequate institutional capacity.
We also taking this opportunity to invite the committee to participate at our next meeting intended to be held on the margins of the tenth session of the Committee of Statistics for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand, the week of three, November to four December 2026.
Further information will be circulated on this meeting shortly.
Looking towards 2030 and beyond, the report stressed that growing access to Earth observation, administrative data, artificial intelligence and machine learning makes integration more important, not less.
The framework provides the common geograph standards, and governance arrangements needed to make this data reliable, ina, and usable for geographically specific action.
Thank you very much.
I thank Mr.
Stener.
I now open the floor for discussions on this item.
We currently have 16 inputs to be delivered.
We will unfortunately have to keep the 1 minute 45 automatic cutoff.
We would request that you try and conclude your statements within 1 minute and 30 seconds.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.
Thank you, Chair.
India appreciates the expert groups continued leadership in advancing the integration of statistical and geospatial information and welcomes progress in implementing the 2025 2027 work plan and the publication of second edition of the GSGF in alignment with UN IGIF.
As countries increasingly rely on integrated data for evidence based policy making, interoperable statistical and geospatial systems are essential for effective governance, sustainable development, and digital public infrastructure.
India encourages continued practice guidance to support countries in implementing the GSGF in line with their national priorities and capacities and remains committed to working with member states to advance the implementation of the GSGF.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished delegates of India for a very concise input.
I now request the distinguished Delegate of Uruguay to take the floor.
Thank you, Uruguay statement.
The other one was sent by mail.
I will present the abbreviated version of my statement.
The other was submitted via email.
Thank you, Chair.
Uruguay, thanks the group experts for the report presented.
We support the progress made with the implementation of the global statistical geospatial framework.
We recognize its importance in terms of integrating geospatial statistical and administrative information.
However, we believe that its value does not lie solely in data interoperability, rather in its ability to generate knowledge which is useful for public policy.
Uruguay has been promoting such information integration to support territorial planning, housing policy, SDG monitoring, and the taking of public policy decisions.
It is vital to extend cooperation between geospatial land planning authorities, academia and other information producers.
We also support efforts to promote the geographical disaggregation of data and efforts to bolster national capacities to produce territorial indicators which reflect local realities and ultimately produce more effective public policy.
Thank you.
I nearly used the word brilliant.
I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.
Thank you, Chair for speaking Fnish on behalf of UNGM Africa UM Africa recommends that 26 2030 should be a phase of acceleration statistical integration in Africa through pilot countries presenting various levels of maturation.
The goal is to demonstrate how the statistical framework and the UN IGIF administrative data, Earth observation, public institutions can all come together to support concrete applications in agriculture, healthcare, urbanization.
Climate surveying and urban and territorial planning.
The question now is to how to carry out this integration and more importantly, how it can support understanding of our territories such as allegation and public decision making.
UGGIM Africa commenced the effort of the group of experts and supports its work plan for 2026, 2027 and the formation of the second version of the global statistical framework.
Now is the time to translate words into action thanks to constant institutionalized collaboration between national statistical agencies and National geospacial agencies.
This cooperation should be based on common geography, as well as the geocoding infrastructure, interoperable facilities, and long lasting national capacity.
For Africa, the segregation of geospatial statistics is a real tool for governance and for territorial equity that is crucial for ensuring that no person or place is left behind.
I thank the distinguished representative of Cameroon for that rapid input and I also thank the interpreter for the rapid translation.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Brazil strongly supports the agenda for the integration of statistical and geospatial information, drawing on its national experience in implementing the global statistical geospacial Framework, as well as its experiences as co chair of the expert group on the integration of statistical and geospacial information together with United Kingdom.
Brazil recognizes the significant disparities in capacity and resources across countries.
We therefore consider it crucial to strengthen capacity building and international cooperation so that meaningful progress can be achieved in integrating statistical and geospatial information.
Planning for 2030 roundup of population and housing census is already underway.
This census round represents a major global opportunity to advance the implementation of GSGF.
It will enable many countries to develop geospatial infrastructures that support stronger integration.
The infrastructures established during the census round can subsequently serve as a foundation for integrating many other sources of information and support in the post 2030 agenda in the last years of 2030 agenda, including the production of the indicators based in geospatial information.
This is therefore a critical moment to mobilize resources from the international community in support of statistical and geospatial integration.
It is an opportunity to ensure that the post 2030 agenda is underpinned by geographically disaggregated information, thereby enabling it more.
I want to thank the distinguished representative of Brazil.
I think like Cameroon, lucky your voices are loud so we heard all the rest also.
I want to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The United States supports the proposed second global survey on data integration, including questions on artificial intelligence readiness, administrative data linkage, and Earth observation capacity.
We also support efforts to advance the use of statistical grids.
The United States welcomes the background document on data disaggregation, which demonstrates that robust geospatial data management is foundational to solving core statistical challenges.
As the international community looks beyond the 2030 agenda, the United States recommends that the work plan and accomplishments of this expert group serve as a model to help strengthen the committee's role as the United Nations authority on integrated geospatial information management.
As the report notes, the development of systemic monitoring and geospatial reporting should be closely aligned with the GSGF, the UN IGIF and related work on data disaggregation.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of the United States for succinct and clear input.
I'll now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Poland.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Poland fully supports the activities and progress made by the expert group in advancing the integration of statistical, geospatial, and other related information, as well as the ongoing efforts to implement and operationalize the global statistical geospatial framework.
We strongly believe that effective integration and governance of data are essential to avoid replication of effort, enabling seamless data sharing and support evidence based decision making.
Poland particularly supports strengthening institutional collaboration between national statistical offices and geospatial information agencies.
Cooperation in areas such as data sharing, geocoding, management of common geographies and interoperable production processes is crucial for developing efficient systems for the production and dissemination of geospaally integrated statistical information.
We also encourage the expert group and member states to continue exploring the potential of new technologies, including machine learning and artificial intelligence to support the integration, processing, analysis of geospatial and statistical data.
At the same time, the selection of technological solutions should always be driven by the specific purpose, user needs, and expected results rather than by simply following technological trends.
The technology should serve the analytical objective and not become an objective in itself.
Poland therefore strongly supports continued international cooperation in implementing the GSGF and developing practical approaches that enable countries to make better use of spatial statistics.
I want to thank the distinguished representative of Poland and apologize again for the auto cutoff.
I now want to hand over to the distinguished representative of Turkea.
Thank you, Mr.
Couch, Distinguished delegates, Turkey welcomes the report.
We also recognize the second edition of the GSTF as a common reference.
In Turkey, the NSA a Turkey and the Turk stat work closely and use both UNIGF and the GSTF as guiding frameworks.
It also supports practical work in areas such as urban rural classification based on the Guba methodology, functional urban areas, accessibility analysis, geospacally enabled SDG monitoring, and grid based official statistics.
Turkey also welcomes the background work on this on the data disaggregation.
Additionally, in response to the expert groups call to support the translation of the second edition of the GSTF, the Turkish translation has been shared with the Secretariat.
We also believe that further translations into other languages would support the wider understanding of the GSTF.
Turkey shares the view that the 2030 round of population and housing censuses offers a timely opportunity to strengthens enabled statistical systems and advance the implementation of GSTF.
In this context, we encourage continued international collaboration, the exchange of experiences, and accessible technical guidance to support countries in accordance ter nation circumstances, data protection, and statistical confidentiality requirements.
I thank you.
I want to thank the distinguished representative here for a clear input.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Chile values the progress made by the GGE with the implementation of its work plan for 2025, 2027 and with the promotion of the GFGS.
In Chile, the National Statistical institution applied those guidelines in our census.
We also applied it to our agricultural framework and other policy efforts to our national Real Estate register.
Statistical information is vital as is deseggregated data, if we are to follow territorial planning, risk management, and other policy work.
It's also vital to bolster cooperation between national statistical organizations and geospatial agencies through the exchange of information, codification, and interoperable processes.
Finally, Chile supports the translation of the framework into Spanish and the other official languages of the United Nations.
We promote cooperation, mechanisms and mechanisms to mobilize resources to foster implementation, particularly in developing countries.
Thank you.
I want to thank the distinguished representative of Chile and more importantly, I want to thank the interpreter.
I now would like to call on the distinguished representative of Ecuador.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair Ecuador thanks the group of experts for the report presented.
We welcome the progress achieved in the implementation of the global Statistical Geospatial Framework.
We also welcome progress made with initiatives aimed at promoting the integration of geospatial, statistical and other data sources as a basis for evidence based decision making.
Ecuador reaffirms the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation.
That is between national authorities responsible for geospatial information and those responsible for statistical information.
We recognize that this integration is vital for generating information which is interoperable, comparable, and of higher value for public policy making.
Here, the Military Geographical Institute and the National Institute of Statistics and censuses continue to consolidate mechanisms for technical coordination and information exchange to make progress with the gradual implementation of the Global Statistical Geospatial framework.
This in alignment with the UN Integrated Geospatial Information Framework.
These efforts are complemented by our strengthening the Ecuadorian Spatial Data infrastructure and Ecuador's active participation in the regional project that is the Statistical Geospatial Framework for the America's Mega, and our implementation of UN jim Americas, Ecuador values actions aimed at capacity building.
The microphone has been cut off.
I want to thank the distinguished Representative of Ecuador and with a voice like that, no automatic cutoff is going to cut you off.
I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Iraq, thanks the working group and the Secretariat for preparing this important report on the integration of statistical and S information, and we express our appreciation to the efforts over the last period in organizing meetings and consultations.
We support the desegregation of data and use the statistical special information and we support the report and linking this data and information with the a new technologies, including the geographical artificial intelligence.
We suggest establishing a program of capacity building in developing countries on the statistical geospatial information, including exchange of knowledge and training, technical support, and best practices to support these countries in implementing the framework and achieve SDGs.
Hence, I call on the chair to include a member of Iraq to the statistical information to keep pace with the transformation in this field in particular, against the census we had in Iraq that contains important information and data that could provide a geospatial environment that gives a picture about the statistical information and the mic got cut off.
I thank the distinguished representative of Iraq I just missed that.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jamaica.
Thank you Chair.
Jamaica thanks the expert group on the integration of statistical and geospatial information for its comprehensive report and commends its continued leadership in advancing implementation of the second edition of the GSGF.
We particularly welcome the practical guidance on geocoding, address registers, common geographies, data deseggregation, and statistical grids.
At the national level, Jamaica continues to strengthen the integration of statistical and geospatial information through enhanced collaboration and institutional arrangements.
With support from the UNSD through the Datas Initiative, we have commenced the development of a national address system, including our national statistical Adré register, alongside improved geo coding practices and modernized geographic frameworks to strengthen household surveys and geographically enabled official statistics.
Building on this progress, Jamaica will formally adopt the GSGF in the coming year, further aligning our national statistical program with our UN IGF country level action plan, preparations and supporting arrangements for the 2030 round up population and housing censuses.
Jamaica also welcomes the continued emphasis on data deseggregation by geographic location, remains committed to strengthening the integration of statistical and geospatial information, and looks forward to the continued collaboration with the expert group and member states.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Jamaica.
I now call on the distinguished representative of Singapore.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Singapore welcomes the comprehensive report and we support the paper's recommendation on strengthening institutional collaboration between national statistical and geospatial information agencies to produce relevant geospatial integrated statistics.
The Singapore Department of Statistics or DOS has produced geospatial integrated statistics to support location based data analysis.
DOS has combined geospatial data with demographic and population statistics to provide valuable insights into the geographical distribution and characteristics of Singapore's population.
For example, through experimental estimates on the geographical distribution of retail and food and beverage activities in Singapore, by the integration of geospatial data with the Statistical Business Register.
Singapore also contributes to international efforts in capacity building on integrating statistical and geospatial information through the UN Committee of Experts on Business and Trade Statistics.
The UN CEBTS Task team on Statistical Business Register is currently developing methodological guidance and compiling country practices on the integration of business, demographic, and geospatial data to support the compilation of economic statistics by geographical distribution or demographic disaggregation.
In this regard, Singapore suggests that the committee collaborate closely with UNC BTS and relevant expert groups to enhance coherence in technical guidance, facilitate knowledge sharing, and build data capability across domains.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
I thank the distinguished representative of Singapore for the good use of time.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The Ministerial Data Statistics of Korea supports the expert groups of 2025 to 2027 work plan and the second edition of the SGA.
We believe that integrating statistical and geospatial information is essential for digital government and evidence based policy making.
Korea develops and manages national fundamental geospatial information, including base maps, address information, administrative boundaries, and the national geospatial information platform supporting public services, disaster management, and urban planning.
We support geographically disggregated data while recognizing the importance of protecting privacy.
Korea welcomes the multi lineal translation of the second edition of the GSG app, and we'll continue supporting capacity building for developing countries through cooperation with the UNSCO and the UN GJIM Regional Committee for Asia and the Pacific.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea for that brief input.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland.
Thank you.
Ireland strongly agrees with Brazil's statement and recognizes the importance of the global statistical geospatial framework for the implementation of the 2030 agenda and the development of the post 2030 agenda.
Ireland also recognizes that the 2030 round of population and housing cens is a significant opportunity to advance the global infrastructure required for the integration of statistical and geospatial data.
Finally, Ireland agrees that this is an ideal opportunity to strengthen capacity building and international cooperation in the implementation of the GSGF.
These efforts are essential to reducing global inequalities in national capacities.
Ireland calls upon all member states, international organizations, and the UN system to provide the resources needed to ensure the effective implementation of GSGF across all regions as fundamental to the effective production and use of integrated statistical and geospatial data.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland for helping us move the meeting along rapidly.
I now call on the distinguished representative of Finland.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
I'm speaking on behalf of European Regional Committee.
UN GTI in Europe welcome the continued progress of the integration of statistical and geospatial information and believe that it work should be closely aligned with the committee's discussions under agenda item seven and nine rather than pu in isolation.
The Europe Regional Committee sees the expert group as a valuable platform for advancing strategic anchoring of the geospatial and statistical integration into the broader framework of the United Nations, including the future development agendas and would encourage the expert group and the committee to ensure these related work streams remain closely coordinated.
The Europe Regional Committee would like to inform the committee of experts that the 74th plenary session of the Conference of European Statisticians and the 13th plenary of UN GG and Europe held a joint session in June 2026 on the integration of geospatial and statistical information.
Among its decisions, the session encouraged closer cooperation between the two bodies to ensure alignment and use of statistical and geospatial data for current and future development agendas and encouraged embedding geospacial thinking within statistical practice and statistical thinking within geospacial practice.
Lastly, the U NGG and Europe welcomes the voluntary transformations of the frameworks to support national implementation.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Fan for Excellent use of time.
I now call on the distinguished representative of Austria.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Austria strongly expresses support for the report of the expert group on the integration of statistical and geospatial information, particularly its commitment to building sustainable authoritative data systems and bridging the statistical and geospatial divide.
Austria recommends that member states actively operationalize the second edition of the global statistical geospacial Framework.
Strengthening sustainable institutional ties between national statistical offices and geospatial agencies to support continuous data deaggregation for the sustainable development goals.
Furthermore, Austria urges all stakeholders to foster cross domain collaboration, such as joint work on unique identifiers and statistical grids to ensure that the integrated geospatial statistical production remains globally consistent, locally relevant, and capable of leaving no one behind.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I want to thank the distinguished representative of Austria for the efficient use of time.
I now call on the Distinguished representative of South Africa.
Thank you, Chair.
South Africa takes note of the report, welcomes the progress made by the expert group in implementing its 2025 to 2027 work plan and supports the second edition of the GSGF and also supports Brazil's proposal to mobilize resources for strengthening national capacities and to accelerate its implementation.
We encourage continued engagement by member states to operationalize the framework at national level.
South Africa welcomes the accompanying background document on data disaggregation and emphasizes the importance of lawful and ethical data use.
South Africa supports stronger institutional collaboration between national statistical offices and geospatial information agencies, which should be guided by a national action plan on the integration of geospatial and statistical data.
South Africa supports translating the second edition of the framework into other languages, including the six official languages of the United Nations and mobilizing resources for its implementation, particularly in developing countries.
I thank you, Chair.
Apologies.
I want to thank the distinguished representative of South Africa and please note the waving and the clapping of hands up front here was there was some insect moving around here.
I now want to call on the distinguished representative of Fiji to take the floor.
Thank you.
Thank you, Fiji, I noted.
We now take the distinguished representative of Ersk Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I speak on behalf of FRS representing Europe's Earth observation service industry in collaboration with the European Space Agency.
We welcome the report and the expert group progress in implementing this work plan.
Geospatial and Earth observation provides regularly updated information about what is happening on the ground, where is happening, and the conditions, where are changing over time.
When combined with population and socioeconomic data using share coordinators, administrative andars or mapping Greece, geospatial and Earth observation can help identify which communities are affected and in what ways.
This integration produce more timely and detailed local information, including for areas where traditional data collection is limited.
Just remember five Cs, coverage, cadence, consistency, continuity, and cost effectiveness.
The European Space Agency Earth observation for Official Statistics and Policy Indicators Conference stateo 2026 organizes with European and international statistical communities such Eurostat, environmental agencies and geospacial partners confirmed that Earth observation must become recognized input into official statistics, moving from pilot to sustained indicators and time series, supported by metadata, quality assessment, quantify uncertainty, and reproducible workflows.
Ersk and ISA stand ready to contribute with expertise and share samples for operational cases.
Thank you very much.
I thank the distinguished representative of Esk.
I now call on the distinguished representative of Eurostat.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Eurostat appreciates the extensive work being done in the ISGI expert group and congratulates to the adoption of the second version of GSGF at the last UN Statistical Commission, which called the member states to offer capacity building and active support to its further implementation.
Eurostat recalls the joint session of the Conference of European Statisticians and UNGGIM Europe where senior managers of both communities exchanged best practices and discuss future opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the organizations.
Main outcomes were the agreement to collaborate closer in the future.
The recommendation to integrate geospatial thinking into the management of statistical institutes and the data thinking into Geospatial agencies management, timely preparedness for integration of AI and other technological developments.
Further, Eurostat considers earth observation data as important source for statistics and policymaking.
Eurostat is funding several projects, developing and testing reusable solutions which will be available for the global community.
Last, the next European Forum for Geography and Statistics Conference will explore our statistical and geospatial data integration.
Can support better understanding and decision making in response to complex societal, environmental and economic challenges.
The motto, geo enabling the future reflects the growing importance of location based insights.
Location provides critical context that transforms data into actionable knowledge, enabling more effective and targeted policies and decisions.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Eurostat.
I now call on the distinguished representative of Yen Eclec.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I'm going to speak in Spanish.
I'm speaking as the Secretary of UN JGM Americas.
UN JGM Americas takes note of the report of the expert group on the integration of statistical and geospatial information.
We express our support for the work plan 2025 2027.
We recognize the second edition of the Global Statistical Geospatial Framework as the leading international reference point for the strengthening of the integration of statistical and geospatial information and in terms of supporting the development of interoperable national data systems.
Moreover, we welcome the progress made in the region.
Throughout 2026 through the dissemination of the principles of the GSGF version two, as well as through the coordination with the working group on the integration of statistical and geospacial information of the Statistical Conference of the Americas, the development of regional self assessment tools, and the work associated with the Mega.
Finally, we support Brazil's proposal to mobilize resources which can champion the implementation of the GSGF as part of the Housing and population centers for the upcoming Housing and population centers.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Eclac.
I now invite Mr.
Guiler Nod, Geospatial Information Officer of UNSD to summarize the main points of the discussion.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The Committee of Expert welcomed the report and progress of the expert group on the integration of statistical and geospatial information, encouraged member states to continue their efforts to implement and operationalize the global statistical geospatial framework, and commended the expert group on its approach and contributions to the work program of the Statistical Commission.
The committee of Expert noted the background documents on the global statistical geospatial framework and data deagggregation, recognizing its value for supporting integration of geospatial information, including Earth's observation across the wider data ecosystem, including statistical, administrative, and other forms of data and invited member states and regional bodies to share experiences of how the elements of the framework are used to support national and regional statistical system and encourage their participation in future global consultation.
The committee of experts supported the proposed second global survey on readiness to implement the geospatial framework and suggested to include questions on artificial intelligence readiness, administrative data linkages and Earth observation systems to support the shift of focus from framework development to implementation.
In this regard, reiterated the importance of strengthening institutional collaboration between national statistical offices and national geospatial information agencies to enable such implementation.
Finally, the committee of expert emphasized the critical role of National geospatial information agencies as key partners in the national data ecosystem, including the National Statistical System, National Statistical Office, and other stakeholders across the wider data ecosystem and highlighted the importance of cooperation on data sharing, geocoding, common geographies, including statistical grid and methodologies such as the degree of urbanization and interal production processes to support the efficient production, integration, and dissemination of geospatially integrated statistical data.
Such as population and housing censuses and other nation needs.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank Mr.
Lord and all the participants for their valuable contributions to this interesting exchange of views.
The committee has thus concluded this stage of its considerations of agenda item 11.
Give yourself a round of applause.
I don't even want you to stand up.
We are fortunate that the interpreters have given us an extra 10 minutes.
The implication of that is that we're going to take the next agenda item and start with it.
It also means that the rules that apply for the questions would also and times would apply to tomorrow's list that would continue.
Agenda item 12.
The committee will now turn to Agenda Item 12 entitled Integrated Geospatial Information for Effective and Administration and Management.
I have the pleasure of introducing miss Paula Dykstra, co chair of the United Nations Expert Group on and Administration and Management, and Director of Cadast International.
Of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
She has already joined us on the podium.
Under this item, the committee has before it a note by the Secretariat entitled, Integrated Geospatial Information for Effective Land Administration and Management and contained in the document E slash dot 20 slash 2026 slash 13 and its addendum.
I now give the floor to miss Pola Dykstra to introduce the document.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Distinguished delegates, representatives of member states, colleagues and friends, it's my pleasure on behalf of the co chairs to introduce the report of the expert group on land administration and management.
The 2030 agenda calls for equitable access to land and property, particularly for poor and vulnerable people.
Secure tenure and effective land administration, protect rights, reduce conflict, strengthen governance, and support inclusive economic development.
Advance sustainable development and contributes to the principle of leaving no one behind.
At its 15th session, the committee welcomes the expert groups efforts to raise awareness of effective land administration and supported stronger guidance for implementing the framework for effective and administration or FELA in alignment with the UN IGIF.
A major milestone during the intersessional period was a sixth expert meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa on 29 and 30 May 2026, under the theme from frameworks to practice, bridging the gap in land administration and management.
This expert group expresses its sincere appreciation to the government of South Africa for hosting the meeting.
Building on its outcomes, the expert groups identified the update of FALA as a key priority.
The update will ensure that FALA remains a flexible and living framework aligned with the UN IDIF and responsive to diverse national circumstances, evolving policy needs, and emerging innovations.
The expert group also developed a proposal for an operationalization hub for effective land administration.
Emphasized as a demand driven, country led, and network based mechanism.
The hub would help member states to navigate existing frameworks and guidance, support FELA implementation, and connect national capacity development needs with existing expertise and resources while complementing existing initiatives and avoiding duplication.
The expert group also finalized its work plan for 2026 to 2029, covering leadership and advocacy, fail out development and implementation, collaboration and communication, governance and institutional strengthening, and technology standards and capacity development.
Broad, sustained, and geographically balanced participation will be essential.
Member states not yet represented are therefore invited to nominate experts and contribute actively to the expert group.
The committee is invited to take note of the report and provide guidance on the work plan, the proposed update of FELA, and defer the development of the operationalization Hub.
With these remarks, I submit the report to the committee's consideration.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank miss Dykstra.
I will open the floor for discussions on this item and I kindly remind all speakers of the time limit of 1 minute and 30 seconds with automatic cutoff at 1 minute and 45 seconds.
I just want to say an additional point is that this time frame will also then apply to everybody that comes tomorrow for transparency, fairness, openness, and interoperability.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turka Thank you, co chair, Distinguished delegates.
Turkey takes note of the report.
We agree that FELA should be implemented throughout practical and country led approaches.
This work should remain aligned with the UN IGIF reflect national circumstances and await duplicating existing guidance.
Turkey uses nation systems for digital land registry, cdstral mapping, and interagency sharing of land registry data.
Turkey is also developing nationwide treaty CT models and that bring cdustral data and the built environment together.
We also take note of the proposed and administration support hub.
Before any further step, its added value governance funding and relationship with existing mechanisms should be clearly defined.
Any future model should remind remain de driving, country led and avoid duplication.
In this regard, Turkey supports practical guidance and knowledge exchange to help countries apply global frameworks and stands ready to share its national experiences very useful.
Thank you.
I thank distinguished witness.
I'm wasting time.
I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey for a clear and brief input.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay.
Thank you, Chair.
I will issue the abbreviated version of my statement.
I've submitted the longer version by email.
Uruguay is particularly grateful to the group of experts for the report presented.
We support the work done to strengthen the implementation of the policy here.
We believe that land administration is a fundamental pillar in terms of achieving resilient, inclusive and sustainable development.
We should have a territorial based system and integrate territorial information in such a way to support housing policies, land planning policies, and evidence based decision making.
We support the integration of geospatial cadastral statistical and administrative information.
This should all be applied to territorial planning, the public housing policy system, and territorial monitoring, and should particularly be applied to SDG 11.
We support falls updating and we think the relevant platform is important for capacity building and information exchange.
It's also vital to ensure that we properly hone operational principles.
Finally, Uruguay wishes to officially express its interest in actively participating in the GGE.
The group experts rather, thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay for that input.
I also just want to announce that the next speaker will be Nepal, then we'll have Chile and at that point, we will close the list, and then by the end of the meeting, I will read out the list and that will also be the list for tomorrow.
If you have an interest to say anything on this item, please register now.
I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate or representative of Naple.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Nepal appreciates the Secret for the comprehensive report and Nepal welcomes the proposed work plan for 2026 29 and supports the continued implementation and updating of FELA as a practical country lead framework aligned in line with the UNIC.
Recent years, Nepal has undertaken significant reforms to modernize its land administration system.
These includes the progressive digitalization of catastro records, modernization of land restration and land information systems, expansion of digital catastro mapping, and strengthening the integration of S patel information into online service delivery through Nepal and Information System and Markita application.
Nepal supports the proposed Hf on land administration for capacity development, knowledge sharing, and technical cooperation, particularly to benefit developing countries.
Nepal remains committed to working with the member states to strengthen effective, inclusive, and resilient land administration system.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the distinguished representative of Nepal for observing time so well.
I give the floor and before I give the floor, just remember after this item, we will lock down the list and close the list for tomorrow.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Til Chile takes note of the report and is grateful for the progress made during the intersectional period.
We value the work plan for 2026, 2029 because of its approach focusing on the practical implementation of FILA.
Chile supports the updating of FILA, guaranteeing its alignment with the UI DIF and incorporating national and regional experiences, case studies, and experiences with implementation such as to strengthen its own implementation going forward, we welcome the proposal to establish the Hub for land administration as a practical mechanism for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and implementation support, as well as for the strengthening of existing mechanisms.
Chile, as a country which has had the honor of holding the co chairmanship of the group of experts, we thank Singapore and the Netherlands for the work done and we are committed to the implementation of the proposed work plan.
Thank you.
Thank the distinguished representative of Nepal.
Chile.
Apologies.
Things are getting busy here as we close.
On that note, I then would like to lock down the list.
The list is as follows for tomorrow.
We've got Cuba, Serbia, Sweden, Comoros, Panama, Cameroon, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Indonesia, United Kingdom, the number? I can tell you know the numbers, 29529 is seated at Brazil.
Then we've got St.
Lucia, Georgia, France, Jamaica, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Singapore, Barbados, Finland, Burundi, Iraq, Morocco, Tonga, Senegal.
We've got Guyana, Guyana, Fiji, Honduras, then we've got FIG, we have got the UN GG and Private Sector Network, we've got Euro Ggraphics, we've got ISK and we have somebody jumped.
I think we've got everyone on the list.
If there's anybody that I've missed, I don't know if this is even allowed, but raise your hand.
I can press the button.
You can push the button now.
All right.
Thank you very much, colleagues.
We have the list, we've closed the list.
That'll be the list for tomorrow.
Same house rules will apply, a 1 minute 45 second automatic cutoff and 1 minute and 32nd intervention.
You can prepare those in the evening.
I'm not done yet.
I So we've heard the last speakers on the item.
The committee will meet again tomorrow morning, Friday, seven August, 10:00 A.M.
In this conference room and continue its consideration of agenda Item 12 entitled Integrated Geospatial Information for Effective Land Administration and Management.
Before adjourning, I would like to give the floor to the Secretariat for any announcements.
I see no announcements.
Yes.
Who? Why do you say let's go? No, I said it's me.
There is input.
Thank you, co chair.
For your information, the list of participants, the provisional list has been circulated via e delegate and it's also posted soon.
On the GGIM website.
Please check if your delegation is reflected correctly.
Otherwise, you have time until noon Friday 14th for the member states via e delegate to register any changes.
The UN entity send an email to Fi at un.org indicated in the UN journal.
Further information is that L one, the draft procedural report, as well as the provisional agenda for the next session, the 17th session, are issued on ODS and are also published on the UN GGM website.
Thank you, Mr.
Cota.
Thank you very much.
I want to thank the interpreters again for the excellent work.
I want to thank the Secretariat and I want to thank yourselves as delegates, if you can give yourself a round of applause.
This meeting is adjourned.