Saudi Arabia to Host 10th Arab Geographical Names Experts Conference

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA), will host the 10th Arab Geographical Names Experts Conference in Jeddah from November 10 to 12, 2024. The conference, held under the theme “Strengthening Arab Relations and Ties in Geographical Names,” underscores the Kingdom’s pivotal role in advancing regional cooperation in surveying, geospatial information, and cultural heritage preservation.

Context and Background

GEOSA, the Saudi authority responsible for overseeing the Kingdom’s surveying, geospatial information, and imaging sectors, also chairs the National Committee for Geographical Names, which comprises 21 government agencies. This hosting aligns with the authority’s ongoing efforts to standardize and document geographical names, a field that intersects with geography, cartography, linguistics, and sustainable development.

The conference serves as a platform for experts and researchers from across the Arab world to exchange knowledge and best practices, reinforcing the importance of geographical names in preserving cultural identity and supporting regional integration. It also highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering collaboration with Arab and international organizations.

Key Details

The event will feature discussions on the unification of geographical names, a critical aspect of enhancing Arab cooperation and cultural ties. GEOSA has invited all experts and researchers to submit their scientific papers via the specified mechanisms by the deadline of August 15, 2024. The conference will include presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at activating joint Arab work in geography, cartography, geospatial information, and linguistics.

By hosting this conference, Saudi Arabia reinforces its leadership in the geospatial domain and its dedication to supporting sustainable development through the accurate documentation of geographical names, which play a vital role in navigation, urban planning, and disaster management.

Implications and Impact

The conference is expected to strengthen ties among Arab nations and with international organizations, facilitating the exchange of expertise and the adoption of unified standards for geographical names. This, in turn, will support economic and social development by improving data accuracy and interoperability, which are essential for infrastructure projects, environmental monitoring, and digital mapping initiatives.

Moreover, the event underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in regional and global geospatial affairs, positioning the Kingdom as a hub for knowledge sharing and innovation. It also aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification, international cooperation, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Hosting the 10th Arab Geographical Names Experts Conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to Vision 2030, particularly in fostering international partnerships, enhancing cultural exchange, and leveraging geospatial data for sustainable development. By leading such initiatives, the Kingdom demonstrates its role as a catalyst for regional progress and a bridge between Arab heritage and modern innovation.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the 10th Arab Geographical Names Experts Conference?

A1. It is a regional conference hosted by Saudi Arabia’s GEOSA in Jeddah from November 10-12, 2024, focusing on strengthening Arab relations through geographical names.

Q2. Which Saudi authority is organizing the conference?

A2. The General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA) is organizing the event, overseeing surveying, geospatial information, and imaging sectors.

Q3. Where and when will the conference take place?

A3. The conference will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from November 10 to 12, 2024.

Q4. What is the theme of the conference?

A4. The theme is “Strengthening Arab Relations and Ties in Geographical Names.”

Q5. What is the main objective of the conference?

A5. It aims to exchange experiences in geography, cartography, geospatial information, and linguistics, and to activate joint Arab work for sustainable development.

Q6. Who can participate in the conference?

A6. Experts and researchers from Arab countries and international organizations are invited to participate and submit scientific papers.

Q7. What is the deadline for paper submissions?

A7. The deadline for submitting scientific papers is August 15, 2024.

Q8. What is the role of the National Committee for Geographical Names?

A8. It includes 21 government agencies and oversees the standardization and documentation of geographical names in Saudi Arabia.

Q9. How does the conference support cultural identity?

A9. By unifying geographical names, it helps preserve linguistic and cultural heritage across Arab nations.

Q10. What sectors benefit from geographical names standardization?

A10. Sectors such as navigation, urban planning, disaster management, and digital mapping benefit from accurate and unified geographical names.

Q11. How does the conference promote Arab cooperation?

A11. It facilitates the exchange of expertise and fosters collaboration among Arab countries and international organizations in the field of geographical names.

Q12. What is the significance of hosting this conference in Saudi Arabia?

A12. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in geospatial information and its commitment to regional cooperation and cultural preservation.

Q13. How does the conference align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A13. It supports Vision 2030 goals of international partnerships, cultural exchange, and leveraging geospatial data for sustainable development.

Q14. What topics will be discussed at the conference?

A14. Topics include geography, cartography, geospatial information, linguistics, and the link between geographical names and sustainable development.

Q15. Will there be opportunities for networking?

A15. Yes, the conference includes presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities for participants.

Q16. How can researchers submit their papers?

A16. Researchers can submit their papers through the specified mechanisms announced by GEOSA before the August 15 deadline.

Q17. What is the expected outcome of the conference?

A17. It aims to adopt unified standards for geographical names, enhance data accuracy, and strengthen Arab ties.

Q18. How does the conference support sustainable development?

A18. By promoting accurate geographical names, it aids infrastructure projects, environmental monitoring, and digital mapping for sustainable growth.

Q19. Which organizations will participate?

A19. Arab and international organizations focused on geography, cartography, and geospatial information are expected to participate.

Q20. What does this mean for Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A20. It reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in geospatial innovation and a bridge between Arab heritage and modern development.

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