New York hosted the 16th session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), where Saudi Arabia participated represented by the General Authority for Mapping and Geospatial Information.
According to SPA, the Saudi delegation was led by Dr. Eng. Mohammed bin Yahya Al-Sayel, President of the General Authority for Mapping and Geospatial Information. Al-Sayel emphasized the importance of international cooperation, the development of an integrated global system for geospatial information management, and the use of artificial intelligence and modern technologies to support decision-making and sustainable development.
The Kingdom detailed its efforts in implementing the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF) and developing national spatial data standards, legal frameworks, and policies to improve data quality, interoperability, and efficient information exchange. Discussions included the integration of geospatial and statistical information, land management, hydrographic and maritime information, and the Global Geodetic Reference Frame.
Saudi Arabia highlighted its support for the Global Geodetic Reference Frame and its participation in the Arab Geodetic Reference Frame (ARABREF) initiative to develop regional and international geodetic infrastructure. Regarding geographical names, the Kingdom stressed the need for standardization and preservation to protect national and cultural identity while strengthening data sovereignty.
The delegation also presented updates on the establishment of the UN Geospatial Ecosystem center in Riyadh. This center will coordinate with UN spatial centers in Bonn, Germany, and Deqing, China, to serve as a platform for technical support, knowledge exchange, and innovation for member states.
Who led the Saudi delegation at the UN-GGIM meeting? The Saudi delegation was led by Dr. Eng. Mohammed bin Yahya Al-Sayel, who serves as the President of the General Authority for Mapping and Geospatial Information. During the session, he focused on the necessity of enhancing international cooperation and utilizing artificial intelligence and modern technologies to assist in sustainable development and decision-making processes.
What frameworks and standards did Saudi Arabia discuss during the session? Saudi Arabia detailed its implementation of the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF). The Kingdom also discussed the development of national spatial data standards, legal frameworks, and policies intended to increase the quality of data, improve the interoperability between different systems, and ensure the efficient exchange of information.
What is the purpose of the UN Geospatial Ecosystem center in Riyadh? The center in Riyadh is designed to be a platform for innovation, technical support, and knowledge exchange for member states. It will operate in coordination with other United Nations spatial centers located in Deqing, China, and Bonn, Germany, to further the development of the geospatial sector.
How is Saudi Arabia contributing to geodetic and geographical standards? Saudi Arabia supports the Global Geodetic Reference Frame and participates in the Arab Geodetic Reference Frame (ARABREF) to build geodetic infrastructure. Additionally, the Kingdom emphasizes the standardization of geographical names to preserve cultural and national identity while using modern technologies to strengthen data sovereignty.