UN-GGIM

In today’s data-centric world, data is the fuel of our society, and geospatial information is a critical element of a modern, digital, and data-driven society. Indeed, digital public infrastructure and knowledge, as called for in the Pact for the Future, rely on geospatial information as a key enabler to realize an integrated whole-of-government services approach that contributes to economic growth, national security, inclusive social development, environmental sustainability, resilience and prosperity. Government investments are critical to develop, integrate, and strengthen geospatial information management for better decision-making, increased investment efficiencies, foster government action and advance global agendas.

The integration of geospatial information and statistical data ensures a broader comprehensive country’s national data ecosystem and its digital currency. Indeed, by combining location-based data with statistical data, analysts and policymakers can address complex issues such as urban planning, public health, education, resources management, and environmental protection more effectively, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Since its inception in 2011, the Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) has developed frameworks, strategies and guides notably the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF) and, alongside the Statistical Commission, the Global Statistical Geospatial Framework (GSGF) to help countries modernize and integrate national geospatial information and national statistical information for national priorities and global agendas.

The series of back-to-back in-person expert consultation and related meetings on ‘Developing strategies and implementing geospatial solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals’ are organized at the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria, from 09-13 February 2026, with expert representatives of Member States and partners to advancing country-owned and country led strategies and solutions to strengthen and enhance nationally integrated geospatial information management arrangements, and its resources and capacities towards accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and national priorities. The meetings will bring together members of the Bureau and its expanded bureau and the High-level Group to consider strategic directions and priorities in enhancing global geospatial information management arrangements and accelerating the implementation of the UN-IGIF and the SDGs. The meetings will be followed by a workshop dedicated to the implementation of UN-IGIF and the GSGF in Europe and neighbouring regions

The Bureau will consider its current programme of work including a coherent global capacity development programme, the future geospatial information ecosystem, the global geodesy supply chain, its upcoming report on climate, environment and (disaster) resilience, its upcoming sixteenth session and the Third World Geospatial Information Congress, the operations of the UN Global Geospatial Centres of Excellence and other priorities. At its Seventh plenary meeting, aligned with the ECOSOC resolution 2024/22, the High-level Group on the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (HLG-IGIF) will consider modalities and activities to sustain and broaden the adoption of the UN-IGIF to ensure its continued effectiveness and benefits to all Member States. Finally, the workshop on geospatial information management arrangements and the wider integrated data ecosystem will focus on advancing the implementation of both the UN-IGIF and the GSGF in Europe and neighboring region.

The series of meetings and consultations are inter-connected and organized in four segments separate segments including:

• 9-10 Feb 2026: Expanded Bureau (closed)
• 10-11 Feb 2026: High-level Group on the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (closed)
• 11 (afternoon)-13 Feb 2026: Joint session of the HLG-IGIF and Workshop
• 12-13 Feb 2026: Workshop on geospatial information management arrangements and the wider integrated data ecosystem for Europe/Eastern Europe and the neighboring regions.