(3rd meeting) Sixteenth session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM)

Good morning. I call to the order the third meeting of the 16th session of the Committee of Experts in Global Geospatial Information Management. As announced, it's the end of our meeting yesterday. Afternoon, the committee will continue its consideration of the agenda item number nine entitled Geospatial Information for Sustainable Development to hear the remaining speakers in the discussions. I open now open the floor to continue our discussion of this item and I kindly remind all speakers of the time limit of two minutes for statements I now give the floor to the distinguished representatives of Tango or Tanka sorry.

Thank you, Chair, and good morning. The Kingdom of Tonga acknowledges and welcomes the report for the geospatial information for sustainable development. As a Pacific small island development stage, the Kingdom of Tonga faces the challenge these reports describes directly, the limited technical and human capacity the difficulty of maintaining geospatial infrastructures across a dispersed archipelago, and the need to segregate data so that no community is left behind. We have seen that geospatial information delivers the greatest value when it supports practical local decision making, land administration, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and service delivery, rather than being treated as a purely technical exercise. Therefore, TOMA strongly supports the anchoring of geospatial information within the Antigua and Barbuda agenda of small island developing states. Tonga supports strengthening the narrative of the value of geospatial information for policy makers and finance ministries. In our experience, investment gain attraction when shown through concrete local relevant examples such as tools for land administration, drone-based survey and integrated budget dashboards. We would welcome the continued support in developing such a country-owned demonstration. Donna supports the establishing of a team under the Bureau to further position geospatial information for sustainable development and the progress the value proposition for geospatial information for sustainable development. And finally, Donna highlights the importance of women's full participation in the geospatial sector. At the same time, develop programs to encourage women into the geospatial profession. For example, in the Pacific, through the Pacific Geospatial Women's Network under the Pacific Geospatial and Surveying Council. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, distinguished guest of Tonga. Now I give the floor to the distinguished guest of St. Lucia.

Thank you, Chair, and good morning to all. Senosha is honored to participate in the 16th session of the UNGGIM Americas. We commend the committee's continued leadership in advancing the integrated geospatial information framework and strengthening regional cooperation. St. Lucia notes the progress of the interagency and the expert group on SDG indicators working group on geospatial information and supports the efforts at providing disaggregated information. It is expected that standardizing local geographical names and implementing robust addressing systems will further support and enhance the ability to track progress made in our sustainable development efforts. Saint Lucia reaffirms its commitment to the UN GGIM and welcomes continued collaboration to advance sustainable development underpinned and informed by geospatial information and looks forward to increase engagement and continued progress. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished guest of San Troja, and now I give the floor to the distinguished guest of Turkey.

Thank you, Mr. Co-Chairs, distinguished delegates. I will be delivering this statement on behalf of UNGGM Europe. UNGGM Europe welcomes the proposal to establish a team under the aegis of the Bureau to further position geospatial information for sustainable development. We support the intent while noting that the practicalities have yet not to be established. We would advise including a mix of member states and stakeholders to broaden the team's scope. UNGGM Europe considers the anchoring of geospatial information into the broader frameworks of the United Nations a key priority, particularly given the significance of the 2030 agenda and future development agendas, and we welcome this proposal as a meaningful step in that direction. At the same time, we would encourage the committee to remain mindful of the resource constraints as raised under item three. Given these constraints, we consider this anchoring work a priority within the Committee's proposed multi-year programme of work, and we encourage the Bureau to ensure the new team complements, rather than duplicates, work already underway elsewhere. In this regard, we recall that at its 13th plenary, UNGGM Europe agreed to create a new regional working group on data in response to global agendas, with a mandate to explore how data can support development frameworks. As this working group is established and takes shape, we would welcome the opportunity to develop its work in a way that supports and aligns with that bureau's team, helping ensure to the two efforts remain mutually reinforcing. Thank you, Mr. Kocher.

I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey. Now I give the floor to the distinguished guest of Senegal. Our representatives, yes.

Yeah, thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Senegal delivers this statement on behalf of the Africa region. The Africa, the African region takes note of the report and comments the working group for its continued efforts to strengthen the contribution of geospatial information to the implementation and monitoring of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. With only a limited period remaining to 2030, Africa emphasizes the urgency of closing persistent data gaps and improving the availability of timely, disaggregated and location-based information. Many of the people in places most at risk of being left behind are also the least visible in conventional data systems. Geospatial information integrated with statistical and other relevant data is therefore indispensable for identifying inequalities, targeting public investment, monitoring results and supporting evidence-based decisions at national and local levels. UN-GIG Africa supports stronger communication of the value and impact of geospatial information for sustainable development. This communication should speak not only to technical communities, but also to political leaders, finance and planning authorities. development partners and the public. It should be supported by practical country cases that demonstrate how investment in national geospatial data institutions and capabilities produce measurable development outcomes. The region calls for increased and better coordinated support to African member state to strengthen national data ecosystems. apply the integrated geospatial information framework, integrate geospatial and statistical information, and make effective use of Earth observation and other innovative data sources. Such support must reinforce country ownership, sustainable national capacity, and access to fit-for-purpose data and tools. It should also ensure that lessons of the 2030 agenda informed the post-2030 development framework from the outset, with geospatial information embedded as a core enabling infrastructure rather than treated as supplementary technical input. Finally, UN-GIM Africa stands ready to work with the working group, the Economic Commission for Africa, and all the partners to advance these priorities across the continent. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Senegal. Now I give the floor to the distinguished guest to Brazil.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Brazil welcomes the progress achieved by the IAG working group on geospatial information in advancing the integration of geospatial information and official statistics in alignment with the major global agendas. Brazil supports the strengthening of policy briefs and communication materials to demonstrate to policymakers the strategic value of geospatial data for evidence-based decision making and for efficient allocation of resource. Brazil agrees with the establishment of working team under the auspices of the Bureau to define a renewed modality of engagement. Brazil supports the reposition of the geospatial information value proposed and suggests that the selection of a new practical use case take regional asymmetries into account. Brazil makes available to the group the lessons learned by the IBG, Brazil Institute of Geography and Statistics, particularly through work developed for the SEA account, ecosystem account systems, and for the characterization of socio-demographic vulnerability of populations exposed to disaster risk. Brazil reaffirms the importance of in-strength collaboration among member states, the United Nations systems, And Brazil emphasized the promotion of capacity building and knowledge sharing initiatives focused on interoperability, the adoption of common standards, and the data disaggregation across environmental and geographic dimensions. Brazil reaffirms the commitment to international cooperation to the implementation of the integrated geospatial information framework and also the implementation of the global statistical geospatial framework as a way to accelerating the achievement of the 2030 agenda and ensure that no one is left behind. Finally, Brazil has appreciated the leadership and cooperation of the working group and suggest that in the intersectional period, there is a renewed dialogue with the working group, expert group on integration of statistical and geospatial information, and the inter-agencies and expert group on SDG indicators to ensure that the work is aligned with our providing capacities and mandates. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

I thank the representative of Brazil, and now I will give the floor to the representative of International Cartographic Association, ICA.

Thank you, Chair. The International Cartographic Association would like to propose the development of an atlas of sustainability for small island developing states with the aim of presenting it in 2027. Building on the Antigua and Barbuda agenda for small island development states, such an atlas would provide an integrated geospatial perspective on sustainable development in a coherent cartographic framework. It would support evidence-based policy making, facilitate communication across sectors, and highlight both challenges and successful practices that can be shared among small island development states. The ICA has substantial experience in developing international sustainability publication including Atlas in cooperation with the United Nations and stands ready to contribute its expertise in cartography and geospatial visualization to this initiative. We would welcome the opportunity to work with interested member states and the wider UNGGIM community and relevant UN entities to explore this proposal further. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the representative of the ICA. Now I will give the floor to the representative of European Association of Remote Sensing Companies, EARCSC.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I speak on behalf of ERS representing Europe's Earth Observation Service Industry in collaboration with the European Space Agency. We welcome the report and progress of the Interagency Expert Group of SDGs and the Secretariat moving from awareness of geospatial information to implementation and from measurement to take better decisions. Policy briefs should start by identifying the policy challenge and the decision to be supported. Country cases should then demonstrate the measurable benefits of geospatial information, including improved public services, better target investment, reduced reporting burdens, and clear evidence of which people and places are being left behind. The European Copernicus program, together with Europe public and private earth observation services, provides information that supports many policy areas. including water management, urban planning, climate action, disaster response, forest monitoring, and so on. Because the same earth observation data and infrastructure can be reused from different public purposes, they follow invest once, use many times. This makes earth observation valuable foundational digital public infrastructure and provides a strong case for investment by planning and finance ministers. The European Space Agency Earth Observation for Official Statistics and Policy Indicators Conference, STATEO 2026, organizing with European and international statistical organizations such Eurostat, environmental and other geospatial partners confirmed that Earth observation should be integrated from the outset into the indicator methodologies and national data ecosystems alongside statistical, administrative and in situ data. ERS and ESA support creating the very real lead team and a clear mandate timeline and focus on implementation. ERS and ESA stand ready to contribute with operational cases and experience in moving Earth observation from pilots into operational sustained services. Thank you very much.

I think the representative of EARS-C. Now I give the floor to the representative of the European Commission, Eurostat.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Eurostat welcomes the work being done in UNGIG to support sustainable development. As coordinator of the Sustainable Development Goals indicators in the EU, Eurostat appreciates the progress made in more effective use of geospatial information in the monitoring of the indicators. Eurostat congratulates to the work in progress of the interagency and expert group on Sustainable Development Goals indicators, including the efforts to promote and raise awareness of the importance of geospatial information for the 2030 Agenda. At the same time, Eurostat confirms that the value proposition of geospatial information is not always sufficiently understood or communicated in ways that resonate with policy leaders, decision makers and the wider public. It notes that more efficient demonstration of potential added value hereby remains a key challenge for recognition of geospatial information as efficient enabler and contributor in implementing global agendas. The high-level day of the next European Forum on Geography and Statistics will address exactly this challenge. I would like to extend the invitation to you to work there together. The EFGS event under the motto Geo Enabling the Future will take place in Brussels 30th September till 2nd of October 2026. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the representative for that. Now I call the representative of the FAO Food and Agriculture Organization.

Thank you.

Thank you, Chair.

I'm speaking on behalf of the UN Geospatial Network, and I wanted to share relevant to the context of our session as we look at sustainable development aspects. Our strength of the network is in the horizontal representation from 46 UN organizations and across SDGs.

But I wanted to point out that our strength in horizontal representation also includes support that can be done by the individual organizations.

So individual organizations can provide the opportunities and tailor the.

Assistance to tie together work in the countries and your efforts to support sustainable development.

And I can use one example from Food and Agriculture Organization where FAO could assist together provide assistance with building use cases for sustainable development context and relevant support, including sector-specific capacity.

Building and in general take, provide support of technical knowledge across the mandate. And this is true for other organizations in the UN geospatial network. Thank you.

I thank the representative of FAO. Now I call the FIG, the International Federation of Surveyors.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. FIG fully supports this agenda item and the forward-looking approach prepared by the working group on geospatial information for sustainable development. But aligning with the agenda discussion point, FIG is a willing collaborative stakeholder. because we have an impactful task force on the SDGs that has been running for some years. And it's helped communities communicate the societal value of surveying and geospatial information to a broader audience and is fully aligned with the committee's call to strengthen the visibility and to further promote the integration and application of geospatial information for sustainable development. And you know, we achieve this by embedding SDGs across the FIG commissions, those technical commissions, the networks, and importantly, every FIG annual conference plenary themes in the last four years. And we link every conference technical session to specific SDGs. So FIG is demonstrating how geospatial professionals contribute to evidence-based decision making, resilient communities, and sustainable development outcomes. But you know the SDGs Task Force initiative is to advocate, to innovate, to collaborate and to deliver and this further promotes collaboration across sectors and professional communities. This proactive professional approach is set to continue within the FIG community and beyond with our stakeholders in the lead up to 2030 and crucially to inform sustainable development activities post 2030. With this in mind and the discussions heard, FIG will continue to strengthen collaboration with UNGGIM, member states and professional partners while advocating for the surveying and geospatial profession as a key contributor to that evidence-based decision-making for sustainable development outcomes beyond the 2030 agenda. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, the representative of IG. Now, we have heard the last speakers in the discussion of this item. I now invite Mr. Guillaume Le Saulle, Geospatial Information Officer at the Global Geospatial Information Management, UNSD, to summarize the main points of this discussion.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The committee of experts welcome the report jointly prepared by the Secretariat and the Working Group on Geospatial Information of the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators and efforts to strengthen the use of geospatial information in addressing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIGs, and other global development agendas. The Committee of Experts welcomed practical implementation of stronger communication on the value of geospatial information, including developing focused portfolio policy briefs and communication materials to demonstrate the benefits of authoritative geospatial information to policymakers through national examples. The Committee of Experts endorsed the proposal to reposition geospatial information as a strategic priority and enabler and welcomed the establishment of a focused and time-bound team led by the Bureau with regional committees and other relevant stakeholders to advance use cases and proven methods for monitoring and reporting on national priorities and sustainable development and requested the Bureau and Secretariat to report on progress at the forthcoming 17th session. And the committee of experts emphasized that geospatial information, including Earth observation, along with its integration with statistical and administrative data, is critical for interoperable location-based evidence that strengthen public policy, territorial planning, localization, and monitoring of national priorities, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and inform the post-2030 agenda. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank Mr. Lee-Sord and all participants for their valuable contribution to this interesting exchange of views. The committee has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda number nine. I invite the committee to first turn to agenda item number six entitled the future of geospatial information ecosystem. I invite Mr. James Norris, co-lead on the UN GGI on future geospatial information ecosystem and head of international affairs of Ordnance Survey of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. and Northern Ireland to take the introducer seats in the body. Under this item, the committee has before its note by the secretariat entitled the future geospatial information ecosystem contained in document E/C.20/2026/7 and its amendment. I now give the floor to Mr. James North to introduce the reports.

Good morning, Chair. Thank you. Distinguished representatives, delegates, observers, and colleagues. I have the real pleasure and honour to introduce the agenda item on the future geospatial information ecosystem and the accompanying report prepared by the Bureau, the Secretariat and former leads. The topic of the future geospatial information ecosystem has been a constant throughout our work for nearly 15 years. It is a topic that continues to change and grow our geospatial industry changes and grows and one that I've been pleased to be able to contribute to over many years. I'm really pleased to see how it has been developed and shaped by the committee in recent times. Since the committee first initiated this work, members have constantly recognised that understanding and shaping the future geospatial information ecosystem is not simply an exercise in anticipating technological change. Rather, it is about ensuring that the committee continues to provide strategic leadership, guidance and insight on how we contribute to an increasingly interconnected digital world. Over successive sessions, the committee has progressed and refined this work, moving from an initial exploration of future trends to a clearer articulation of the scope, principles and role of the future geospatial information ecosystem within the broader digital ecosystem. The report before you reflects the progress made during the intercessional period. It builds on the Committee's guidance at its 15th session. The Bureau and the Leads continued to engage broadly with Member States, regional committees, thematic networks, standards development organisations, academia, the private sector and the wider geospatial community through the development of a series of research documents or thought pieces. These foresight and insight pieces aim to help strengthen the collective understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by a rapid technological innovations, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, cloud native architecture, automation, integrated data ecosystems, and emerging infrastructure. Importantly, this work is not about predicting a single technological future. It is about defining the enduring foundations that will enable member states to confidently respond and adapt to change. We know that the future geospatial information ecosystem is not only about technology. It requires skilled professionals, strong academic pathways, trusted professional bodies, ethical collection and use of data, and strong behavioral skills such as leadership and communication. and we would welcome the Committee's views on how to bring these aspects into our work. The report further proposes activities leveraging the collective knowledge of Member States, regional committees, functional groups, thematic networks, and the UN Global Geospatial Centres of Excellence to gather a broad overview on the direction and ways to shape the future geospatial information ecosystem. The committee is invited to take note of the report, express its views on the continued development of the future geospatial information ecosystem, provide guidance on the proposed next steps, including the organization of a webinar to further engage member states and wider stakeholders, and advise on the continued development, refinement, and dissemination of a coordinated series of research papers. Thank you very much.

I thank Mr. North. And I now open the floor for discussions, the item, and I kindly remind all speakers of the time limits of two minutes for statements. I give the floor to distinguished guest, of distinguished representative of Canada. Thank.

You, Mr. Chair. Canada commends the Bureau and the Secretariat for their efforts. We reaffirm the continued importance of embedding principles from the paper on positioning the future geospatial information ecosystem and activities across this committee. Canada supports capacity building activities for the future geospatial information ecosystem, including through existing expert groups such as the UNGGIM Americas Geospatial Artificial Intelligence Community of Practice. Canada has contributed three educational modules, which are now available for public access on the UNGGIM Americas YouTube page. We invite all interested parties to utilize these resources and join us in fostering a globally connected geospatial community. Canada highlights the continued importance of exploring complex policy and legal issues related to authoritative data and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. In advancing this agenda and recognizing the importance of identifying the appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks adapted to national context. To this end, Canada is pleased to work alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as co-chairs of the working group on policy and legal frameworks. Canada welcomes the background paper submitted by the working group under agenda item six on the topic of AI and authoritative geospatial information. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahamas.

Thank you, Chair. The Bahamas takes note of the committee's report on the future geospatial information ecosystem that positions location-based data as a crucial component of the digital public infrastructure. We see this as essential for evidence-based decision-making, innovation, and also for the advancement of the global development agenda beyond 2030. The Bahamas agrees that the geospatial information ecosystem is an evolving network of interconnected, interoperable, integrated data, models and services that can be dynamically queried to address society's most pressing challenges, ranging from disaster risk reduction to urban sustainability, health concerns to climate change. The Bahamas emphasizes the importance of fostering a dialogue on the future digital and geospatial information ecosystem and fully supports a proposed webinar in early 2027. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Denmark.

Thank you, Chair. Denmark welcomes the report and the continued efforts to position the future geospatial information ecosystem within the broader.

Context of digital transformation.

We welcome the continued exploration of future oriented practices such as machine readable SDIs and AI driven data ecosystems, while underlining the need to safeguard trusted and authoritative geospatial information as these technologies evolve. Also ensuring that this work contributes effectively to the 2030 agenda and the global digital compact and the post 2030 agenda. Looking ahead, further activities, including the proposed webinar, the could provide a useful opportunity to support the committee's program of work, particularly where they are closely aligned with its mandate, agreed priorities, and coordinated effectively across the UNGGM architecture. Finally, Denmark welcomes the advancements towards establishing the Center of Excellence in Riyadh and looks forward to learning more about its anticipated program of work.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark. Now I give the floor to the representative of Slovenia.

Thank you, Mr. Co-Chair. Slovenia has welcomed the series of coordinated foresight documents and the papers on positioning the future geospatial information ecosystem. These documents are a useful knowledge resource for member states and could help inform national and regional thinking on future development frameworks, including the post-2030 development agenda. and drawing on a broad range of expertise and perspectives from across the committee's architecture. So then I would like to encourage the supportive of the general direction set out in the report, including continued foresight work, including continued foresight work, deeper engagement with member states and closer alignment with the 2030 agenda, the global digital compact and the post 2030 agenda. Thank you, Mr. Kocher.

I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

South Africa notes and supports the report and the committee's continued engagement with the broader digital ecosystem. South Africa contributed to the moderation of the coordinated foresight process and views the resulting papers as useful inputs to the for the member state led discussion and consideration prior any endorsement. The future geospatial ecosystem should balance authoritative data with responsible innovation. Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, digital twins, earth observation and advanced analytics offer significant opportunities to enhance evidence based decision making and service delivery. Their effective adoption requires robust governance frameworks Open standard and interoperable architecture that promotes quality, trust, privacy, security, accountability and capacity building, capacity development across government. South Africa notes the coordinated foresight documents and supports their continued enhancement to help member state anticipate and respond to digital transformation. South Africa further supports the proposed webinar and recommends participation from policy, legal, technical, academic, community and industry perspective with strong representation from developing countries. The webinar should inform a practical road map for the committee. In closing, South Africa advocates for a trusted, interoperable and inclusive to special ecosystem that advances sustainable and and equitable public value. I thank you.

I thank the representative of South Africa and now I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of Finland.

Thank you, Chairman. Finland welcomes the report, the future geospatial information ecosystem and support transition from spatial data infrastructure to dynamic machine readable digital ecosystem aligned with global digital initiatives. Finland highlights three key points priorities. First, practical implementation through pilots projects and machine readable data, 3D digital twins and automatic workflows, while ensuring high quality authority geospatial data to support AI drive decision making. Second, regional and global agreement promoting interoperability, open standard and synergies between global scale strategies and regional initiatives such as European data space and Destination Earth. Third, agricultural foresight, supporting flexible approaches to emerging technologies and the proposal global webinar in early 2027 to strengthen engagement with the wider digital community. final final final reminding committee to sharing its expertise in health spatial data governance, digital public administration and call up a collaborating practice to advance common international objectives. Thank you, sir.

I thank the distinguished representative of Finland and I call the representative of Jamaica.

Thank you, co-chair. Jamaica thanks the Bureau, its leadership team and the secretariat for the report on the future geospatial information ecosystem and welcome to the delivery of the first series of coordinated foresight and knowledge documents with contributions from member states, functional groups, United Nations entities and thematic networks and industry. Jamaica considers this foresight work strategically important for small national agencies anticipating change is harder than reacting to it. We support a curated series of thought pieces on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and a wider digital ecosystem that help countries like ours plan investments and governance ahead of the curve rather than behind it. Jamaica emphasizes that the future ecosystem must be built on authoritative, interoperable data and must foster an inclusive digital transformation that reduces disparities among member states. Nationally, Jamaica is preparing its own foundations for that future, including through the GeoConnect governance framework for coordinated geospatial data sharing across our government. Jamaica supports the proposed webinar and the continuing activities of this committee under the overall coordination and guidance of the Bureau, supported by the Secretariat. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Jamaica and I call the distinguished representative of India.

Thank you, Chair. India appreciates the Bureau and the Secretariat for the comprehensive report and welcomes the foresight initiative on the future geospatial information ecosystem, which provides valuable insights into the emerging technologies and the evolving digital landscape. India believes geospatial information must evolve beyond traditional spatial data infrastructures to become an integral part of the broader digital ecosystem. As AI digital twins, earth observations, cloud native GIS, and interoperable digital infrastructures transform decision making, geospatial information must remain trusted, authoritative, interoperable, and accessible. We also support the responsible and ethical use of geo-AI underpinned by trusted data, open standards, and transparent governance. India supports the continuation of the foresight initiative, broader stakeholder participation, and the proposed webinar following UNWGIC. India remains committed to working with the member states to build an inclusive and future-ready geospatial ecosystem. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of India and I call the distinguished representative of Turkey.

Thank you, co-chair, distinguished delegates. Turkey takes note of the continued efforts of the Bureau and the Secretariat on future geospatial information ecosystem and appreciates the forward-looking analysis in the report. Geospatial information management is increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, data governance, digital public infrastructure, digital twins, earth observation, and trusted digital ecosystems. Turkey therefore considers this work timely and strategically relevant. The future ecosystem should build upon existing national spatial data infrastructure, alternative national data, internationally recognized standards, and clearly defined institutional responsibilities with trust, interoperability, and sustainability at its core. Turkey also takes note of the foresight documents as useful contributions to ongoing dialogue on emerging opportunities and risks. Their further development will benefit from broader regional participation and diverse national perspectives while returning their non-prescriptive character. AI and emerging technologies should serve public policy and evidence-informed decision making. Approaches to geo AI and geospatial large language models should promote transparency, accountability, human oversight, security, ethical use, and public trust. Voluntary pilots based on practical use case and lessons learned could support this work. Drawing on its national experiences, Turkey remains open to relevant knowledge sharing and pilot activities as appropriate. Future work should remain aligned with national priorities, available capacities, and domestic legal, institutional, and data governance arrangements. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey, and I call the distinguished representative of Chile.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will provide my statement in Spanish.

Chile takes note of the report and we would like to congratulate the Bureau and the Secretariat for leading this work. Chile would like to share the positive impact that the approval of our national geospatial territorial management system has had on ongoing inter-institutional cooperation. and based on governance and interoperability as governing principles. This experience, we feel, could provide useful elements to move towards a global geospatial system. We also consider it a priority to build trust with regard to geospatial AI that will make it possible to make progress in a transparent ethical way. We support the expansion of the foresight documents. We think it would be useful to have integrated documents that summarise the main discoveries made and provide practical information with regard to implementation that is coherent. Chile takes note of the upcoming steps being proposed and we appreciate the emphasis on ongoing dialogue, alignment with global digital agendas, intersectoral cooperation and the strengthening of capacities and pilot studies. We feel that this would be an adequate framework for this process and we can continue to strengthen this with tools that will support Member States as they develop dynamic, integrated and resilient ecosystems. And we also support the proposal to hold a web seminar that will enable us to discuss this further. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Chile and I call now the distinguished representative of Panama.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will provide two statements. The first one on behalf of UN-GGIM Americas. UN-GGIM Americas notes with satisfaction the work carried out by the Bureau and the Secretariat to advance the positioning of the future geospatial information ecosystem. and expresses its support for continuing this strategic foresight exercise as a mechanism to strengthen the capacity of member states to anticipate and respond to the evolution of the digital ecosystem. UN-GGIM Americas reaffirms that the future geospatial information ecosystem should be built upon authoritative, trusted, interoperable, and accessible geospatial information to support informed decision-making and the development of public policies that address the economic, social and environmental challenges facing our countries. UNGGIM Americas also considers it essential that this evolution foster an inclusive digital transformation by strengthening national capacities, reducing disparities among member states, and promoting regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and innovation so that all countries can benefit from the opportunities presented by emerging technologies. Our regional committee will continue to promote the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework and the strengthening of national geospatial information ecosystems as key instruments for realizing this vision and contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Digital Compact and future global agendas. Finally, our regional committee reaffirms its commitment to continuing to contribute actively to this process by promoting a shared vision of resilient, collaborative, and future-ready geospatial information ecosystem. I will now give my statement from the Republic of Panama. The Republic of Panama welcomes the report and supports a continuous and structured foresight process under the guidance of the Bureau and using the existing UNGGIM architecture. Artificial intelligence, earth observation, and data analytics create significant opportunities, but also risk related to inequality, data quality, provenance, and cybersecurity. Developing countries must be active participants in shaping the governing of these technologies, not merely consumers. Panama believes that authoritative public geospatial information must remain at the core of this ecosystem, and that innovation must strengthen trust, interoperability, national capacity, and public value. This work must also reach beyond the technical community. We need to engage ministers and senior decision makers, particularly those responsible for planning and public investment, and clearly connect geospatial information with national priorities and measurable outcomes. Without political awareness and sustained investment, technology alone will not close the digital divide. We therefore support foresight documents that translate emerging trends into practical policy guidance, communication tools for decision makers, and capacity development options for member states. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Panama, and I call the distinguished representative of France.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will now switch to French.

France would like to thank the Bureau and the Secretariat for the work carried out on the future geospatial information system. We support the following steps being proposed, particularly the strengthening of specific frameworks and ongoing dialogue between the various communities concerned. France believes that transforming the geospatial information system must be based on operational initiatives that are led at pragmatic level before becoming more generalized at regional, continental or global level. Bilateral cooperation in this regard is a precious area of experimentation and we would like to support the protocol recently signed between France and Germany as part of cross-border cooperation between the two countries to share developments and to look at cross-border use of geonumeric data. This enables us to test innovative approaches in a specific framework while promoting interoperability and exchange of experiences before scaling this up. We would also like to draw the attention of the committee to the EuroCommons initiative recently launched in France. This aims to bring together players from all over Europe to promote a common system at European level. The geospatial data, of course, will be an important collective resource there, serving the general interest. Finally, France supports the proposal to organise a webinar in 2027. Over and above sharing information, this webinar could be a forum for establishing relations between Member States and their agencies, between expert bodies that want to become part of this common experiment. And it could help us to identify possible initiatives. and to build voluntary coalitions around specific projects. This could lead from thinking about this to operational projects. These kinds of things on the ground are essential to test concepts that can then be deployed at a larger scale. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of France and now I call the representative, distinguished representative of Honduras.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will talk in Spanish.

Honduras is grateful for the presentation of the report and we recognize the strategic vision of the Bureau and of the Secretariat to guide Member States towards an information ecosystem that is prepared for the digital environment that is constantly developing. We share the importance of noticing emerging trends and strengthening capacity to benefit from innovation and AI and the integration of data as tools for sustainable development. For Honduras, the future geospatial information system is not just about including new technologies, but it's about consolidating a national ecosystem based on official geospatial data that are reliable and interoperable with statistics on the environment and other areas in order to help territorial planning and decision-making that is evidence-based. In that context, our country is aligning with the national development principles, consolidating geospatial information as a strategic tool for the state in helping territorial planning, managing natural resources, risk disaster management, adaptation to climate change and sustainable development. Honduras believes that for developing countries the main challenge is not just to adopt emerging technologies but to strengthen the governance of data to develop capacities to produce standards that are interoperable and to consolidate alliances between public institutions, the academic world, private sector and international cooperation. And finally, we support the preparation of prospective documents that will help member states to anticipate trends and prepare for the challenges of the future with regard to the ecosystem. We will continue to strengthen our national capacities to contribute to a global geospatial community that is more innovative and inclusive. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Honduras, and I call the distinguished representative of Algeria.

On behalf of Africa region. The Africa region welcomes the report and the progress made in defining the future geospatial information ecosystem. Africa supports a forward look looking ecosystem that is trusted and capable of turning rapidly expanding sources of data into knowledge and services for sustainable development for Africa. However, the future ecosystem must be built on strong foundation. Emerging technologies, earth observation, artificial intelligence, and new business model will deliver lesson value only where authoritative data, clear institutional mandates, sound governance, common standards, interoperability, sustainable financing and skilled people are in place. The evolution of the ecosystem should therefore strengthen rather than bypass national geospatial information authorities and other public institutions responsible for trusted national data. UN-GIG Africa stresses that the transition must not weaken existing digital technological and capacity divided. The proposed pathways should give particular attention to developing countries through practical implementation guidance, priority use cases, peer learning, long-term capacity development, and access to fit-for-purpose technologies. They should also address data sovereignty, ethic, privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible use of artificial intelligence while creating space for African research, entrepreneurship, and locally developed solutions. The Africa region encourages the committee to translate the future ecosystem vision into a phased and measurable roadmap aligned with the UN IGIF and adaptable to national and regional circumstances. Africa stands ready to contribute its experience and priorities to this work so that the future geospatial information ecosystem becomes a vehicle for inclusion and shared progress and leaves no country behind. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria, and I call the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I would like to speak in Arabic.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the report of the Office and the Secretariat. We appreciate their efforts in enhancing the readiness of the global geospatial community to keep pace with the accelerated digital transformation. In this vein, the Kingdom stresses the importance of geospatial information as a key pillar of the digital ecosystem. Uh, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies offer great horizons to enhance decision making, provided, uh… based on the reliable data, international standards and high interoperability. Thus, we support the effort made at strategic oversight effort. We encourage the broadening of the participation of Member States, regional commissions, thematic networks and partners in shaping the future of the global geospatial information ecosystem. To conclude, the Kingdom renews its commitment to support such effort. We look forward to the third UN World Congress on Geospatial Information to be hosted in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to become a global platform to promote dialogue, exchange of experiences and accelerate innovation in the service of geospatial information to achieve sustainable development. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. And now I call the distinguished representative of Islamic Republic of Iran.

My delegation thanks the Bureau and the Secretariat for their valuable work in preparing this forward-looking report.

The rapidly evolving digital landscape presents unprecedented opportunities for sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, environmental and climate resilience.

However, these opportunities will remain behind the reach of many developing countries unless the growing digital divide is effectively address. Mr. Chair, digital transformation must be inclusive, equitable, and development-oriented. Without adequate support, emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced geospatial applications, risk widening existing inequalities rather than reducing them.

Greater.

Attention should also be given to the persisting inequalities in access to digital infrastructure, geospatial technologies, data, and emerging innovations, which risk widening existing developing gap. Strengthening national capacity is not only essential for effective geospatial information management, but also for achieving the national sustainable development goals, enhancing disaster preparedness, combating desertification, climate adaptation, and evidence-based policymaking. In this regard, United Nations has a unique and indispensable role in promoting international cooperation, facilitating knowledge sharing, and ensuring that the benefits of digital innovations are accessible to all member states. My delegation expresses appreciation to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its valuable contribution in this effort. And then finally, Mr. Chair, our success depends to our cooperation, unity, and solidarity. While the report provides a valuable vision for the future, future works under this agenda could further reflect the specific challenges and capacity needs of developing countries, particularly in bridging digital inequalities and ensuring equitable access to emerging dual special technologies. Ashkorn said the race.

I thank the distinguished representative of Islamic Republic of Iran. And now I call the distinguished representative of Singapore.

Thank you, Mr. Co-Chair. Singapore welcomes the report on the future geospatial information ecosystem and commends the Bureau, Secretariat, and the leadership team for their continued efforts in advancing this important agenda item. We also thank the many member states, regional committees, thematic networks, and international organizations that contributed to the coordinated series of foresight documents. Singapore appreciates that these documents have been developed as thought pieces that represents diverse expert perspectives rather than prescriptive guidance. This approach encourages open and forward-looking dialogue, which is essential for a community that must remain agile in the face of rapid technological change. We continue to believe that these future facing activities are critical for enabling member states to stay at the forefront of digital transformation. In this regard, Singapore supports the proposal to organize an online global webinar in early 2027, following the third UN World Geospatial Information Congress as a cost effective way to sustain community engagement and further exploration with a broad range of stakeholders. Singapore also reiterates the importance of aligning the future geospatial information ecosystem with broader global digital agendas. including the global digital compact and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. Cross-sector collaboration and broader engagement with smart infrastructure initiatives, emerging technologies and civil society will be key to ensuring that geospatial information management remains relevant and impactful. Thank you, Mr. Co-Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Singapore and now I call the distinguished representative of United Kingdom.

Thank you, Chair. The United Kingdom welcomes the development and publication of the initial set of foresight documents as a useful mechanism to help member states remain aware of emerging trends, to understand their opportunities and risks, and enabling a continued focus on how geospatial information should evolve within a changing digital landscape. The report rightly recognizes that geospatial information is now central to digital transformation. Rather than develop the future geospatial information ecosystem as a standalone concept, we should be positioning it as a key enabler of broader international initiatives and subsequent member state action. Such initiatives include the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Digital Compact, post-2030 and other future global agendas. In light of that ambition, the United Kingdom supports the next steps and the proposal for a future webinar and encourages the organizers to make sure that it is cross-sectoral and engages beyond the traditional geospatial community. The UK would be pleased to contribute to the webinar, as would the Association for Geographic Information, AGI, an independent organization representing the geospatial sector in the UK and who offered the AGI Foresight Report 2030, as referenced in the paper. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of United Kingdom. And now I call the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan.

Thank you, Chair.

I will be speaking Russian if you allow. Distinguished Chair, members of the committee, ladies and gentlemen, the Republic of Kazakhstan welcomes the report on the future geospatial information ecosystem. We believe that ought to be based on four principles, compatibility of data, reliability of information, innovation, international cooperation. Texas is actively developing its national infrastructure for geospatial information, modernizing its geodetic and cartographic information, and improving governance of this data, as well as for land use and planning, as well as for emergency response planning. We note the potential of use of AI cutting-edge technologies together with geospatial information and data. These technologies, however, must be used in accordance with unified standards to ensure the quality of data and cadastral potential. We support strengthening regional cooperation through UNGGIM and are prepared to share our experience. support the integrated information framework to use information to promote sustainable development. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan and I call the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will now make a statement on behalf of the UN GEM Europe. UNGGIM Europe welcomes a series of coordinated foresight documents and the paper on positioning the future geospatial information ecosystem and.

Recognizes their value as a useful knowledge resource for member states. This work can help inform national and regional thinking on future development frameworks, including the post-2030 development agenda, drawing on a genuinely broad range of expertise and perspective from across the Committee's architecture. We suggest the team identifies a priority list of topics over the next two, three years.

Where the Committee of Experts seeks foresight documents.

The Europe Regional Committee would note, however, that any further work on this area should be pursued.

Within the limits of constrained resources, favouring practical, low-cost mechanisms over more resource-intensive undertakings. On the proposed next steps, UNGGM Europe is supportive of the general direction set out in the report.

Including continued foresight work, deeper engagement with Member States and closer alignment with the 2030 Agenda, the Global Digital Compact and the post 2030 Agenda.

The European Regional Committee looks forward to seeing how these next steps develop in practice and would welcome an update on progress at the 17th session.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Now I call the distinguished representative of Austria.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Austria strongly supports the strategic vision presented across the given document submissions, which collectively describe the transitioning to an integrated AI-driven geospatial information ecosystem. is essential for modern governance, evidence-based policy and climate resilience. In order to fulfill this potential, the global community must establish robust governance, ethical stewardship and adaptive legal frameworks, such as risk-based oversight, regulatory sandboxes and human-centered AI guardrails that protect public trust, privacy and digital sovereignty. Therefore, national institutions must evolve from static data providers into authoritative trust brokers and knowledge stewards ensuring that fundamental and foundational spatial layers on the basis of the UN fundamental data themes remain legally sound, semantically interoperable and fit for purpose. Austria fully supports the transitioning from static data delivery to dynamic knowledge-based services to build a resilient, sovereign and trustworthy geospatial ecosystem. Establishing semantic interoperability and foundational geospatial ontology is essential to turn individual structured data into dynamic geospatial knowledge infrastructures. What does this mean? In general, we talk about data and data availability. But data inherently lacks meaning. Only data with meaning carries significance and can be processed to knowledge. This future framework is critical to providing the legal and ethical certainty as well as verified ground truth necessary for authentic AI and advanced machine learning models in order to operate safely and deliver concise results. Austria recommends to the expert committee, the high level group and the GGI working groups across all use cases to build capacity for the foundational topographic knowledge graphs, which is critical to enabling reliable geospatial semantic reasoning for advanced artificial intelligence. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Austria and I call the Distinguished representative of ICA.

Thank you, Chair.

The International Cartographic Association welcomes the continued discussion on the future geospatial information ecosystem.

As artificial intelligence increasingly becomes a primary means of interpreting and interacting with geospatial information.

We believe that maps will play an even more central role. Maps are no longer merely products of geospatial information. They are becoming the.

Interface through which artificial intelligence develops spatial understanding, communicates complex relationships, and explains its reasoning to people. In this emerging era of spatial intelligence.

Cartography provides the principles that transform data into trustworthy, interpretable and actionable knowledge. ICA therefore encourages the committee of experts of UNGGIM to recognize cartography as a strategic.

Component of the future geospatial ecosystem supporting explainable artificial intelligence, human-centered decision-making, and trusted geospatial knowledge for sustainable development. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of ICA. And now I call the distinguished representative of UNGGIM Academic Network.

Thank you, Chair. The academic network welcomes the report and appreciates the efforts of the secretariat and all contributors in advancing this important decision. We think it's a fantastic report. The network views the future geospatial ecosystem as being in a transition from managing to enabling, from managing geospatial information to enabling trustworthy spatial intelligence, where authoritative geospatial data, earth observation, Artificial intelligence, knowledge graphs, cartographic communication and human expertise are integrated to support decision making of governments and others for sustainable development. The network, the academic network therefore encourages the community to place education and capacity development in the center of the future ecosystem by supporting competency frameworks, modernized curricula, lifelong learning opportunities and stronger collaboration between all of us. The network also encourages continued collaboration with the UN, GGKIC and the other thematic networks to develop open educational resources, share best practices and strengthen research and innovation that can accelerate implementation of the UN IGIF. The academic network remains committed to support the community in preparing the next generation of geospatial professionals and leaders. ensuring that our future geospatial ecosystem is innovative, inclusive and responsive to all of our needs. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the UN GGI Academic Network. And now I call the distinguished representative of UN GGI Geospatial Society.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The UNGGM Geospatial Societies welcomes the progress made by the Bureau and the Secretariat in advancing the future geospatial information ecosystem and commend the coordinated program of foresight papers that is helping member states prepare for an increasingly connected, intelligent, and rapidly evolving digital landscape. The UNGGM geospatial societies appreciate the continued leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on advancing the future of geospatial information ecosystem. The geospatial societies are pleased to have contributed to this initiative through our paper on knowledge graph and the geospatial information ecosystem. Our contribution highlights that the future ecosystem is not simply about connecting more data, it is about creating a knowledge centric, machine readable, machine interpretable ecosystem where information is semantically understood, trusted, and interoperable across systems, disciplines, and jurisdictions. Knowledge graphs are one example of how this vision can be realized by combining open standards, explicit semantics, and integrated provenance. They help reduce ambiguity, improve interoperability, and provide an AI ready foundation for more trustworthy and automated Finally, the UNGGM geospatial societies remain committed to contributing scientific expertise, promoting open standards and professional practice, and supporting the committee in shaping a future geospatial information ecosystem that is intelligent, interoperable, trustworthy, and ultimately delivers better outcomes for our society. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of UNGGI and Geospatial Society. And now I call the UNGGI and Private Sector Network.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Private Sector Network welcomes the report and the foresight work undertaken. The opportunity before us is not simply to anticipate technological change, but to ensure it delivers trusted, interoperable, and inclusive outcomes for member states. Importantly, technology alone will not shape the future. Leadership will be a critical element of the ecosystem. And so that ability to make informed choices, govern innovation, build trust and translate technological possibilities becomes critical to public value. We therefore strongly support moving from foresight to practical pilots, demonstration projects and use cases. The private sector network can help bridge innovation and implementation by bringing technology, expertise, investment in research and development, leadership perspectives and knowledge transfer. As we move forward, we must ensure that innovation narrows the digital divide rather than widens it. And to this end, the private sector network has been actively participating in communities of practice such as the Geo AI community of practice and other capacity development initiatives. And the private sector network stands ready to help with strengthening various frameworks, contributing to the proposed webinar in 2027, sharing best practices and assisting in making emerging technologies practical and actionable within the evolving ecosystem. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of UNGGI and private sector network. And now I call the European Association of Remote Sensing Companies.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I speak on behalf of ERS, representing Europe's Earth Observation Service industry. First, welcome the report and the work of the Bureau and the Secretariat. Foresight must be continuous and lead implementation. Policy can effectively only act on what it knows, and knowledge begins with what can observe and measure. Anticipating the future geospatial information ecosystem will help member states prepare for emerging technologies, new data sources, and evolving user needs while establishing the necessary governance standards and skills. Earth observation and geospatial information are central to this effort, providing timely and objective evidence to anticipate risk, target interventions, and verify compliance and address results. The future ecosystem must therefore evolve beyond data access into trusted, interoperable, and inclusive decision infrastructure that conveys data, models, artificial intelligence, and expertise to generate actionable earth intelligence. Our three contributions identified three priorities. First, mature authorisation and just spatial services that move innovation into operations. The European Space Agency application propagation environment. Turns data and research algorithms into findable, reusable, scalable cloud services. Second, aligning earth observation and policy through observatories that translate monitoring, reporting, and verification needs into deployable services. Third, education, reskilling, and upskilling that combine geospatial expertise with data science, artificial intelligence, and sector knowledge. These figures demonstrate the sector momentum. Only in Europe, identified 10% of growth over the last 10 years. These strategic sectors underpin many policy agendas. We support broadening the Foresight series, develop practical use cases, and ERSK stands ready to contribute industry evidence on operational experience. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of European Association of Remote Sensing Companies. Now we have heard the last speaker in the discussion of this item. And now I invite Mr. Guillaume Lisort, Geospatial Information Officer at the Global Geospatial Information Management Section at the United Nations Statistics Divisions to summarize the main points of the discussion.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Committee of Experts welcomes the continued efforts of the Bureau and the Secretariat to explore and position the future geospatial information ecosystem and to engage stakeholders across the wider digital ecosystem. and welcome the development of the coordinated series of foresight documents developed to support Member States in anticipating emerging technological developments and encourage their continued development in aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Digital Compact and to prepare for the post-2030 agenda. The Committee of Experts reaffirmed the importance of positioning the future geospatial ecosystem as a strategic and foresight activity to explore the wider digital ecosystem and for strengthening its contribution to digital transformation, addressing emerging technologies and bridging the digital divide. The committee of experts noted the importance of establishing robust governance, ethical stewardship, authoritative data, and adaptive legal frameworks, including risk-based oversight, regulatory sandboxes, and human-centered AI guardrails that protect public trust, privacy, and digital sovereignty. The Committee of Experts encouraged the promotion of bilateral cooperation, the augmentation of existing repository on capacity development and learning resources, and supporting regional activities related to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. And finally, the Committee of Experts supported the proposed next steps outlined in the paper, positioning the future geospatial information ecosystem, and requested the Bureau and the Secretariat to advance the proposed activities, including the organization of a webinar to further promote dialogue, practical use cases, and to engage member states and a broad range of stakeholders to further advance the future geospatial information ecosystem. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank Mr. Leissault and all participants for their valuable contribution to this interesting exchange of view. Now, I've seen Georgia would like to say something, but I feel we are now finished the whole discussion in this item. Okay. I just want to say if there is anything they would like to say. Georgia.

Sorry, maybe there was some misunderstanding because our statement dedicates to the statement seven and it was maybe, thank you.

Okay, the committee has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda number six. The committee will now take up the agenda number seven entitled with the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework. I invite Mr. Fernand Essri, co-chair of the high level group of the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Framework and assistant director of the National Mapping Institute of Cameroon to take the introducer seat in the body. Under this item, the committee has before its note by the secretariat entitled United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework contained in a document E/C.20/2026/8 and its addendum. I now give the floor to Mr. Fernand Azri to introduce the reports.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will speak in French.

Ladies.

And gentlemen, distinguished representatives, delegates, observers and colleagues, the report presented to the committee highlights the progress made by the High Level Group on Integrated Geospatial Information of the UN, UNGGIM, during the intercessional period. as well as strategic guidelines for future work. As a global normative framework, this remains the reference tool for member states to use as they strengthen their geospatial governance by favoring harmonized approaches with regard to governance, institutional tools, resource mobilization, capacity development, and use of geospatial information for public policy and sustainable development. Over the past year, the high-level group promoted this framework, encouraged the sharing of good practices, supported implementation efforts by member states, and promoted its strategic priorities. Our next actions will focus on updating the guidance documents of the UN IGIF, as well as taking the most of national experiences producing strategic communication tools that highlight the value of geospatial information as well as the finalization of our global survey of 2026 on the implementation of the framework. The document, however, underscores that profound changes in the digital landscape globally mean that a revision of the framework is necessary. Rapid developments in artificial intelligence, earth observation, Digital twinning, information platforms, and public digital infrastructure are transforming the world of production, integration, and use of geospatial data. These changes open up new prospects while raising major challenges linked to data quality, interoperability, algorithmic transparency, cybersecurity, data protection, ethics, digital sovereignty, and skills development. In this context, we propose engaging in a structural update of the framework, especially for its nine strategic areas to incorporate technological transformations while maintaining its universal scope and coherence. This vision ought to focus on strengthening governance aspects as well as those linked to legislation, financing, data, standards, innovation, partnerships, capacity, and communication. The high level group will strive to continue its standard setting role. While the UN Center for Knowledge and Information, the GGCE, with the support of UNTGIM and regional partners, ought to support the implementation of this update. The Committee is therefore invited to support an inclusive update process for this framework to promote broader action from UNGGIM through the sharing of national experience, as well as to strengthen communication measures to demonstrate the contribution of geospatial information to digital transformation, to the modernization of public action, and to the implementation of the SDGs. In closing, the document reaffirms that The UNIGIF ought to remain a living framework that evolves and that can anticipate future changes in order to guarantee geospatial governance that is more effective, inclusive, and based upon reliable data. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Asri, and now I open the floor for the discussion of this item. But first, I kindly remind all speakers of the time limit of two minutes for the statements because we are almost behind the time. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia.

Thank you, Mr. Co-Chair. Georgia welcomes the report of the High-Level Group on the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework and commends its continued leadership in advancing integrated geospatial information management globally. Georgia recognizes the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework, UNIGIF, as the principal strategic framework for advancing geospatial governance, improving institutional coordination, and supporting evidence-informing policymaking. The recommendations from the UN IGIF implementation documents developed for Georgia in 2021 provided valuable guidance for advancing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure NSDI. Today, the NSDI represents one of the strategic pillars of Georgia's digital government agenda. The adoption of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure Law in 2023 established a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the management and sharing of authoritative geospatial information. Building on this foundation, Georgia launched the National Geoportal in 2025, providing centralized access to interoperable geospatial datasets and digital services. We recognize integrated geospatial information as a key enabler for achieving the sustainable development goals and strengthening digital public infrastructure.

Moreover, Georgia views geospatial information as a critical enabler of national priorities, including land administration, spatial planning.

Infrastructure development, environmental management, digital transformation, and the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI and digital twins. In this regard, we consider the UN IGFI framework highly relevant to the development of resilient, interoperable and sustainable national geospatial ecosystem. Georgia remains committed to working closely with the United Nations and member states to advance integrated geospatial.

-- Coming up for a wrap.

Do you want me to do it?

I don't think that's fair. You've just done one. How many have you done?

If you'd like to. One or two.

All right. All right. Well, you get to Miriam up.

I thank the representative, distinguished representative of Georgia. And now I call the distinguished representative of Iraq..

I will be speaking Arabic.

Chair, ladies and gentlemen, Iraq thanks the High Level Group for the integrated framework for presenting this report, this document, 2026/8. And we thank the group for its efforts to develop this framework at a global level, especially when it comes to governance, capacity building, international cooperation, and support to member states to implement the framework. We support the content of the report and reiterate the importance of this framework as a reference framework that helps states to bolster their capacity in geospatial information. For our part, we've begun to prepare our national action plan for the implementation of this framework as part of our collaborative action in this field led by the Ministry of Planning and in cooperation with the Arab Committee and the UN. with the goal of strengthening governance of geospatial information and guaranteeing alignment with UN guidelines. We are continuing our cooperation with experts and Arab institutions as well as centers of excellence in China and Germany as well as all member states in order to strengthen the implementation of the framework. In closing, we welcome Saudi Arabia's hosting of the third Global Congress, which will be an important occasion to strengthen the framework's implementation, to exchange experiences, and to strengthen partnerships in order to achieve the SDGs. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iraq, and now I call the distinguished representative of Indonesia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Indonesia welcomes the report and supports continued implementation of the UN IGIF. The framework has strengthened governance, institutional coordination, and national geospatial capabilities. But implementation must remain country-led, practical, and responsive to national circumstances. Indonesia supports updating the UN IGIF suite to reflect implementation lessons, technological advances, AI and evolving digital ecosystem. Attention should be given to practical guidance for preparing, financing and executing country level action plans. We encourage stronger business cases that demonstrate the economic, social and environmental value of geospatial information to finance ministry and policy makers. The global implementation survey should regularly identify progress and capacity needs without creating unnecessary reporting burdens. Furthermore, Indonesia recognizes the important and complementary roles of the UN centers of excellence in supporting member states through capacity development, knowledge sharing, innovation, and technical assistance. To ensure coherence, avoid duplication, and maximize the impact of their programs, Indonesia suggests that the centers work closely together under the strategic coordination of the high-level group. Such coordination would help align their activities with the priorities of the UN IGIF, respond more effectively to the needs of member states, and ensure that available resources and expertise are used efficiently. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia, and I call the distinguished representative of Turkey.

Thank you, co-chair, distinguished delegates. Turkey takes note of the report of the high level group and appreciates its continued effort to support the implementation and further development of the UNIGIF. The country-led and country-owned principle remains the foundation of the framework. National leadership, sound governance, sustainable financing, and alternative national geospatial data should continue to guide its implementation. It's considered important that the proposed update of UNIGIF preserves its strategic pathways and overall architecture. Future updates could reflect member states implementation experiences, national priorities, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while maintaining sufficient flexibility to accommodate different national circumstances. Turkey recognizes the value of sharing country level action plans and implementation experiences among member states. In this content, Turkey has updated its National Geospatial Information System country report and made its country level action plan publicly available throughout the UNIGIM website. These documents are expected to support peer learning and the practical implementation of the framework. Looking ahead, Greater emphasis could be placed on regular capacity development programs supported by training of trainers initiatives and regional knowledge sharing activities. As the UNIGF continues to evolve further, consideration could also be given to alter international data, geo AI governance, transparency, human oversight, and cybersecurity. Turkey stands ready to continue sharing its national experiences and to participate in future exchange, support the implementation and further development of the UN IGIF. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey. Now I call the distinguished representative of Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Chair. The Republic of Korea welcomes the report of the High Level Group on the UN IGIF, and its strategic plan and highly appreciates its efforts to advance the global implementation of the UN IGIF. The Republic of Korea supports the continuous improvement of the UN IGIF suite of documents while maintaining its basic structure and strategic pathways, the updated framework should fully reflect the changing digital environment, including artificial intelligence and geo-AI, as well as the practical implementation experiences and national circumstances of member states. The Republic of Korea will continue to share its experience in national geospatial information management, geodetic reference systems, data use, digital transformation and AI, and will work with UN GGI MAP and member states to support the national implementation of the UN IGIF. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Republic of Korea. And now I call the distinguished representative of Ecuador.

Thank you, Mr. Kocher.

I'm going to speak in Spanish.

The delegation of the Republic of Ecuador expresses its appreciation to the High Level Group on the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework for the report presented and welcomes the progress achieved in the implementation of its strategic plan, particularly in the areas of governance, capacity development, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement of the framework. Ecuador reaffirms its support for UNIGIF as the reference framework to strengthen the national management of geospatial information, consolidate effective governance and promote the recognition of geospatial information as a strategic asset for evidence-based public policy making, digital transformation and sustainable development. In this context, Ecuador continues to strengthen national geospatial information management through the consolidation of national governance and coordination instruments, as well as the strengthening of the Ecuadorian spatial data infrastructure and the updating of the national inventory of geographic information and remote sensing, progressively aligning these efforts with the principles and strategic pathways of UN IGIF. In this process, the Military Geographic Institute, in its capacity as technical secretariat of the National Council of Geoinformatics, has reactivated technical cooperation with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in order to advance the development of the National Action Plan for the implementation of the framework. Finally, we reiterate our commitment to continue working with the Committee of Experts, the High Level Group, ECLAC and UNGGIM Americas to strengthen the implementation of UNIGIF and to contribute to the development of a solid, interoperable and sustainable national geospatial information ecosystem, strengthening regional cooperation and contributing to global efforts to harness the potential of geospatial information for sustainable development. Thank you.

Thank you, the distinguished representative of Ecuador. And now I call the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

I will speak in Arabic.

We express our appreciation to the High Level Group for its strong leadership and guidance in advancing the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework. We welcome the new strategic plan, which represents an important step towards strengthening implementation, governance, capacity development, and the sustainability of the framework.

This.

Framework serves as the global reference framework for the development of national geospatial.

Information systems, enabling digital transformation and enhancing data-driven decision making.

We commend the group's emphasis on national action plans, sustainable financing mechanisms, and practical implementation evidence, which collectively.

Maximize the contribution of geospatial information to sustainable development.

In this context, we support the group's effort to expand partnerships, strengthen knowledge.

Sharing, and leverage regional international experience to accelerate the implementation of the framework and enhance the readiness and.

Capabilities of the member states.

In conclusion, we express our readiness to contribute and collaborate with our partners with the framework to strengthen the framework. and for the sustainable development goals?

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia and now I call the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire.

Thank you, sir. I will speak in French.

The Republic of Cote d'Ivoire. welcomes the progress made by the High Level Group and fully aligns itself with the Group's strategic priorities and plan. We encourage an inclusive and structured process for updating the Integrated Framework, especially in its nine strategic areas, in order to include developments linked to AI, public and digital infrastructure. We encourage broader adoption of the framework, especially through the sharing of national action plans, practical guides, and case studies illustrating the results achieved. We support providing support for strategic communication and aligning official information management with national priorities and global development programs. We ask the Secretariat of UNGGIM and UNGGC to actively support this process in close collaboration with the high level group, member states, regional committees, and relevant partners. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire, and now I call the distinguished representative of Argentina.

Thank you very much, Chair. I'm going to be giving a summary to use time efficiently. Argentina takes note of the report and we thank the High Level Group, the Secretariat and UNGGKIC for the efforts undertaken over the last year. And I'd like to particularly recognize the work of the representative of the United States and their support team. as co-chair of the group at the seventh plenary meeting. I think that the progress that we have made in these years in implementing the UN IGIF had a lot to do with this democratic leadership. Thank you very much. And we also welcome the new co-chair from Indonesia. Argentina, as a member of the High Level Group, obviously supports the strategic plan with its goals and the configuration of its strategic teams and we welcome the advances that have been made recently in this area, in the areas of communication, policy briefs and also the regional and sub-regional workshops that have been held. These help us not just to develop capacity but also to raise awareness and we also encourage, suggest that we continue along this path. We welcome the progress that was made in the second global survey and we'd like to congratulate the UN GGKIC for this and with an eye to the future, we suggest that the survey could be done annually so that we can have greater coordination with the regional committees in order to capture regional perspectives and unite our efforts. With regard to the update proposal, obviously we agree with that in the terms proposed in the report with regard to its scope and mechanisms, and this reflects alignment with technological updates, but not just that. It also facilitates the implementation of the framework by Member States. And we also would stress the need to ensure participation of various contributors that were identified in the coordination activity carried out in Jeddah, as well as Member States that have experience in implementation. And we also welcome the commitment to ensure the availability of documents in various languages. And we also see positively the progress that's been made in the organization of the workshop for training trainers next month. And we'd encourage member states to implement this as much as possible. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Thank you very much for the distinguished representative of Argentina. But Could you please, because we are behind in time, could you please shortening your statements? We would like, if it's possible, to shorten it to one minutes, 30 seconds, something like that, because we have very long list. Thank you. Now I call the representative of the bar. Of the bar, please.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Nepal appreciates the Secretariat for comprehensive report on implementation of the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework. We welcome the new strategic plan and its focus on implementation, governance, capacity development, communication, and continuous improvement. We acknowledge the United Nations support on development of practical guidance, country level action plans, capacity building initiatives, and knowledge sharing platforms. We also emphasize the importance of sustainable financing and stronger technical support, particularly for developing countries, to ensure effective implementation of the framework. Nepal remains committed to working closely with the member state to promote the effective implementation of UN IGIF and achieve the sustainable development goals. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nepal, and I call the distinguished representative of United Arab Emirates.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I will speak in Arabic.

The UAE welcomes the report and strategic priorities adopted by the high-level group for the next stages. We adopted the strategic process of the framework and we've striven to implement it on a national level. Based on our experience in this area, we believe that the next steps ought to focus on highlighting the strategic value of the implementation of the framework, especially the reasons why the framework has been implemented and its added value for businesses and economies. We confirm our support for international efforts, our commitment as well as to exchange of information between states. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of United Arab Emirates. And now I call the distinguished representative of China.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. China welcomes the new high level group on UNIGF. and appreciates the progress the high level group has made in advancing the restructuring of strategic priorities and the updating of the framework. China appreciates the efforts of the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Center in supporting the implementation of UNIGIF. and supports the Centre in continuously carrying out global surveys on UNIGF implementation, so as to translate the practical experiences and development needs of various countries into effective guidelines for updating and optimizing UNIGF.

China suggests.

That the updating of UNIGF should fully take into account the differences in national conditions of all countries, optimize the process of country level action plans, and adapt to the implementation needs of small and medium sized countries. We suggest increasing resource allocation to underdeveloped regions through relevant UN platforms, providing toolkits, technical assistance, and capacity building training so as to effectively promote the capacity improvement of developing countries. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of China. And I think now because of we have very long list, we are going to close the list. So anyway, we'll give now the distinguished representative of Antigua Barbados.

Thank you, Chair. Antigua and Barbuda welcomes the report from the Bureau, Extended Bureau and Secretariat on the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework agenda. We commend the high level group by promoting adoption and visibility of the UNIGF through strong leadership and collaboration through various committees, partnerships and thematic networks. We also commend our various member states for their progress in implementing the UNIGF at aligning it with its national priorities. Having shared their experiences along with support of other regional and international partners, It has in turn helped Antigua and Barbuda in moving on to our near final stage in implementing the UN IGIF framework. We encourage member states who advanced in their progress to continue to share their findings and collaborate with other member states who may be lacking or in need of support. In closing, Antigua and Barbuda welcomes the commitment by UN GGKIC and UN GGIM Americas. to the furtherance of the integrated geospatial information framework and related activities. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of INTEGRA. And now I would like to draw to your attention that we will close the list after the next speaker. Now I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Honduras.

Thank you.

Honduras would like to thank the High Level Group for the progress made in the promotion and implementation of the geospatial integrated framework of the UN. And this has been the framework for consolidating the strategic framework to strengthen a geospatial governance to develop capacities and to guide member states in building national geospatial, uh, systems. for us the UN-GIS is a roadmap to strengthen the management of geospatial information which is strategic for national development. In this regard Honduras promotes activities to strengthen national cartography and strengthen the geodesic reference framework and helps us with cartography and cadasters and also provides greater interoperability of spatial information between public institutions. Honduras appreciates the focus of the level group on strengthening capacity, exchange of knowledge and international cooperation. We believe that these elements together with the good practice documents and case studies are fundamental to speed up the adoption of the framework and to show the value of geospatial information for sustainable development. We reaffirm our commitment to continue to strengthen regional geospatial information working together with the international community to consolidate geospatial systems that are more interoperable, integrated and sustainable to the profit of development and sustainable development for the benefit of that. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Honduras. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sweden.

Thank you, Chair. Sweden thanks the High Level Group for its comprehensive report and warmly welcomes the Strategic Plan 2026. Sweden wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the United States for its outstanding leadership as co-chair for the High Level Group. As the UN IGF enters a new phase of implementation, Sweden believes that the strategic prioritization will be essential. While many valuable activities are underway, focusing on the priorities identified in the strategic plan will enable the high-level group to deliver greater impact and clear outcomes for member states. Sweden therefore welcomes the transition to the four strategic themes and encourages the high level group to focus on supporting implementation, sharing knowledge, monitoring progress, and demonstrating the tangible benefits of the UNIGF through practical support and measurable results at national level. Sweden also underlines the importance of close cooperation with the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Center. Given the limited resources available across the UNGGM community, this collaboration should be mutually reinforcing. The centre can provide technical expertise, innovation and capacity development, while the high level group can identify member states priorities, share implementation experiences and help ensure that knowledge products address real needs. Such coordination will maximise impact and avoid duplication. Sweden look forward to continuing to contribute actively to the implementation of the strategic plan. Thank you.

Thank you very much for giving the time. I thank the distinguished representative of Sweden. Now I am calling the distinguished representative of Canada.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Canada is pleased to announce that the updated country report has been submitted to the secretariat and is available online. report, which provides a comprehensive summary of the geospatial ecosystem in Canada, builds on a national stocktake and launch of Canada's collaborative geospatial strategy. The tools developed for the UN IGIF have and will continue to guide the implementation of our national strategy over the coming years. We're pleased to work as co-chairs of the working group on policy and legal frameworks. with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to update UN IGIF Strategic Pathway 2. Canada thanks participants for sharing their expertise in the valuable workshop on October 3rd and looks forward to continuing this momentum in alignment with the work of the high level working group. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. And now I call the distinguished representative of Armenia.

Thank you, Chair.

Armenia welcomes the report of the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework and appreciates the work of the High Level Group in advancing its implementation. For all of us, UN IGIF is not an abstract framework.

It's a practical roadmap for improving public services and supporting national development. In 2022, we'll launch our national geo portal provides access to fundamental geospatial data including a dustal map land information addresses and ortho photos in 2024 Armenia also approved 12 National geospatial standards aligned with International best practice we are now developing an advanced National geportal to further improve data access interoperability and Advanced based decision making our next priority is to integrate more thematic data from sectoral agencies while strengthening data quality professional capacity, stakeholder coordination, sustainable financing. Armenia supports the continued work of the High Level Group and encourages greater exchange of practical experience and capacity building support among member states. Our experience confirms that successful UN IGIF implementation is measured not only by platforms and datasets, but by better services, better decisions and tangible benefits for citizens. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Armenia and now I'll call the distinguished representative of Barbados.

Thank you, Chair. Barbados thanks the High Level Group for its continued leadership in advancing the implementation of the UNIGF. We also welcome the strategic plan, which provides a clear roadmap for ensuring that the operationalization of the framework delivers outcomes for member states that are both effective and sustainable. As a small island developing state, Barbados particularly welcomes the high level group's commitment to supporting national capacity development in SIDS. Building resilient national geospatial information arrangements requires sustained investment in institutional capacity, technical expertise, governance and knowledge sharing. The UN IGIF provides an invaluable framework to guide these efforts. Barbados also wishes to underscore the importance of strategic partnerships and strengthen regional collaboration in accelerating implementation. For the Caribbean, the support of the Americas Regional Committee, UN ECLAC, and global centers has been critical in advancing our efforts to close the digital divide. Carriage remains a beacon of our collective commitment to champion our own progress. In this regard, Barbados congratulates Antigua and Barbuda and Jamaica on their recent national workshops and the significant progress made. Barbados reaffirms its commitment to working collaboratively with the high level group and the wider UNGJM community to strengthen integrated geospatial information management. Thank you, chair.

I think Thank you, distinguished representative of Barbados. And now I call the distinguished representative of Burundi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm making this statement on behalf of UNGGIM Africa. UNGGIM Africa congratulates the Bureau Secretariat and the High Level Group for the activities they recently carried out in order to promote the UN IGIF. In this regard, the African region takes note with satisfaction of this present report and fully aligns itself with strategic plan of the group as well as with the priorities laid out by it, especially when it comes to communication, governance, continued improvement and capacity building. We also commend the proposal to structure activities around eight priority areas in order to support a long-lasting adoption of the framework. The African region reaffirms that the UN IGIF is a key pillar for the management of geospatial information to serve national priorities and global agendas. We strongly encourage all member states in our region to broadly share their national action plans on the dedicated platforms in order to stimulate dialogue, to consolidate good practices, and to foster collective progress. UNGGIM Africa takes note of the report on the global survey on UNIGIF 2026. With regard to the future orientation of this survey, we would support that it should continue to be conducted for a two-year period in order to better consolidate the data. However, we insist on the need to closely integrate this process with regional and thematic surveys already existent in order to prevent duplication of efforts and to optimize the collective impact. In addition, we ask for the capacity building action area to be further taken into account in future surveys. The High Level Group and the UNGGCE ought to continue to support regional working groups and member states through workshops, webinars, and the sharing of practical experience. The African region is greatly in favor of initiatives that aim to build up strategic communication tools based on real use cases and national experience of the implementation of the UNIGF. The UNIGIF, UNGGIM Africa takes note of the eighth plenary meeting of the high level group in New York in August 2026, as well as the planning of the ninth plenary session at the beginning of 2027. Our regional committee will continue to fully support and contribute to that process. Thank you, Chair.

Now I thank the distinguished representative of Barbados and please keep on the time, one day. And sorry, and I thank him and I call the distinguished representative of India.

Thank you, Chair. India appreciates the high level group, the secretariat, and UNGGKIC for their continued leadership in advancing the UN IGIF as the global framework for strengthening national geospatial information management. India supports the high level groups new strategic plan and its emphasis on implementation, continuous improvement, capacity development and communication. India has embraced the principles of UN IGIF through the national geospatial policy and is preparing its country level action plan aligned with the framework's nine strategic pathways. The policy is guiding the transformation of India's geospatial ecosystem. India also supports the continued evolution of UN IGIF to address emerging technologies. We encourage the outcomes of the foresight initiatives to help shape the framework's continuous improvement. We also encourage the development of practical implementation guidance and country case studies. India stands ready to share its experiences and remains committed to working with high level group, UNGGKIC and member states to advanced implementation of the UN IGIF. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of India and now I call the distinguished representative of Jamaica.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Jamaica thanks the High Level Group and its co-chairs for the report presented under this agenda item and commends the group's leadership in sustaining the visibility and adoption of the UNIGF. Jamaica joins others in expressing our appreciation to the head of delegation for the United States of America and her team on their inclusive leadership of the high level group from its establishment through its 17th, its seventh plenary session. Jamaica welcomes the new co-chair from Indonesia and the group's new strategic plan. Jamaica's advance, Jamaica advance its own country level action plan this year. Through our national UNIGF workshop which was held in March. with the support of key international and regional partners such as UNECLAC. Through the collaboration, we were able to bring national stakeholders around the framework strategic pathways and its outcomes are now informing our national geospatial information management policy, which is under preparation. Jamaica underscores that sustainable funding remains a principal constraint on national implementation, and we welcome the Sustainable Funding Guide and its contained resources to aid Member States and encourage the High Level Group with the UNGGKIC to continue developing practical guidance on budget assessments and business case strategies suited to the circumstances of developing countries. As Chair of the Caribbean Steering Committee, Commendations are extended to the Caribbean member states on their efforts to implement the IGIF and recommit to providing technical support in collaboration with UNACLC and other valuable stakeholders in advancing IGIF implementation within our region. Finally, Jamaica supports the points for discussion as presented and looks forward to the outcomes of the group's eighth plenary meeting. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Jamaica and now I call the distinguished representative of South Africa.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. South Africa welcomes the report of the High Level Group and reaffirms its strong support for the UNIGIF as a global framework for strengthening nationally integrated geospatial information management. We commend the progress made in the implementation of the implementing the high level group strategic plan and acknowledge the valuable contributions of its thematic teams working together with the UN GGKIC in supporting member states to strengthen their national geospatial capabilities. South Africa welcomes the 2026 global survey on the UNIGIF as an important tool for measuring implementation progress. We encourage future surveys to assess not only policy adoption, but also funded implementation, institutional maturity, and measurable impact. South Africa encourages a continued investment in targeted capacity building initiatives, particularly for developing member states to strengthen national geospatial ecosystem and help bridge the geospatial digital divide. We also encourage member states to continue developing and implement their country level action plans and to share experiences and good practices that will accelerate global implementation of the UNIGIF. At national level and align with the UNIGIF, South Africa is implementing a base data governance framework of the UNIGIF to strengthen the governance quality and accessibility of authoritative geospatial data. Through the Committee for Spatial Information, South Africa continues to support base data coordinators and custodians in implementing and strengthening governance across all national base data themes of the South African Spatial Data Infrastructure. South Africa remains committed to supporting the implementation and advancement of the UNIGF through collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity development. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

I think that's the English representative of South Africa and I think I thank the everyone who's given in time please now uh I will call the English representative of Sylvania

thank you Mr Kocher this international will be on behalf of European Regional Committee ungm Europe welcomes the report of the high level group on the integrated geospatial information framework And we wish to highlight how the region's own activities directly support capacity development and capacity building. Concerning the broader adoption of the UN IGIF and the sharing of country level experiences, Europe notes that workshop on geospatial information management arrangements and wider integrated data ecosystem held in Vienna in February 2026 gathered together more over 50 experts and includes detailed presentations of UN IGIF implementation from various regional member states. This workshop was a direct practical contribution to fostering the knowledge, good practices and dialogue this point seeks to encourage. The workshop highlighted the need for better coordination between the UN IGIF and GSGF. Europe also wishes to acknowledge the valuable support of Eurostat, whose grant partly founded the Vienna workshop, mitigating the resource constraints facing the wider UNGGIM architecture. Regarding communication materials and use cases on specific strategic pathways, the European Committee notes that its UN IGIF working group is developing a podcast series focused on strategic pathway three about financing, conveying sustainable financing case studies and business case for investment. This is a direct response to the request to contribute examples and experiences. Thank you, Mr. Kocher.

I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia, and now I call the distinguished representative of United States.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States endorses the updated strategic plan and underscores the high-level group's continued role in providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight for implementation of the UN IGIF. The United States takes note of the global survey report and supports conducting a biennial survey in close coordination with the regional committees to measure use and implementation of the UNIGIF, identifying gaps and reducing duplication of efforts. The United States recognizes that successful implementation of the UNIGIF depends on practical guidance and the sharing of experiences. We commend the development of policy briefs and encourage member states to share country level action plans, implementation experiences, and case studies that demonstrate how the UN IGIF is being applied to address national priorities. The United States supports the continuous evolution of the UN IGIF and its suite of documents to reflect advances in the digital and geospatial landscape. and endorses the proposed subregional, regional, and global consultation approach for future updates. Finally, the United States congratulates the distinguished representative from Indonesia on his election as co-chair of the High-Level Group. We thank the distinguished representative from Cameroon for his continued leadership and also thank the dedicated leaders of the strategic team for theirs as well. We wish the group continued success leading the implementation of the UNIGIF around the globe. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United States, and now I call the distinguished representative of Iceland, Ireland.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Ireland welcomes the report and supports the revisions to the UN IGIF suite of products in areas such as emerging technologies and AI, as well as the simplification of the process and reference consolidation. Ireland would suggest that it is important to ensure full consultation with national statistics offices to ensure that consideration is given to the importance of facilitating statistical geospatial integration and statistical geography. as part of the framework. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland and I call the distinguished representative of Chile.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will provide my statement in Spanish.

Chile takes note of the report of the High Level Group on UNJIF and we very much appreciate their work and we welcome the strategic plan for the High Level Group. We think it's fundamental to strengthen the development of capacities through training programs, training of trainers, technical assistance and regional peer cooperation. We also think it's a priority to ensure that documentation guides and the methodological tools be available and updated in the six official languages of the United Nations. Chile encourages Member States to continue to adopt UNGIF as a reference framework and share their national experiences and frameworks in order to promote collective progress. Chile takes note of the report on the universal survey 2026 and we think that a two year, this should be done every two years. These kinds of surveys should develop towards being a strategic follow-up tool that will make it possible to identify where support is needed to guide a capacity training and strengthen synergy with regional groups in order to avoid duplication of work and maximize its collective impact. And finally, Chile believes it is important that the communication materials and practical use cases should take into account regional contexts in Member States to facilitate, therefore, the use of good practices and make clear national priorities. And now I'll move on to UNGGI America. We take note of the report prepared by the high-level group and express our appreciation for its continued efforts. To strengthen the framework, we also acknowledge the continued support of the UNGGIM Secretariat and the UNGGKIC. UNGGIM America would like to express our appreciation to the representative of the United States and her support team for their leadership in coordinating the High Level Group since the seventh plenary meeting. Regional Committee supports the strategic plan proposed and we recognise that its objectives respond to the global priorities and needs identified to further advance the implementation of the framework. We welcome efforts to compile and disseminate national case studies and policy briefs and express our willingness to actively contribute to these initiatives and emphasise the importance of ensuring that these products once again are available in all six official languages of the United Nations. Regional Committee highlights the importance of continuing to advance coordinated capacity development initiatives such as the training of trainers programme, regional and sub-regional workshops and seminars, webinars on the strategic pathways, the 16 steps for implementation and the sustainable financing guide. We support the proposed update of the framework including ensuring that IGIF documents are available in six languages and also it's important to include the experience of member states to ensure contributions from across the UN system and finally we strongly support the proposed next steps outlined in the report and emphasize the importance of continuing close collaboration between the United Nations with well the UNGGKIC the UNGGIM ECLAC and UNGGIM thank you.

Much I thank the distinguished representative of Chile and now I call the distinguished representative of St. Lucia.

Thank you co-chair distinguished delegates St. Lucia thanks the high level group for its comprehensive report on the igf and acknowledges the continued value of the igf as a strategic mechanism for strengthening National geospacial governance We support the group's strategic plan and acknowledge the achievements across communication, capacity development, implementation, governance, and monitoring. St. Lucia reiterates the importance of the UNIGIF as a foundational framework for modern geospatial information management. We encourage broader adoption by all member states and urge countries to share their national action plans to promote learning, good practices, and collective progress. We also take note of the 2026 global survey and recommend a three-year cycle Harmonized indicators and strong alignment with regional and thematic surveys to reduce duplication. And enhance impact. St. Lucia emphasizes the need for practical communication materials, use case driven, regionally balanced and reflective of diverse national circumstances to support effective implementation of the frameworks. strategic pathways. Saint Lucia reaffirms its commitment to the UNIGIF and urges member states to adopt the framework widely, implement it meaningfully, and share their experiences openly. This collective approach will enhance global geospatial readiness and support both national and international development ambitions. Saint Lucia notes the eighth plenary meeting of the HLG and looks forward to the ninth plenary meeting in 2027. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saint Lucia. Now I call the distinguished representative of Panama.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Panama welcomes the report and supports the strategic plan of the High Level Group of IGIF. As a member of the High Level Group and lead of the strategic team on capacity development and knowledge sharing, Panama wishes to share a lesson from our national experience. The IGIF provides a valuable methodology for developing public policy and a whole of government geospatial strategy. Panama has completed its national assessment and is now drafting its country action plan. Our experience shows that its comprehensive scope can challenge countries with limited capacities and financing. Panama therefore believes the high level group IGIF could explore guidance combining a comprehensive assessment of all nine strategic pathways with phased and modular implementation. Countries could begin with a national priority, demonstrate early and measurable public value, build an investment case, and progressively scale implementation while preserving the whole of government vision and the commitment to leave no one behind. Panama looks forward to advancing this approach through the High Level Group and sharing lessons from its country action plan. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Panama, and I call the distinguished representative of Tonga.

Thank you, Chair. King of Thailand acknowledged the close collaboration between the High Level Group and the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Center in the compilation of the Global Survey 2026. It provided the very much needed global evidence and information on the implementation of the framework, including progress status, achievements, challenges and priority area to target support across regions. However, Tonga recognised the low participation from Pacific Islands in the survey, which definitely impact the results of the survey. And we request the opportunity for Pacific Islands to complete the survey. Even though Tonga has adopted its national action plan, we still face with issues in implementing it, specifically around governance, capacity, resourcing and financing. And we seek the support of the UN GGKIC to provide support and assistance for Tonga in the implementation of its national action plan. Furthermore, Tonga support the proposed approach for the improvement and updates to the UN IHF. the two-step consultation process, the regional or sub-regional consultations and workshop, and the global consultations with stakeholders, including member states. And finally, Tonga expressed its interest to join the high-level group to share our experience at the same time, ensure geographical coverage. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Tonga, and now I call the distinguished representative of United Kingdom.

Thank you, Chair. Like many countries in the room, the United Kingdom is actively using the principles of the UN IGIF to understand the current capability and future requirements of our national geospatial ecosystem. During the eighth plenary meeting of the High Level Group this week, we welcome the planned refresh of the UN IGIF documentation and commend the work of the Secretariat and the UN GGKIC in creating use cases and policy briefs that demonstrate how the principles of UN IGIF are delivering actionable impact. We support the proposal to update the framework without fundamentally redesigning it and encourage the focus of the update to be based on country implementation experiences and practical user needs. We continue to support the principle of having strategic teams acting as a bridge between the high-level group, our regional groups and individual member states, thereby providing leadership and oversight to the delivery and continued development of the UNIGIF. The renewed focus of the high-level group should build on the results of the global survey 2026, which provides a useful evidence base on the current adoption and implementation of UNIGF across member states and will be useful to support capacity development where it is most needed. We encourage future surveys to focus more on the maturity and impact of UNIGF implementation rather than simply on awareness and uptake. We also support the comments made by UNGGIM Europe to provide a mechanism for regional committees to access the data from the survey to understand the regional responses in more detail, as that will help reduce duplication and maximise the impact of survey responses for regional support. In closing, we would like to acknowledge the leadership of the co-chairs of the High Level Group who have shaped and developed the strategic plan and objectives during this last inter-sessional period, setting a clear direction and structure to enable the UNIGF to further develop and support member states with implementation. We would particularly like to acknowledge the critical leadership role that the United States of America has played in the work of the High Level Group over the last five years, and we look forward to working with the new co-chairs as an active member of the High Level Group. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of United Kingdom, and I call the distinguished representative of Mozambique.

Thank you, Chair. Mozambique welcomes the report by the Secretariat on the United Nations Integrated Spatial Information Framework and expresses its gratitude to the Bureau, the Secretariat and High Level Group on the Integrated Spatial Information Framework for their leadership and strategic vision. Mozambique reaffirms its full commitment to the adoption and implementation of UNIGF as a foundation framework for national development, evidence-based policy making and digital transformation. In line with this commitment, Mozambique highlights its key intercessional contribution to high level group, co-leading the team on implementation and governance alongside with Bahrain. Mozambique supports the broader global adoption on UN IGIF and encourage member state to share the country level action plan to foster peer learning and South-South cooperation. Finally, Mozambique remains dedicated to working group closely with Bureau Secretariat and UN GGKIC and fellow member state to ensure that UN IGIF continues to involve as a living fit for proposed framework that leaves no one behind. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mozambique. And now I call the distinguished representative of Belgium.

The Kingdom of Belgium welcomes the report and endorses the statement delivered by the European Group. Belgium welcomes the new composition of the High Level Group and the application of the provisions of its terms of reference. A regular review of membership helps ensure that functional groups remain composed of motivated and active partners. We encourage other functional groups of the Committee to follow this good practice. We support the updating of the UN IGIF suite of documents to ensure that the framework remains practical and responsive to evolving national needs, emerging technologies and global priorities. We propose that the committee mandate the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Center and the Secretariat to undertake this update under the clear guidance of the high level group. The update should be based primarily on real implementation experience, including lessons learned by Member States, existing implementation reports and structured feedback from the regional committees. It should result in practical guidance, concrete examples and tools that can be readily applied by countries with different levels of geospatial maturity. Belgium looks forward to contributing actively to this process and to the continued implementation and improvement of the UN IGIF. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Belgium. Now I call the distinguished representative of European Commission, Eurostat.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Eurostat appreciates the working progress made in the implementation of UNIGIF. In line with the European position, Eurostat wish to highlight the reach outcomes of the workshop on geospatial information management arrangements and the wider integrated data ecosystem co-organized with the UNGGIM Secretariat and held in Vienna in February 2026. The event included detailed presentations on best practice examples of UN IGIF and GSGF, the Global Statistical Geospatial Framework, implementation from various member states in Europe and beyond. The discussions have outlined the need to ensure links and synergies in implementing the UNGGIM frameworks, but to avoid duplications and needed effort. Eurostat is committed to supporting the further implementation of the UN frameworks. This includes financing grants, such as the GSGF CARE project, facilitating exchange of best practices and enhancing collaboration between geospatial and statistical agencies at national, regional and global level. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Commission, Eurostat. And now I call the distinguished representative of UNGGM Geospatial Societies.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The UNGGM Geospatial Societies welcome the high-level group strategic priorities on communication, implementation, governance, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement of the framework. These priorities recognize that successful implementation depend not only on the institutional arrangement, but also on sustained professional capability. Also acknowledge the leadership of the coaches of the high level group. Over the past years, the geospatial societies have strengthened our engagement across region through international scientific congress. holding dedicated UN IGIF workshop at FIG Congress in Cape Town, ISPRS Congress in Toronto, ISD webinars, technical forums and collaboration with the UNGGKIC, creating opportunities for professionals to share experience, exchange knowledge and build lasting professional networks. The UNGGM Geospatial Societies also welcome the emphasis on sharing country experiences, practical case studies and knowledge resources. Geospatial societies can help disseminate these lessons internationally through our conference, publication, and global networks, accelerating peer learning across regions. Finally, the geospatial societies remain committed to supporting the continued evolution and implementation of the framework and to working closely with the high-level group of IGIF, the UNGGKIC, and all partners in building sustainable national geospatial capability. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of UN GGI and geospatial societies. Now I call the distinguished representative of Pacific Community, SPC.

Dear Mr. Chair, for the Pacific small island developing states, The UNIGIF provides a practical and transformative framework to strengthen national geospatial information management, support evidence-based decision making, and enhance resilience to climate change and disaster, sustainable development challenges, and the digital transformation agenda. We recognize the framework as a foundational mechanism for strengthening governance, policy, data integration, capacity development, and sustainable geospatial investment. Looking ahead, SPC and PGSC are committed to strengthening collaborative to move into implementation and measurable outcomes across the Pacific. For the following, to continue supporting the development and implementation of the national country action, country level action plans, establish a Pacific UNIGIF community of practice and knowledge hub, strengthen governance policy and institutional arrangements, mobilize sustainable financing and investment, and expand regional capacity and development programs. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pacific community. And now I call the distinguished representative of UNGGI and private sector network.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Private Sector Network welcomes the report and the 2026 assessment. The assessment sends a clear message. The opportunity now is to deepen awareness and critically sustainable implementation. Importantly, the most significant barriers are increasingly institutional and financial rather than technical. And so the Private Sector Network therefore strongly supports a focus on country level action plans, sustainable financing and capacity development. The opportunity is to turn these plans into implementable, funded, and sustainable programs. And so the private sector can contribute practical expertise, innovative financing and business models, technology, capacity development, and real-world use cases. We can also support the integration of emerging technologies, including AI, into the strategic pathways and the updated implementation guidance. The private sector network uses this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of the United States in the High Level Group over the many years and welcomes the new co-chair from Indonesia. The private sector network stands ready to contribute and to partner with the High Level Group to move the UN IGIF from framework to sustained implementation and impact. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of UNGGIM private sector network. Now I call the International Cartographic Association.

Thank you, Chair. The International Cartographic Association fully supports the implementation of the IGIF. To further strengthen its impact, ICA proposes the development of an international portfolio of maps that work. thus practical examples demonstrating how effective cartography transform geospatial information into clear actionable evidence for policy and decision making. Such a collection would illustrate the societal value of geospatial information in a language that ministers, policy makers and the wider public readily understand. ICA stands ready to work with UN Member States and partners in developing this initiative as a practical contribution to advancing the objectives of the IGA. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of International Cartographic Association, ICA. Now we just heard from the last speaker in the discussion of this item. Now I invite Mr. Guillaume Lisot, Geospatial, Information Officer at the Global Geospatial Information Management Section of UN SD to summarize the main points of this discussions.

Thank you, Chair. The Committee of Experts welcomed the report of the High-Level Group on the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework and commended its continued leadership, coordination and efforts to enhance global geospatial information arrangements and to advance the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework, and further endorsed its strategic plan, priorities, objective and establishment of teams. The Committee of Experts reaffirmed the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework as the overarching policy framework for strengthening national geospatial information management and encouraged its broader adoption and implementation by Member States in support of national priorities and global development agendas. And implementation experiences to promote -- oops, sorry. And broader adoption and implementation in support of national priorities, global development agendas, and encourage member states to share their country-level action plans and implementation experiences to promote peer learning, good practices, and collective progress. The Committee of Experts agreed to the proposed inclusive process to update and improve the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework suite of documents, ensuring the framework remains a living document, reflects emerging technologies in the digital landscape, and guarantees the framework is updated based on Member States' practices and recommendations. And in this context, request the Secretariat and the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Center, UNGGKIC, to support this effort in the coming intercessional period in close collaboration with the high-level group on the integrated geospatial information framework and regional committees. The committee welcomed the findings of the global survey on the UNIGIF 2026 and conducted conducted by the UNGGKIC, recognizing the value of the survey as a mechanism for monitoring global implementation of the framework and a prioritization tool for technical assistance. and considered that future, the future frequency, scope and methodology of the survey should be conducted in close collaboration with the high level group on the integrated geospatial information framework, taking into account synergies with regional and thematic surveys to reduce duplication efforts and maximize collective impact. And finally, The committee of experts supported the further development of communication and knowledge materials demonstrating the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework and its strategic pathways and encouraged the promotion of knowledge exchange, the conduct of capacity development activities and sharing practical national implementation experiences. And in this context, welcome the support of the UNGGKIC to further develop knowledge, sharing resources, conduct capacity development activities and training programs, and provide technical assistance in close coordination and under the guidance of the high level group on the AGIF. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank you, Mr. Lisore. and all participants for their valuable contribution to this interesting exchange of views. The committee has thus concluded this stage of consideration of agenda item seven. Item number eight. Global Geodetic Reference Frame. Distinguished delegates, I am pleased to inform you that the interpreter granted us 15 minutes execution and I thank them. The committee will now take up agenda number eight entitled Global Geodetic Reference Frame. I invite Mr. Fernand Bill, co-chair of the subcommittee in geodesy and head of department of geodesy, federal agency for cartography and geodesy of to take introducer seats in the podium. Under this item, The committee has before its note by the secretariat entitled Global Geodetic Reference Frame contained in document E/C.20/2026/9 and its addendum. I give now the floor to Mr. Fernand Veil to introduce the documents.

Thank you, Chair. Distinguished delegates, the report before you from the Subcommittee on Geodis reflects a period in which the sustainability of a global geodis supply chain has moved decisively onto the international agenda. Discussions across the international period reinforce a shared view among member states and stakeholders. Fragmented governance, uneven distribution of responsibilities, limited coordination mechanisms and insufficient long-term financing now pose a direct risk to the continued delivery of positioning, navigation and timing services, air navigation and the many applications that depend on them. In response, the subcommittee working with UNGGCE and the international group of experts are starting to examine possible pathways for strengthening international governance for geodesy, including at a meeting convened this week alongside the session. Regardless of a pathway ultimately pursued, the subcommittee seems common, sees common priorities that member states will need to address. Early coordination mechanisms, defined roles and responsibilities, sustainable and predictable financing, expanded capacity development, and a minimum coordination and implementation function as a first step towards long-term arrangements. Alongside this government's work, the subcommittee's working group on frequency protection continues to build a technical evidence base needed to support future negotiations at the World Radio Communication Conference. On integration across land and sea domains, the subcommittee collaborated with Open Geospatial Consortium to produce two publications under the Federated Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure Pilot Project, offering practical guidance for member states on bridging land and sea geospatial information. On the capacity development, the subcommittee UNGGCE delivered in-person workshops across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, which developed the capacity of people from 100 countries. In today's discussion, the subcommittee invites member states to provide advice and guidance on Thereby, a subcommittee in collaboration with the UNGGCE should undertake a more structural consultation on strengthening international governance arrangements for geodesy. Second, how member states can engage in efforts to protect radio frequency spectrum essential for geodetic VLBI observations, including in preparation for future International Telecommunication Union processes. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Bell. Now, I now open the floor for discussion on this item. I kindly remind all speakers of the time limit of one minute and 30 seconds for the interventions. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will speak in Arabic.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the report of the center, as well as the UN center, and the update of the GGRF, the Global Geodetic Reference Frame, and the progress achieved in implementing the common capacity building plan and the development of the radio frequencies and the different stations of FMI, which will contribute in promoting the sustainability of the supply chains of geodetic information. The Kingdom expresses its appreciation to the effort made to ensure an Arab global geodetic reference frame as well as welcoming the establishment of the steering committee. We reaffirm the importance of this report to promote international geodesy governance and the ability to participate to ensure a continued consultations on the different governance options in the future. We must take into account the needs of different countries and international coordination, the sustainability of financing and ensure future arrangements for governance. We are ready to work with the international, or sorry, global geospatial framework and reference frame to ensure the sustainability of our that will serve sustainable development for current and future generations. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia and I call the distinguished representative of India.

Thank you, Chair. India appreciates the Subcommittee on Geodesy, the UN Global Geodetic Center of Excellence, and the secretariat for their comprehensive report and continued efforts in advancing the implementation of global geodetic reference frame. As reliance on the precise positioning, navigation and timing continues to grow, a resilient global geodetic reference frame is indispensable for earth observation, infrastructure and digital public infrastructure. India supports an inclusive, member state driven approach to international geodetic cooperation. We welcome efforts to enhance global coordination, build capacity, improve the resilience of the geodetic supply chain and safeguard the radio frequency spectrum essential for VLBI observations. At the national level, India continues to advance the modernization of its national geodetic reference framework and remains committed to supporting international cooperation and capacity development through knowledge sharing and technical collaboration. India looks forward to continuing to work with the subcommittee, the UNGGC and the member states to advance the GGRF as a foundation for sustainable development and resilient digital economies. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of India and I call the distinguished representative of France.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will now switch to French.

France notes with satisfaction the progress and work accomplished by the Committee on Geodesy during the period of work in close cooperation with the Global Geodetic Center of Excellence of the UN. We highlight the importance of establishing a global geodetic supply chain that is consolidated, long-lasting and resilient in order to secure the production of critical geodetic infrastructure on the global level. For this region, France suggesting changing the topic, the name of agenda item eight to global geodetic supply chains starting at the tenth session. We also insist on the importance of establishing global and open governance for these supply chains and commend the work that has taken place in this regard by the Committee and Center of Excellence. We strongly support the creation of a structured consultation process on governance options that would take into account the varying needs and demands of Member States. France commends the continued commitment of member states in efforts to protect the range of radio frequencies that are essential for geodetic observations. France will continue to contribute to the joint work of this committee and the Center of Excellence for Geodesy. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of France, and now I call the distinguished representative of Sweden.

Thank you, Chair. Sweden thanks the Subcommittee on Geodesy and the United Nations Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence for their comprehensive report and their continued dedication to strengthen and focusing on the global geodesy supply chain. Sweden also welcomed the work by the subcommittee on the Odyssey and the Center on governance through a structured consultation process reflecting the diverse needs and requirements of member states. Sweden particularly welcomes the close collaboration between the subcommittee and the center. Their complementary roles in strategic coordination, technical expertise, capacity development and international cooperation are essential for ensuring coherent global action and making the best use of the limited resources available to the international community. Finally, Sweden remains firmly committed to international cooperation and looks forward to continuing to contribute actively to this important work. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sweden and I call the distinguished representative of Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Republic of Korea appreciates the work of the Subcommittee on geodesy and the United Nation Global Geodetic Center of Excellence to advance the global geodetic reference frame and support the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 69/266. The Republic of Korea supports the discussion on stronger international governance for geodesy. However, before creating a new institutional framework, we believe it is important to first establish a basic coordination function, clearly define roles and responsibilities, and.

Take a step-by-step approach.

We also recognize the importance of protecting the radio frequency spectrum for geodetic VIBI. Member States should also take an active part in preparations for the International Telecommunication Union and future World Radio Communication Conferences. As co-chair of UN GIMAP, the Republic of Korea will continue to support regional and global cooperation in geodesy with the 2027 IUGG General Assembly in Incheon, Republic of Korea, serving as an opportunity to further strengthen international governance for geodesy. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Republic of Korea, and now I call the distinguished representative of Panama.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Panama welcomes the report of the Subcommittee of Geodesy, and we agree with its implementation of -- with regard to the implementation of 79266. For Panama, geodesy is the essential infrastructure for territorial management, legal certainty, risk assessment, navigation and sustainable development. In this context, our country is working together with the multilateral bank to integrate our national geodesic information systems. This initiative provides for historic investment of our government in this sector, aimed at strengthening observation infrastructure, updating the technological capacity and developing the necessary technical capacities to ensure its sustainability. We believe that this effort corresponds directly to the call made made in the report to take genuine political commitments and provide more sustainable, predictable funding. Panama is prepared to share this experience and promote greater regional cooperation during the 13th session of UNGGIM Americas, which we will be hosting, have the honour to host next October. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Panama and now I call the distinguished representative of Uruguay.

Uruguay notes with satisfaction the report of the Subcommittee on Geodesy and welcomes the progress made in implementing General Assembly resolution 69/266. First, regarding international governance, Uruguay fully supports the Subcommittee and the Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence in advancing the consultation process on governance and financial sustainability. We emphasize that the resilience of the global network requires concrete mechanisms for economic support and direct investment, both for maintaining geodetic infrastructure and for the continuous development of capacities. As an example of this commitment, Uruguay will host the SIRGAS Symposium and School in Montevideo from the 3rd to the 13th of November, an important forum for technical training and the consolidation of regional infrastructure. Secondly, with regard to spectrum protection, we strongly support actions within the ITU to safeguard the radio frequencies that are essential for geodetic observations such as VLBI, and we urge Member States to coordinate with their national regulators in preparation for the 2027 World Radio Communication Conference. Thirdly, we support giving priority to the Joint Capacity Development Plan for geodesy, ensuring both technical and strategic training for decision-makers. Thank you very much, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay. And now I call the distinguished representative of United Arab Emirates.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will speak in Arabic.

The UAE welcomes the report on the efforts made to strengthen the global geodetic reference frame, We affirm the importance of treating geodesy as essential national infrastructure supporting the various national services and sectors. In this context, we have striven to unify local geodetic monuments as part of a unified system in order to strengthen the complementarity of information. and their link with the global geodetic system. We also support international efforts to strengthen and make permanent global geodetic references, and we reaffirm our willingness to share experience.

I thank the distinguished representative of United Arab Emirates, and now I call the distinguished representative of Serbia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm speaking on behalf of UNGGM Europe. UNGGM Europe welcomes the report of the Subcommittee on Geodesy, and in particular, the discussion on international governance arrangements for the global geodesy supply chain. The Europe Regional Committee knows that following the research by and lengthy discussions amongst some leading nations under the Subcommittee on Geodesy, three proposed pathways are usefully summarized in the report, and welcomes these as a valuable basis for further discussions. Given the significance of the governance question and the operational security and financing risks associated with the current fragmented arrangements, UNGGM Europe considers it important that all member states have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion. UNGGM Europe welcomes a structured consultation process be launched, reflecting the perspective and priorities of all regions. UNGGWM Europe noted with pleasure the side event on international governance arrangements for geodesy, co-chaired by Germany and Norway during this 16th session. The Europe Regional Committee considers this to have been a valuable opportunity to begin a broader dialogue on this issue and will encourage its outcomes to help inform the scope and design of the process envisaged going forward. UNGGM Europe appreciates the Subcommittee's efforts to protect geodetic VLBI from radio frequency interference, particularly its work toward a dedicated agenda item for WRC-2031 to be proposed at WRC-2027. Europe considers this agenda item as a key priority for the Committee going forward. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Serbia. And now I will call the distinguished representative of Argentina, and it's the last speaker of this meeting.

Thank you very much, Chair. The delegation of the Argentine Republic congratulates and thanks the members of the Subcommittee on Geodesy for their work during the intersessional period and for their efforts to advance the global geodetic reference frame. Argentina advocates a more structured consultation process between the Subcommittee and the UNGGCE in order to strengthen international governance arrangements. Relating to geodesy as a fundamental component of efforts to reinforce the supply chain, Argentina considers international cooperation, and particularly assistance to developing countries, in the area of training and support for strengthening the implementation of all geodetic techniques to be of great importance. Argentina also supports the continued participation of the geodetic communities of Member States in order to protect the radio frequency spectrum used for VLBI and to support preparations for future processes of the radio communication sector of the ITU and the World Radio Communication Conference in 2031. Argentina and its organizations are actively working towards these goals. Thank you.

I thank the last speaker of this session. And now, we still have some long list of delegates expressing their wishes to speak. However, I will give the time. We will hear the remaining speakers in this afternoon. The committee, 00 PM in this conference room, this conference room to continue this consideration of agenda item number eight entitled Global Geotechnical Reference Frame before adjourning. I would once again, I would once more like to thank all interpreters for their extension granted time. This meeting is adjourned.