UN-GGIM

This session discusses the multi-dimensional contributions of the Academic Network as a critical aspect of promoting and sharing geospatial data and integration approaches, developing legal and policy instruments, implementing institutional management models, providing technical solution and standards, enhancing interoperability of systems and geospatial data, and improving access to quality and timely data. The session covers the significance of a 'geospatial academy', which facilitates innovative and interdisciplinary means to involve experts from different domains in the geospatial realm. A smart and sustainable future for all is at the center of the geospatial academy agenda where the spatial measurement of SDGs and smart city indicators contribute to pathways that reduce urban inequalities, develop long-term sustainable solutions, strengthen international cooperation, and create a comprehensive (spatial) data ecosystem. Geospatial information and systems support decision-making and planning at local, national, and global levels and facilitate the measurement and monitoring of progress when tackling complex problems. Economic, social, and environmental challenges and their solutions are interconnected across different locations, particularly in future smart, resilient, and sustainable communities and cities. Therefore, strengthening accessibility to reliable geospatial information and systems fosters the development of action-based solutions and strengthens international cooperation.

1. Presenters/Panellists:
   Prof. Menno-Jan Kraak, University of Twente, Netherlands
   • Presentation
2. Prof. Wu Huayi, Wuhan University, China
   • Presentation
3. Prof Chryssy Potsiou, National Technical University of Athens, Greece
   • Presentation
4. Ms. Ivana Ivanova, Curtin University
   • Presentation
5. Mr. Michael J. Starek, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
   • Presentation
6. Dr Zhixuan Yang, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (DUFE)
   • Presentation
7. Professor Dr Zaffar Sadiq Mohamed-Ghouse, Surveying & Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI), Australia
   • Presentation
8. Moderator:
   Prof. Abbas Rajabifard, University of Melbourne, Australia
   • Presentation