Geodesy Day at the UN Science Summit: Africa Set to Rise in Global Sustainable Development
As the world confronts escalating challenges like climate change and urbanization, the global geodesy supply chain—crucial for navigation, disaster response, and climate monitoring—faces increasing challenges. On September 27, 2024, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in South Africa, in collaboration with the Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence (GGCE) and the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS), will host a Geodesy Day at the UN Science Summit in New York City.
This event, themed "Africa Rising: Shaping Our Common Future Through Geodesy," will underscore Africa’s vital role in bolstering the global geodesy supply chain, which is essential for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Why the Global Geodesy Supply Chain Matters
The global geodesy supply chain is the foundation of numerous critical activities, from navigation, disaster response, and climate monitoring to precision agriculture and satellite-based technologies. Imagine a world without accurate maps, where emergency services struggle to find their way, or scientists are unable to access the data needed to track climate change and predict natural disasters. Without a robust and resilient geodesy supply chain, such scenarios could become a stark reality.
However, this vital infrastructure is under strain. Over half of the world’s geodetic infrastructure is deteriorating, threatening our ability to tackle pressing global challenges. Africa, in particular, faces significant geodetic infrastructure gaps and limited capacity. Yet, with these challenges comes immense opportunity—Africa has the potential to play a key role in strengthening the global geodesy supply chain and ensuring its long-term resilience.
Africa’s Role in Strengthening the Geodesy Supply Chain
The Geodesy Day at the UN Science Summit will focus on advancing the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/69/266, "A Global Geodetic Reference Frame for Sustainable Development." The event will bring together international experts, policymakers, and geospatial professionals to discuss the 1st Joint Development Plan for Global Geodesy. The focus will be on Africa's contributions to fortifying the global geodesy supply chain, addressing infrastructure gaps, and enhancing the continent’s geospatial capabilities.
Seizing the Moment: A Call to Action
This event is a call for global collaboration, with Africa at the forefront of efforts to ensure the geodesy supply chain is resilient, sustainable, and capable of supporting the world’s most pressing challenges. This is not just an event; it’s a movement to redefine how we sustain the global geodesy supply chain and, by extension, our planet.
Join us in New York City
We call on geospatial experts, policymakers, and all those committed to sustainable development to join us for this critical event. For more information about the Geodesy Day at the UN Science Summit and to register, please visit: https://sciencesummit2024.sched.com/event/1jzjG
or contact Dr Aletha de Witt at aletha.dewitt@dst.gov.za
Africa Rising: Shaping our common Future through Geodesy: on-site and online event
Date: Friday 27 September 2024, 08:30 am – 03:00 pm ET (UTC-4)
Location: CURE, 345 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010, United States
https://ggos.org/2024/08/12/un-sciencesummit-africa-rising-shaping-our-common-future-through-geodesy/
https://ggos.org/event/un-sciencesummit-africa-rising/
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