Preparations for UN geospatial information congress underway

The United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress (UNWGIC), which is to be held in Deqing county, Zhejiang province from Nov 19-21, 2018, held its first preparatory committee meeting on March 27.

The meeting, which marks the beginning of comprehensive preparations for UNWGIC, was presided over by Feng Fei, executive vice governor of Zhejiang. Attendees were briefed on current progress and held in-depth discussions on future work.

Feng stressed the importance of the congress, "UNWGIC is one of the most significant international events to be held in Zhejiang this year and has been included in the province's 2018 Government Work Report." He said the province would spare no effort to ensure its success.

The vice governor put forward several requirements for preparation work. Firstly, the committee should pay close attention to the event as it will be a great opportunity to promote the development of surveying, mapping and geoinformation in China. At the same time, the congress will help expedite Zhejiang's economic development.

Secondly, Feng ordered relevant departments to focus on key areas, including the construction of venues, public security and publicity.

Lastly, Feng pointed out that all parties, led by the Zhejiang Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation, should shoulder their responsibilities during the preparation process.

Initiated by the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management, UNWGIC is the highest-level international surveying and mapping event to be held in China. It aims to provide an inclusive environment for advancing communications involving, understanding of and application of geospatial information management in order to address global challenges.