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

Unable to hold its scheduled 2021 NSW Regional Conference earlier in 2022, SSSI is now inviting the spatial community to join it for a special online seminar featuring some of the speakers from the original program, along with the announcement of the NSW winners of the 2021 Asia-Pacific Spatial Excellence Awards.

This seminar will focus on the importance, efficiency and innovation spatial data can provide in crisis management situations and will feature presentations on:

• Finding your Friendship Island amongst a sea of COVID restrictions — presented by Stella Blake-Kelly, Founder/Director, Cartisan
• Geospatial Intelligence: Providing real-time insights supporting NSW State Emergency Service’s emergency management response — presented by Melissa Daley, Manager, Geospatial Intelligence Systems, NSW State Emergency Service
• COVID-19 Near Me: Trials and tribulations — presented by Kenneth Tsang, Director, jxeeno

The US National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) Annual Conference is the place to enhance geospatial excellence and collaboration for state, local, tribal and federal GIS policymakers and coordinators, private sector partners and other leaders in the geospatial ecosystem.

Providing critical and timely networking opportunities, the conference also offers the chance to connect, collaborate, and share with colleagues and partners.

The agenda will comprise:

Roll Call of States — Where state representatives will share a snapshot of achievements, challenges and upcoming activities.
Plenary Sessions — Presentations by and for the NSGIC community exploring challenges, successes and new approaches for collaboration in the geospatial ecosystem.
State Caucus — A roundtable discussion with state and local government representatives to talk frankly about current pressing issues.
GIO Academy — Leadership sessions and networking for state government GIOs and equivalents only (separate registration is required).
Speed Networking — A fun and fast-paced activity where sponsors, who have allocated points, will rotate to complete the circuit of visiting with state reps.
Annual Business Meeting — Including the election of new board members and leadership transition.
Awards Reception — Recognising exceptional work through the Geospatial Excellence Awards & NSGIC Service Awards.

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