During GEO Week 2021, the Group on Earth Observations will present the multidisciplinary activities of the GEO Work Programme that address policy agendas involved in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP26, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.

The online event will include the GEO-17 plenary, plus anchor and side events. Time will be scheduled each day for virtual networking. On Monday, November 22, the 56th Executive Committee will be held as a closed meeting.

Of particular importance will be the anchor events: These are the main events designed by GEO week 2021 organisers to explain the multidisciplinary nature of GEO through the concept of nexus thinking. Working on multiple topics simultaneously is essential in today’s rapidly changing environmental and social conditions. For example, work in one area will have a knock-on effect or impact in another area, such as the water, energy and food nexus. These events are linked to the global policy agendas that underpin most of GEO’s work.

Image credit: NASA

Smart Cities Week Australia and New Zealand 2022 will bring together the who’s-who in smart cities, digital twins and future-of-place thought leadership in an energising, open dialogue on how to leverage technology to deliver better quality of life for citizens.

Smart Cities Week offers sessions designed to bring demand and supply side stakeholders together in a way that incubates business opportunities and incubates the smart cities investment pipeline.

This year, the event will be delivered in conjunction with Digital Twin Week, known as the premier platform for showcasing, exchanging and networking around all things Digital Twin in the built and natural environment. The event will offer a series of opportunities to connect and gain information and insights on Digital Twin activity, policy and practice from government and industry leaders.

Leading the line-up for the 2022 event is Platinum event sponsor, Amazon Web Services, who will offer attendees a look at AWS-powered twin cities, and how towns, regions and cities, can use cloud benefits, technology and support, to realise their local planning vision.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Blue Planet Studio

The Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) will convene the second United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress (UNWGIC) in Hyderabad, India from 10-14 October 2022.

Hosted by the Government of India through its Ministry of Science and Technology, the convening of the UNWGIC arises out of the mandate from the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to the Committee of Experts to convene global forums to promote comprehensive dialogue on global geospatial information management with all relevant governments, international organisations and stakeholders.

With an overarching theme ‘Geo-Enabling the Global Village: No one should be left behind,’ the second UNWGIC will reflect the importance of integrated geospatial information to support sustainable development and the wellbeing of society, address environmental and climate challenges, embrace digital transformation and technological development, and catalyse vibrant economies.

The congress addresses the development and strengthening of integrated geospatial information management, its capacities and capabilities, and demonstrates the importance of international cooperation and coordination for building a human data and geography community, against the three pillars of sustainable development, for a shared future and a better world, leaving no one behind within an inclusive and equitable global society.

The UNWGIC will feature a high-level, plenary, special and parallel sessions. While the actual second UNWGIC program covers three days (11 – 13 October), the overall event will be a weeklong (10 – 14 October), and will include global and regional meetings, workshops and learning events, expert meetings and side events, including the eleventh plenary meeting of the Regional Committee of United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP), as well as the annual meeting of the UN-GGIM Expanded Bureau.

Presented by the Space Industry Association of Australia, the Southern Space Symposium brings together space industry experts and decision-makers from across Australia.

This year’s Symposium will connect the space industry together with government and parliament for two days to help shape the future agenda of Australian space’s aspirations.

Participants will include federal government departments and agencies, international agencies and missions, defence and space prime contractors, listed space companies, academic and research organisations, small and medium enterprises, space start-ups and individual space professionals.

Hosted by the Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils and the Riverina Spatial Information Group, Mapped Out 2023 will bring together public- and private-sector professionals to learn about the latest geospatial developments.

Mapped Out will highlight the diversity of applications for spatial data, geographic information systems and their supporting technologies. Guest speakers with local and national experience will be showcasing the use of spatial data to enhance the operation and delivery of government services.

The Conference is a great opportunity for people working in regional NSW in both local government and the private sector to keep abreast of the latest technology and geographical information systems that can be utilised in their day-to-day work.