India Elected Co-Chair of UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific Regional Committee

India has been elected as Co-Chair of the Regional Committee of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) for a three-year term till 2028.

Significance of the Election

• The Ministry of Science and Technology stated that India’s election reflects its growing leadership in the global geospatial domain.
• The move recognizes India’s contributions toward innovation, capacity building, and regional collaboration in geospatial information management.
• It strengthens India’s position as a key player in shaping global geospatial policies and promoting data-driven sustainable development.

About UN-GGIM-AP

• The UN-GGIM-AP is one of five regional committees functioning under the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM).
• It represents 56 countries across Asia and the Pacific region.
• Its core mission is to maximize the economic, social, and environmental benefits of geospatial information through:
  • Regional cooperation
  • Capacity development
  • Knowledge and technology sharing
  • Standardization of geospatial practices

India’s Role and Contributions

• India has emerged as a leader in geospatial innovation through initiatives such as:
  • National Geospatial Policy 2022
  • Open Data and Map Modernization initiatives
  • Integration of geospatial technologies in disaster management, agriculture, and infrastructure planning
• As Co-Chair, India will facilitate regional collaboration and enhance geospatial capacities of developing nations within Asia-Pacific.

Global Context

• The UN-GGIM framework was established to coordinate global geospatial information efforts and promote evidence-based decision-making for sustainable development.
• It plays a crucial role in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially in data-driven monitoring of SDGs.