Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to address you at this first meeting of the Steering Committee of the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Centre.
While I cannot join you in person today, I can assure you that my department is deeply committed to the success of this important Centre.
I remember fondly my visit to the Centre last year. I was deeply impressed by its facilities. I wish to put on record again my profound gratitude to the Government of China for their steadfast support of the United Nations’ geospatial initiatives and extend my deep appreciation to the government of Deqing County, Huzhou City, and Zhejiang Province, for their invaluable contributions.
The United Nations Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly have last year reemphasized the importance of geospatial information for the realization of the United Nation’s various policy agendas, especially the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Moreover, Member States have recognized that there is a pressing need for geospatial data, methods, frameworks, tools, and platforms. Reliable, timely, accessible and disaggregated geospatial information knowledge can help to measure progress, inform decision-making, and assist in the implementation of the SDGs, to transform our world for the better.
Dear colleagues,
As we chart the course for the Centre’s development, it is essential to integrate the principles of the UN 2.0 transformation, embracing innovation, inclusivity, and efficiency into our approach.
The Steering Committee’s role, as the management body, is crucial. Your stewardship in overseeing the operations, annual work plans, and the usage of funds, is the backbone of the Centre’s work.
I appreciate, that recruitment of a strong and diverse professional team at the Centre is progressing. And I am grateful that many experts from around the world have agreed to serve on the Centre’s International Advisory Committee to facilitate the Centre’s activities fully aligned with our global priorities.
Strengthening the data capabilities of developing countries always remains our utmost priority.
In conclusion, my hopes are high for a constructive and productive Steering Committee meeting. May your deliberations today pave the way for transformative actions that propel us towards a more sustainable and prosperous future in alignment with the vision and mandate of the United Nations.
Thank you.