The fifth plenary meeting of the High-level Group of the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (HLG-IGIF) concluded on Monday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after two days of high-level discussions. The meeting, held on February 2 and 3, 2025, coincided with the twelfth meeting of the Regional Committee of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) for the Arab States. For the first time, the HLG-IGIF gathering took place in the Arab region, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing role in global geospatial governance.
Context and Background
The High-Level Group is a key component of UN-GGIM, responsible for overseeing the global implementation of the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF). The IGIF provides strategic leadership, support, and resources to help member states develop their geospatial information systems in alignment with sustainable development goals. This meeting brought together 47 participants from various countries, including heads of UN-GGIM technical working groups and international experts.
Key Details
The meeting reviewed the roles and responsibilities tied to the HLG-IGIF’s priority activities for 2025, as outlined by its working groups. Regional committees from Africa, the Arab states, the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific presented their key priorities for implementing IGIF. The Arab committee shared its achievements and work plan, highlighting execution priorities for 2025. Saudi Arabia, as Chair of the UN-GGIM Arab States Committee, presented a report on committee achievements and future plans for technical teams covering governance, geodetic reference, and integrated geospatial information.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, co-chairs of the Future System Report Writing Team, presented progress on the Geospatial Information Ecosystem. The Kingdom also updated attendees on its hosting of the UN Global Geospatial Ecosystem Center of Excellence, detailing steps toward its official opening in collaboration with stakeholders. The Geospatial Information Agency, operating under Saudi regulations, organized the event and represents the Kingdom in international geospatial forums.
Implications and Impact
This meeting reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the global geospatial community, facilitating cross-regional cooperation to advance the IGIF. The outcomes will support member states in leveraging geospatial data for sustainable development, disaster management, and economic planning. The Kingdom’s role as chair and host of the Center of Excellence positions it as a hub for geospatial innovation in the region.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This meeting directly supports Saudi Vision 2030 by strengthening the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure and data-driven governance. Geospatial information is critical for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and smart city initiatives, all pillars of the Vision. The Center of Excellence will also foster knowledge transfer and capacity building, aligning with the Vision’s goal of positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in technology and innovation.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF)?
A1. The IGIF is a UN-backed framework that helps countries develop and integrate geospatial information systems to support sustainable development and informed decision-making.
Q2. Who organized the HLG-IGIF meeting in Jeddah?
A2. The meeting was organized by the High-level Group of the IGIF, part of UN-GGIM, and hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Geospatial Information Agency.
Q3. When and where did the meeting take place?
A3. The meeting took place on February 2-3, 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, coinciding with the UN-GGIM Arab States regional committee meeting.
Q4. How many participants attended the meeting?
A4. The meeting brought together 47 participants from various countries, including heads of UN-GGIM technical working groups and international experts.
Q5. Why was this meeting significant for the Arab region?
A5. It was the first time the HLG-IGIF meeting was held in the Arab region, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting geospatial collaboration.
Q6. What is the role of the High-Level Group?
A6. The High-Level Group provides strategic leadership, support, and resources for the global implementation of the IGIF, working with member states and stakeholders.
Q7. What were the key outcomes of the meeting?
A7. The meeting reviewed 2025 priority activities, shared regional IGIF implementation plans, and discussed progress on Saudi Arabia’s Geospatial Center of Excellence.
Q8. How does the IGIF relate to sustainable development?
A8. The IGIF helps countries use geospatial data to achieve sustainable development goals, such as urban planning, disaster risk reduction, and environmental monitoring.
Q9. What regional committees presented their priorities?
A9. Regional committees from Africa, the Arab states, the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific presented their key priorities for implementing IGIF.
Q10. What is the UN Global Geospatial Ecosystem Center of Excellence?
A10. It is a center hosted by Saudi Arabia to advance geospatial innovation, capacity building, and global cooperation in geospatial information.
Q11. What role does Saudi Arabia play in UN-GGIM Arab States?
A11. Saudi Arabia chairs the UN-GGIM Arab States Committee, leading regional efforts to improve geospatial information management.
Q12. What technical teams did the Arab Committee report on?
A12. The Arab Committee reported on the Governance Team, Geodetic Reference Team, and Integrated Geospatial Information Framework Team.
Q13. What was the joint presentation by Saudi Arabia and South Africa about?
A13. They co-chair the Future System Report Writing Team and presented the team’s work on the Geospatial Information Ecosystem.
Q14. How does the meeting support Saudi Vision 2030?
A14. The meeting advances digital infrastructure and data-driven governance, key pillars of Vision 2030 for smart cities and economic growth.
Q15. What is the Geospatial Information Agency’s role?
A15. The agency organizes the geospatial sector in Saudi Arabia, represents the Kingdom internationally, and coordinates with global bodies.
Q16. What are the benefits of the IGIF for member states?
A16. The IGIF helps states develop integrated geospatial systems for better decision-making in areas like urban development, agriculture, and climate resilience.
Q17. How often does the HLG-IGIF meet?
A17. The High-Level Group holds plenary meetings periodically; this was its fifth plenary, focusing on 2025 activities.
Q18. Which countries participated in the meeting?
A18. Participants came from various UN-GGIM member states, including those from Arab states, Africa, Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Q19. What is the significance of hosting the Center of Excellence in Saudi Arabia?
A19. It positions Saudi Arabia as a global hub for geospatial expertise, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of leadership in innovation and technology.
Q20. When is the Center of Excellence expected to open?
A20. The meeting provided an update on progress with stakeholders, though a specific opening date was not announced; preparations continue.
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