Riyadh has been selected as the permanent headquarters for the secretariat of the Arab Division of Experts on Geographical Names. This decision was made during the 10th forum of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) Arab Division, held November 11-13, 2024, in Jeddah under the patronage of Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA), Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. The forum approved that GEOSA would host the secretariat, marking a significant recognition of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in geospatial sciences.
Context and Background
The three-day forum brought together officials, experts, and specialists from 22 Arab countries, alongside representatives from relevant international committees and organizations. As part of the UNGEGN, which operates under the UN Economic and Social Council, the Arab Division focuses on standardizing and preserving geographical names across the region. The selection of Riyadh as the secretariat’s home underscores the Kingdom’s growing role in supporting collective Arab efforts and enhancing regional expertise in this specialized field.
Key Recommendations and Outcomes
The forum concluded with several key recommendations aimed at strengthening the management of geographical names in the Arab world. These include publishing a standardized geographical names index for each member country and establishing national committees or authorities for geographical names in nations that currently lack them. Additionally, the forum confirmed that the 11th forum on geographical names will be held in 2026, either in the Syrian Arab Republic or the Republic of Sudan, ensuring continued collaboration and progress.
Implications and Regional Impact
By hosting the secretariat and leading these initiatives, Saudi Arabia aims to facilitate the exchange of views, ideas, and expertise among Arab nations. This move is expected to raise awareness about the importance of geographical names, promote the use of modern technology in handling such data, and encourage research and innovation. The decision also reinforces Arab cultural identity by preserving and standardizing geographical nomenclature across the region, contributing to more efficient mapping, navigation, and data sharing.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The selection of Riyadh as the headquarters for the Arab Division of Experts on Geographical Names aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes digital transformation, data-driven governance, and regional cooperation. This initiative supports the Kingdom’s ambition to become a hub for expertise and innovation in geospatial information, enhancing its global standing and contributing to sustainable development goals across the Arab world.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Arab Division of Experts on Geographical Names?
A1. It is a regional division of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) focused on standardizing and preserving geographical names across Arab countries.
Q2. Where will the new secretariat headquarters be located?
A2. The secretariat will be hosted by the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA) with its headquarters in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Q3. When was this decision made?
A3. The decision was approved during the 10th forum of the UNGEGN Arab Division, held November 11-13, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Q4. Who patronized the forum?
A4. The forum was held under the patronage of Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GEOSA, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Q5. How many Arab countries participated in the forum?
A5. The forum gathered officials, experts, and specialists from 22 Arab countries.
Q6. What is UNGEGN?
A6. The United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names is a body affiliated with the UN Economic and Social Council that promotes standardizing geographical names worldwide.
Q7. What is GEOSA?
A7. The General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information is a Saudi government agency responsible for survey and geospatial data, now hosting the Arab Division secretariat.
Q8. What were the main recommendations of the forum?
A8. Recommendations included publishing a standardized geographical names index for each member country and establishing national committees for geographical names in nations without them.
Q9. Why is this decision important for Saudi Arabia?
A9. It recognizes Saudi Arabia’s leadership in geospatial sciences and supports its role as a hub for regional expertise and innovation aligned with Vision 2030.
Q10. When and where will the next forum be held?
A10. The 11th forum on geographical names will be held in 2026, either in the Syrian Arab Republic or the Republic of Sudan.
Q11. What is the goal of standardizing geographical names?
A11. Standardization ensures consistency in naming across maps, databases, and official documents, improving navigation, data sharing, and cultural preservation.
Q12. How does this initiative enhance Arab cultural identity?
A12. By preserving and standardizing geographical names, the initiative safeguards cultural heritage and promotes a shared sense of identity among Arab nations.
Q13. What role does technology play in this field?
A13. The forum emphasized using technology to manage geographical names, enabling more efficient data collection, analysis, and dissemination across digital platforms.
Q14. Does this affect tourism in Saudi Arabia?
A14. Yes, improved geospatial data supports better mapping and navigation, indirectly benefiting tourism planning and visitor experiences in Saudi Arabia.
Q15. What is Vision 2030’s relevance here?
A15. Vision 2030 highlights digital transformation and regional collaboration, and this initiative directly supports those goals by fostering innovation and data governance.
Q16. How will regional cooperation be strengthened?
A16. The secretariat will facilitate exchange of expertise and best practices among Arab countries, fostering collaboration on geographical naming standards.
Q17. What is the forum’s duration?
A17. The UNGEGN Arab Division forum was a three-day event, from November 11 to 13, 2024.
Q18. Who can join these forums?
A18. Participation includes officials, experts, and specialists from Arab countries, as well as representatives from relevant international committees and organizations.
Q19. What benefits come from standardized geographical names indices?
A19. Each country’s index provides consistent, authoritative naming, aiding utilities, delivery services, disaster response, and national development planning.
Q20. How does this align with the UN’s goals?
A20. It supports UN efforts to promote global standardization of geographical names, enabling better communication and cooperation among member states.
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