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

In partnership with the Australian Space Agency, the Space Industry Association of Australia will host the Southern Space Symposium at the National Press Club in Canberra on 29-30 November 2021.

The Southern Space Symposium is the Australian space industry’s flagship annual conference, bringing together space industry experts and decision-makers from across Australia. At a pivotal moment, the Southern Space Symposium will this year bring space industry together with government and parliament for two days in Canberra to help shape the future agenda for 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.

Each year representatives from the Association of Consulting Surveyors NSW and the Institution of Surveyors NSW come together to organise the NSW Excellence in Surveying and Spatial Information (EISSI) Awards.

The awards recognise the achievements of organisations and individuals from across the state who are engaged in the surveying and spatial information profession; celebrate excellence before an audience of industry peers; encourage activities that create a stronger, larger and more relevant industry; and embrace the achievements of the industry and its related industries and professions.