This side event examines what is a geographical name and explains why names standardization is important and beneficial to people and countries. The importance of national names authorities is briefly addressed. Furthermore, the module explains UNGEGN’s structure and governance  rrangements, its working procedures, its mission and, objectives. A short simulation exercise will be done in which the community seeks approval to create and change place names by making a presentation to their Geographical Names Authority. The side event will end with a discussion on the  Collaborative UNGGIM/UNGEGN project.

Objectives

• Raise awareness on the importance and benefits of geographical names standardization
• Strengthen UNGEGN’s profile, by informing of its existence and on the work that it is been done by its members (Bureau, Divisions, Working Groups and Liaison officers)
• Encourage countries not having national geographical names authorities to consider creating such bodies and
• Inform on and gain interest to participate in the collaborative UN-GGIM/UNGEGN project to identify good practices between NMAs and NGNAs