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 underpins a wide range of critical activities, from navigation and disaster response to climate monitoring and precision agriculture. Imagine a world without accurate maps, where emergency responders are unable to navigate effectively, or where scientists lack the data needed to predict and mitigate global warming. Without a strong and resilient geodesy supply chain, such scenarios could become a reality.
Yet, this critical infrastructure is under strain. Over half of the world’s geodetic infrastructure is deteriorating, compromising our ability to address global challenges. Africa, with its significant infrastructure gaps and limited capacity, faces unique challenges but also holds immense potential to strengthen the global geodesy supply chain and ensure its future 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://sciencesummitunga.com/science-summit-unga79 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
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/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7228640093027131394
X: https://x.com/IAG_GGOS/status/1822878677371092995?t=nYRQowIKxanAIUnxTjeHMA&s=09