UN-GGIM

Participants appreciated the in-person Fifth meeting of the Expert Group on Land Administration and Management that incorporated an international seminar which provided the needed platform for in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, and exchange of views, perspectives and experiences on the multifaceted nature of integrated geospatial information for effective land administration and management, as well as its relevance in addressing local, national and global challenges. A total of forty expert representatives participated in the Fifth meeting that included a two-day International Seminar on United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management with the theme 'effective land administration'. Participants came from thirteen Member States (36 participants), UN system, Private Sector Network and the UN Secretariat. The two-day international seminar, on 8 - 9 April 2024, had an additional, approximately, 100 national participants. There were open sharing, exchanges and interactions on issues, challenges and feasible path forward as participants collectively and expertly work through the agendas. Participants exchanged insights, highlighted key initiatives, and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts in advancing effective land administration and management for sustainable development and resilience. The Fifth meeting agreed on a number actionable steps to address challenges and to promote effective land administration and the implementation of the FELA.

The implementation of the Framework for Effective Land Administration (FELA) , the strengthening of nationally integrated geospatial information management and its arrangements, leadership, resources and capacities nationally and sub-nationally including cadastral institutions, and the integration of terrestrial, maritime, built and cadastral domains were among key items of work considered. The Expert Group members shared their experience and exchange information regarding their efforts to implement the FELA and reiterated the need to update and maintain the FELA as a living document. With regards to addressing the integration of terrestrial, maritime, built and cadastral domains, participants agreed to the preparation of a guidance document to promote good practices and share lessons learnt. It was recognized that more outreach is needed, to engage and include relevant stakeholders. In this regard, the Expert Group is challenged to focus on developing practical guidance to support Member States with the "how" for the implementation of the FELA alongside the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF).

The Fifth meeting of the Expert Group on Land Administration and Management including the international Seminar was very ably, professionally and hospitably hosted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía) (INEGI) of Mexico with the support of the Mexican Cadastre Institute (Instituto Mexicano de Catastro) (INMECA) and the Permanent Committee of Cadastre in Latin America (El Comite Permanente de Catastro en Iberoamerica) (CPCI). Participants wholeheartedly expressed their appreciation for the welcoming environment, the warm collegiality, and the gracious hospitality.