UNITED NATIONS GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION WORKING GROUP What is UNGIWG? The United Nations Geographic Information Working Group (UNGIWG) was established in March 2000 under the auspices of the Consultative Committee on Programme and Operational Questions (CCPOQ) of the Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC) to coordinate activities and formulate policies concerning geographic information within the UN system. The Working Group is chaired by the Chief of the Cartographic Section and consists of tasks managers and technical focal points from agencies throughout the system. The Working Group received endorsements and pledges of support from various governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as from industry and research institutions. This high level of interest from within and outside the system reflects the importance and timeliness of this effort and the need for the United Nations to take a leadership role in this area. What is UNGIWG's principal objective? One of the principal objectives of the Working Group is to undertake the development and maintenance of a common United Nations Geographic Database -- a global database consisting of basic cartographic elements and toponymic information that would serve as a common geo-referenced framework for integrating information for substantive programmes. Such a database is recognized as a crucial capacity-building effort that will revolutionalize the way in which the Organization manages information, with added benefits for many developing nations. What is the purpose of the Geographic Database? Geographic information is vital for the execution of many UN operations ranging from peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance in which knowledge of the ground is indispensable, to development, environment and health programmes in which geographically referenced data are essential for sound planning. However, such information is often not readily available at the level of detail, accuracy and form required. Furthermore, the lack of mandates and central guidelines hinder the sharing of such information. Development, security and environment are the centerpieces of the Millennium Agenda. Poverty eradication is the action strategy for the Organization. The proposed database will provide the necessary framework for these initiatives. How to move forward? The Working Group was first introduced to Member States at the 2000 substantive session of ECOSOC. To carry forward this truly innovative, interagency effort, the following steps will need to be taken: This effort should be part of UN reform and receive the endorsement and support of the Senior Management Group. Resources should be allocated to commence this effort which will subsequently lead to cost savings through data sharing and streamlined operations. A new ECOSOC resolution should be passed to give mandates to agencies both within and outside the UN system to coordinate such activities. The original resolution on the coordination of cartographic services was issued in 1948.) This effort should be presented to the General Assembly to ensure the support of Member States, including the submission of maps to maintain the currency of the database. A trust fund should be created to finance this effort. Member Agencies of UNGIWG The Working Group is chaired by the Chief of the Cartographic Section and currently consists of technical focal points from the following UN departments and agencies: Department of Economic and Social Affairs Department of Peace-keeping Operations Department of Political Affairs Department of Public Information Economic Commission for Europe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Office of Central Support Services Office of Legal Affairs Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees United Nations Centre for Human Settlements United Nations Children's Fund United Nations Development Programme United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization United Nations Environment Programme United Nations Institute for Training and Research United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention United Nations Office for Project Services The World Bank World Food Programme World Health Organization Endorsement and Support The Working Group, in particular the development of the common geographic database, has received endorsements and pledges of support from the following NGOs, industry and research institutions: Center for International Earth Science Information Network Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. Global Spatial Data Infrastructure International Cartographic Association International Organization for Standardization International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing International Steering Committee of Global Mapping Multipurpose European Ground Related Information Network Open GIS Consortium United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names For further information on UNGIWG, please contact: Alice Chow, Deputy Chair Cartographic Section, LIRD/DPI United Nations, Room L-172 New York, NY 10017, USA Tel: 1-212-963-5001 ; Fax: 1-212-963-3742 Email: chowa@un.org http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/english/htmain.htm