AbstractIn addressing global challenges like climate change, urbanization, and sustainable resource management, accurate geodetic data is crucial for our common future. We aim to elevate the global geodesy supply chain, align geodetic science with policymaking, and advance research through multidisciplinary cooperation. Integrating the African perspective to address unique challenges and contributions is central to our agenda. This meeting focuses on advancing UN Resolution A/RES/69/266, “A Global Geodetic Reference Frame for Sustainable Development,” fostering discussions among Member States, international organizations, and geospatial experts. One of the key topics to be discussed includes the 1st Joint Development Plan for Global Geodesy, aiming to accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Why the Global Geodesy Supply Chain MattersGeodesy, often called the 'science behind the science,' is the cornerstone of our modern world, enabling precise measurements of Earth's size, shape, gravity field, and rotation. These measurements are essential for tackling global challenges like climate change, disaster response, environmental protection, precision agriculture, and infrastructure development. The global geodesy supply chain supports critical activities—from monitoring sea-level rise and tectonic movements to ensuring the accuracy of satellite-based technologies that power economic growth and safeguard vital infrastructure. Imagine a world without reliable maps, where emergency responders falter or scientists lack the data needed to forecast and mitigate climate disasters. Unfortunately, this indispensable infrastructure is under threat. More than half of the world’s geodetic systems are deteriorating, jeopardizing the resilience of the global geodesy supply chain. Africa, in particular, faces significant geodetic infrastructure gaps. Yet, with these challenges comes great opportunity—Africa holds immense potential to play a pivotal role in revitalising and strengthening the global geodesy supply chain for a more resilient future.
Seizing the Moment: A Call to ActionThis 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.
Date: Friday, 27 September 2024
Time: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm ET (UTC-4)
Format: on-site and online event
Location: CURE, 345 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010, United States
Agenda: All times listed on the agenda are in Eastern Time (ET) - (UTC-4)
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Registration and Welcome9:00 AM - 9:05 AM Welcome by Ms Eudy Mabuza (DSI)
9:05 AM - 9:10 AM Opening Remarks by Dr Aletha de Witt (DSI)
9:10 AM - 09:30 AM Keynote Address by Dr Richard Gross (NASA-JPL)
Contribution of Geodesy to Sustainable Development and Shaping our Common Future9:30 AM - 09:50 AM Keynote Address by Mr Albert Momo (GeoDEV International)
The Hidden Risk That Poses a Threat to Critical Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, with a Focus on Africa09:50 AM - 10:30 AM Session 1 Panel Discussion moderated by Mr Nicholas Brown (UN-GGCE)
Achievements and Ongoing Challenges Since the Adoption of the UN ResolutionPanel: Ms Anne Jørgensen (UN-GGCE), Dr Richard Gross (NASA JPL), Mr Aslam Parker (NGI), Dr Daniel Roman(NOAA),
Dr Laura Sánchez (GGOS)
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Coffee Break11:00 AM - 11:40 AM Session 2 Panel Discussion moderated by Dr Laura Sánchez (GGOS)
African Perspectives on the 1st Joint Development Plan for Global Geodesy: Sustaining the Global Geodesy Supply ChainPanel: Mr Aslam Parker (NGI), Dr Roelf Botha (SARAO), Ms Rachael Umazi (RCMRD), Mr Andre Nonguierma (UNECA),
Mr Fernand Eanes Bale, Co-chair (UN-GGIM)
11:40 AM - 12:00 PM Q&A for Panel Session 1 & 2 facilitated by Dr Aletha de Witt (DSI)12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch Break1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Workshop moderated by Dr Aletha de Witt (DSI)
Sustaining the Global Geodesy Supply Chain in AfricaSpeaker: Mr Lorant Czaran (UNOOSA)
Facilitating access to space technology for developing countries, with a focus on Africa: UNOOSA’s new strategy and relevance
Speaker: Ms Carla Mitchell (SARAO)
High-Level Lessons Learned and Recommendations from SKA and the SKA Implementation in AfricaSpeaker: Prof Francesco Petruccione (NITheCS)
Advancements in Theoretical and Computational Sciences: Opportunities and Challenges for Africa.Speaker: Mr Fernand Eanes Bale (UN-GGIM)
High level lessons learned and recommendation for an effective Governance and regional collaboration in sustaining the Global Geodetic Supply Chain in Africa.2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Coffee Break2:30 PM - 2:45 PM Plenary Session by Mr Albert Momo (GeoDEV International)
Pathway for Africa – The Way Forward for Africa2:45 PM - 3:00 PM Closing Remarks and Q&A facilitated by Dr Aletha de Witt (DSI)
