Saudi Arabia Hosts 12th UN-GGIM Arab States Meeting

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA), is hosting the twelfth meeting of the Regional Committee of United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for the Arab States (UN-GGIM) in Jeddah from February 2 to 6, 2025. The gathering brings together officials, experts, and specialists from member Arab states, alongside representatives from the UN-GGIM Secretariat and leading international geospatial organizations, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The meeting underscores the Kingdom’s expanding role as a convenor of multilateral technical cooperation and a driver of regional development through geospatial innovation.

The Jeddah session is more than a routine calendar item for the committee. It marks the tenth anniversary of the UN-GGIM Arab States Committee, which first convened in Riyadh in February 2015. Over that decade, the committee has become a central platform for Arab collaboration on mapping, surveying, and geospatial data, supporting economic, social, and environmental development across the region. Saudi Arabia’s leadership of the committee, and its re-election for three consecutive terms, reflects the confidence of member states in the Kingdom’s technical capacity and diplomatic standing. How did a regional technical committee become such an important instrument of Arab cooperation, and why does its work matter to people far beyond the surveying profession?

Context and Background

The UN-GGIM Arab States Committee is one of the regional bodies operating under the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management, the apex intergovernmental mechanism for geospatial information. It was established to strengthen Arab collaborative efforts, exchange expertise and technologies, and enhance the role of geospatial information in supporting development priorities. Its mandate spans a wide range of applications, from urban planning and disaster management to environmental monitoring and digital infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia, through GEOSA, chairs the committee and also holds the position of Secretary-General. This dual leadership role gives the Kingdom significant influence over the committee’s agenda and work program. The twelfth meeting in Jeddah will review the committee’s progress through its subsidiary task teams, which focus on specific technical and policy areas. Representatives from member Arab states, the UN-GGIM Secretariat, and international experts will exchange insights, expertise, and best regional and global practices. Isn’t it significant that a technical field like geospatial information has become a cornerstone of regional integration and sustainable development?

The committee’s establishment in 2015 coincided with a period of accelerating digital transformation across the Arab world. Governments increasingly recognized that accurate, accessible geospatial data is essential for evidence-based policymaking. From infrastructure planning to climate resilience, geospatial information underpins decisions that affect millions of lives. The committee provides a framework for countries to align their national geospatial strategies with global standards, ensuring interoperability and avoiding duplication of effort. Saudi Arabia’s early and sustained commitment to this agenda has positioned it as a leader in the field.

Key Details of the Jeddah Meeting

The twelfth meeting will run for five days in Jeddah, a city that has long served as a gateway for trade, pilgrimage, and cultural exchange. The agenda includes a comprehensive review of the committee’s progress through its subsidiary task teams. These teams address topics such as geodetic infrastructure, cadastral systems, marine geospatial information, and the integration of geospatial data with national digital strategies. Their work is technical but consequential, shaping how Arab states measure, map, and manage their territories and resources.

Participants will include senior officials from national mapping and surveying agencies, experts from academia and the private sector, and representatives from international organizations. The UN-GGIM Secretariat will provide updates on global initiatives and facilitate dialogue between the Arab committee and other regional bodies. The meeting will also mark the tenth anniversary of the committee, commemorating a decade since its first gathering in Riyadh in February 2015. What does a decade of sustained cooperation in geospatial information actually deliver for Arab citizens?

A key focus of the Jeddah meeting will be the alignment of regional efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable cities, climate action, and land management. Geospatial data is indispensable for monitoring progress on these goals, and the committee’s work helps member states build the necessary capacity. The presence of leading international experts and organizations in the geospatial sector will further enrich the discussions, allowing Arab states to learn from global best practices and share their own innovations. Saudi Arabia’s GEOSA, as host and chair, will play a central role in steering these conversations toward actionable outcomes.

International and Regional Impact

The UN-GGIM Arab States Committee is part of a global network of regional committees that together advance the UN’s geospatial agenda. By hosting the twelfth meeting, Saudi Arabia reinforces its position as a bridge between the Arab region and the wider international community. The participation of the UN-GGIM Secretariat and international experts signals that the committee’s work is recognized and valued beyond the region. This cross-regional exchange is essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and sustainable urbanization, which do not respect national borders.

For Arab states, the committee offers a platform to address shared challenges and leverage collective expertise. Many countries in the region face similar issues: rapid urbanization, water scarcity, desertification, and the need for reliable land records. Geospatial information provides the foundational data for tackling these issues. Through the committee, member states can pool resources, harmonize standards, and develop joint projects. Saudi Arabia’s leadership ensures that the region speaks with a coherent voice in global geospatial forums, amplifying its influence. How might closer geospatial cooperation reshape the Arab world’s approach to development and environmental management?

Economic and Strategic Significance

Geospatial information is a strategic asset in the digital economy. It underpins sectors ranging from real estate and construction to transportation, agriculture, and defense. Accurate mapping and surveying are prerequisites for major infrastructure projects, including those central to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya. By chairing the UN-GGIM Arab States Committee, Saudi Arabia not only contributes to regional capacity-building but also gains access to a network of expertise that supports its own ambitious development plans.

The economic value of geospatial data is increasingly recognized by governments and businesses worldwide. According to various studies, the global geospatial market is worth hundreds of billions of dollars and continues to grow. Arab states that invest in geospatial infrastructure can attract investment, improve public services, and create high-skilled jobs. The committee’s work on standards and interoperability reduces barriers to trade and collaboration, making the region more attractive to international partners. Saudi Arabia’s GEOSA is at the forefront of these efforts, demonstrating how a national agency can drive regional progress. Isn’t it clear that geospatial information is no longer a niche technical field but a driver of economic competitiveness?

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the twelfth UN-GGIM Arab States Committee meeting aligns directly with the goals of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s national transformation strategy. Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of digital transformation, government efficiency, and economic diversification. Geospatial information is a critical enabler of all three. GEOSA’s work supports the development of smart cities, efficient land administration, and data-driven decision-making across government entities. By leading the regional committee, Saudi Arabia also strengthens its role as a hub for knowledge exchange and a catalyst for Arab cooperation.

Moreover, the meeting in Jeddah showcases the Kingdom’s ability to convene international events and facilitate multilateral dialogue. This is a key component of Vision 2030’s aim to position Saudi Arabia as a global investment and diplomatic powerhouse. The tenth anniversary of the committee is a milestone that highlights a decade of Saudi leadership in a field that touches every aspect of modern life. As the committee looks to the future, Saudi Arabia will continue to play a central role in shaping how geospatial information supports sustainable development, not only in the Arab region but around the world. What will the next decade of geospatial cooperation achieve, and how will Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 help lead the way?

20 Questions

Q1. What is the UN-GGIM Arab States Committee?

A1. The UN-GGIM Arab States Committee is a regional body under the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management. It was established to strengthen Arab collaboration, exchange expertise, and enhance geospatial information’s role in economic, social, and environmental development.

Q2. Who is hosting the twelfth meeting of the committee?

A2. Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA), is hosting the twelfth meeting in Jeddah from February 2 to 6, 2025.

Q3. Where is the twelfth meeting taking place?

A3. The meeting is being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a city known for its role as a gateway for trade, pilgrimage, and cultural exchange.

Q4. When was the UN-GGIM Arab States Committee first established?

A4. The committee was established in February 2015, with its first gathering held in Riyadh. The 2025 meeting marks its tenth anniversary.

Q5. What is the role of Saudi Arabia in the committee?

A5. Saudi Arabia, through GEOSA, chairs the committee and holds the position of Secretary-General. The Kingdom has been re-elected for three consecutive terms, reflecting strong regional confidence.

Q6. Who is participating in the Jeddah meeting?

A6. Officials, experts, and specialists from member Arab states, along with representatives from the UN-GGIM Secretariat and leading international experts and organizations in the geospatial sector, are participating.

Q7. What is on the agenda for the twelfth meeting?

A7. The agenda includes a review of the committee’s progress through its subsidiary task teams, exchange of insights and best practices, and commemoration of the committee’s tenth anniversary.

Q8. What are the subsidiary task teams?

A8. The subsidiary task teams are specialized groups within the committee that focus on technical areas such as geodetic infrastructure, cadastral systems, marine geospatial information, and integration with national digital strategies.

Q9. Why is geospatial information important for development?

A9. Geospatial information provides essential data for urban planning, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure development. It supports evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Q10. How does the committee support Arab cooperation?

A10. The committee provides a platform for Arab states to exchange expertise, harmonize standards, and develop joint projects. It strengthens regional integration and amplifies the Arab voice in global geospatial forums.

Q11. What is the significance of the tenth anniversary?

A11. The tenth anniversary commemorates a decade of sustained cooperation since the committee’s first gathering in Riyadh in 2015. It highlights the progress made and sets the stage for future collaboration.

Q12. How does Saudi Arabia’s leadership benefit the region?

A12. Saudi Arabia’s leadership ensures coherent regional representation, drives capacity-building, and facilitates access to global expertise. It also aligns regional efforts with Vision 2030’s digital transformation goals.

Q13. What is GEOSA?

A13. GEOSA is the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information of Saudi Arabia. It is the national agency responsible for surveying, mapping, and geospatial data, and it represents the Kingdom in international geospatial forums.

Q14. How does geospatial information relate to Vision 2030?

A14. Geospatial information supports Vision 2030 by enabling smart city development, efficient land administration, and data-driven decision-making. It is a critical enabler of digital transformation and economic diversification.

Q15. What are some examples of geospatial applications?

A15. Applications include urban planning, cadastral mapping, disaster response, environmental monitoring, transportation planning, and infrastructure development. Geospatial data also supports agriculture, defense, and real estate.

Q16. How does the committee engage with the UN-GGIM Secretariat?

A16. The UN-GGIM Secretariat provides updates on global initiatives and facilitates dialogue between the Arab committee and other regional bodies. This ensures alignment with global standards and best practices.

Q17. What is the economic value of geospatial information?

A17. The global geospatial market is worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Investing in geospatial infrastructure can attract investment, improve public services, and create high-skilled jobs, boosting economic competitiveness.

Q18. How does the committee address environmental challenges?

A18. The committee supports the use of geospatial data for environmental monitoring, climate action, and sustainable land management. These tools help Arab states track desertification, water resources, and climate impacts.

Q19. What outcomes are expected from the Jeddah meeting?

A19. The meeting is expected to review progress, strengthen regional cooperation, and set priorities for the coming years. It will also celebrate the committee’s achievements and reaffirm Saudi Arabia’s leadership role.

Q20. How can international audiences benefit from the committee’s work?

A20. International audiences benefit from improved global geospatial standards, enhanced data interoperability, and shared best practices. The committee’s work contributes to global efforts on sustainable development, disaster resilience, and climate action.

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