United Nations World Geospatial International Congress

Why is in news? PM addresses United Nations World Geospatial International Congress

In 2011, following decision 2011/24, the United Nations Economic and Social Council, of which the Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management is a subsidiary body.

It encouraged Member States to hold regular high-level, multi-stakeholder discussions on global geospatial information, including through the convening of global forums, with a view to promoting a comprehensive dialogue with all relevant actors and bodies”.

The aim of the United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress (UNWGIC) is to provide a convening, participatory and inclusive environment to enhance the communication, understanding, knowledge and application of geospatial information management.

The inaugural United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress was held in Deqing, Zhejiang Province, China from 19 to 21 November 2018.

Convened by the United Nations, the Congress was hosted by the Government of China through its Ministry of Natural Resources and supported by the Zhejiang Province.

UNWGIC-1 substantively improved and strengthened the role of geospatial information management, innovation and related technologies towards implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to keep the promise to leave no one behind.

The theme of the first conference, "The Geospatial Way to a Better World".

The Second United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress in Hyderabad, India will be hosted by the Government of the Republic of India through its Ministry of Science and Technology, from 10-14 October 2022.

The congress will be a truly global event bringing together all stakeholders at the highest level to address and ensure that geospatial information has its widest and fullest utility in service of sustainable social, economic and environmental development.

Theme - "Geo-Enabling the Global Village: No one should be left behind".

The second UNWGIC will reflect the importance of integrated geospatial information to support sustainable development and the wellbeing of society, address environmental and climate challenges, embrace digital transformation and technological development, and catalyze vibrant economy.

The congress addresses the development and strengthening of integrated geospatial information management, its capacities and capabilities, and demonstrates the importance of international cooperation and coordination for building a human data and geography community, against the three pillars of sustainable development, for a shared future and a better world, leaving no one behind within an inclusive and equitable global society.

The Committee of Experts is expected to convene the third edition of the United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress in 2026.