Location Intelligence the panacea to accelerated development in SIDS - CARIGEO side-event

This side-event takes place within the framework of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

The CARIGEO side-event Location Intelligence the panacea to accelerated development in SIDS, which takes place on May 30, 2024, has been organized by Regional Committee of United Nations on Global Geospatial Information Management for the Americas through the Caribbean Geospatial Development Initiative (CARIGEO) in collaboration with the following partners:

• United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), High level Group of the Integrated Geospatial Framework (HLG-IGIF), United States Census Bureau
• United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN ECLAC)
• UN-GGIM: Americas Academic Network, University of the Republic Uruguay and International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)
• UN-GGIM: Americas - Private Sector Network, GeoTechVision, Esri
• Barbados - Lands and Surveys Department
• Jamaica - Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation - National Spatial Data Management Branch

Objective

To highlight the importance of location intelligence in propelling growth, while delving into solutions that leverage location intelligence and geospatial technologies that can benefit small island developing states (SIDS) in accelerating national development and the achievement of sustainable development goals across various sectors.

Description

This meeting features a three-part discussion:

UN ECLAC leads the 1st session on the importance of location intelligence in propelling growth, highlighting geospatial data challenges, including availability, access, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The 2nd session features experts from the United States Census Bureau, Academic Network Americas/International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) and the Private Sector Network Americas, delving into solutions that leverage location intelligence and geospatial technologies (e.g., 3D mapping, GeoAI, mobile GIS) and discusses data platforms available in the Americas (e.g., CARIGEO, UN ECLAC, UN-GGIM: Americas), the institutional arrangements and strategies for effective use. The UN’s Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF) is then discussed, juxtaposed with other supporting geospatial frameworks (land, disasters, etc.) related initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Data Alliance and the rollout of the Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Centre in China, all aimed at ameliorating SIDS social, economic, and environmental challenges.

The 3rd session presents real-life applications from Barbados, Jamaica, and other SIDS, on how location intelligence accelerates development across various sectors.

Target Audience

Policymakers, researchers, technologists, geospatial experts and stakeholders involved in policy formulation and implementation in the Caribbean and other SIDS regions. 

Expected Outcomes

• Participants will have greater appreciation for geospatial and environmental management activities in the region.
• Participants will be able to help champion geospatial, digital and environmental matters.
• Participants will understand the importance of fit for purpose data, its availability and accessibility.
• The event will foster new partnerships and strengthen existing ones among regional stakeholders, facilitating shared initiatives and collaborative projects.
• Policymakers and practitioners will acquire actionable insights and best practices for integrating digital and geospatial technologies into their work, contributing to more informed decision-making and policy formulation.