UN-GGIM

A major capacity development goal for many developing countries is to ensure that international cooperation and partnerships can be leveraged in such a way that fosters the management and exchange of geospatial information in support of national development priorities. Effective cross-sector and interdisciplinary international cooperation, including industry and private sector partnerships, are an important premise to developing a sustainable integrated geospatial information framework in countries, building upon a culture of trusted partnerships and strategic alliances that recognize common needs and aspirations, and aligned to national priorities. The Session will be framed by the "Belt and Road" region; home to more than 65% of the world's population, 85% of the world's major disasters, and 18 cities that have populations of greater than 10 million inhabitants. The Belt and Road initiative promises increased trade, socio-economic development, and protecting diverse and fragile environments. It also includes a digital dimension - the Digital Silk Road - to leverage the Internet, the digital economy, and improved science and technology infrastructure across the region.

1. Presenters/Panellists:
   Mr. Jasper Kakooza
   • – Senior Staff Surveyor, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Uganda (on behalf of H.E. Ms. Persis Namuganza, Minister of State for Lands, Uganda)
2. Mr. Ross Comstock
   • – Vice President, Information Systems and Technology, Kellogg Foundation, United States of America
   • Presentation
3. Mr. Sanjay Kumar
   • – Secretary-General and CEO of the World Geospatial Industry Council
   • Presentation
4. Dr. Stuart Minchin
   • – Chief, Environmental Geoscience Division, Geoscience Australia
   • Presentation
5. Mr. Alexandre Caldas
   • – Chief, Country Outreach, Technology & Innovation, UN Environment, Kenya
   • Presentation
6. Moderator:
   Ms. Ingrid Vanden Berghe
   • – Administrator-General, National Geographic Institute, Belgium