India elected Co-Chair of UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific 2025–2028. Learn about India’s geospatial leadership, regional cooperation, and strategic role in UN-GGIM for exams preparation.
🗺️ India Elected Co-Chair of UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific (2025–2028)
🇮🇳 India Takes a Leading Role in Global Geospatial Governance
India has been elected as the Co-Chair of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) for the 2025–2028 term. This significant development took place during the 14th Plenary Meeting of UN-GGIM-AP, held from September 24–26, 2025, in Goyang-si, Republic of Korea. The meeting was hosted by the National Geographic Information Institute (NGII) and brought together delegates from member states, technical experts, and observers to discuss regional geospatial information management priorities.
India’s election to this esteemed position underscores its growing influence in global geospatial governance and its commitment to advancing geospatial innovation, capacity building, and regional collaboration. The country’s representation was led by Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, the Surveyor General of India, who will serve as the Co-Chair for the upcoming three-year term.
🌐 UN-GGIM-AP: A Strategic Platform for Regional Cooperation
The United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) is one of the five regional committees under the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM). Established in 1995 as the Permanent Committee on GIS Infrastructure for Asia and the Pacific (PCGIAP), it was rebranded as UN-GGIM-AP in 2012. The committee coordinates regional efforts to promote geospatial governance, data sharing, and sustainable development through mapping and information systems.
Representing 56 national geospatial authorities from countries across Asia and the Pacific, UN-GGIM-AP aims to maximize the social, economic, and environmental value of geospatial data through regional collaboration and innovation. Key functions include capacity building, regional cooperation, policy guidance, and support for sustainable development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
📌 India’s Vision for the Upcoming Term
During his acceptance, Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana emphasized India’s commitment to advancing geospatial innovation, capacity building, and regional collaboration over the upcoming three-year term. Aligned with the UN-GGIM Strategic Framework, India aims to focus on leadership, secure digital transformation, good governance, inclusivity, and data-driven decision-making. Strengthening partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region will be a priority to enhance the effectiveness of geospatial information management.
This leadership role presents India with an opportunity to shape policies and strategies for effective regional geospatial governance, reinforcing its position as a key player in the global geospatial community.
🧭 Why This News Is Important
📈 Strengthening India’s Global Position
India’s election as Co-Chair of UN-GGIM-AP enhances its stature in the international arena, particularly in the realm of geospatial information management. This leadership role allows India to influence global geospatial policies and practices, aligning them with national priorities and development goals.
🌍 Promoting Sustainable Development
By focusing on sustainable development through geospatial data, India can contribute to addressing regional challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and urban planning. Effective geospatial governance supports evidence-based decision-making, leading to more informed and impactful policies.
🤝 Fostering Regional Cooperation
India’s position as Co-Chair facilitates stronger collaboration with neighboring countries, promoting data sharing and joint initiatives. This regional cooperation is vital for tackling transboundary issues and achieving collective development objectives.
🧠 Enhancing Capacity Building
The emphasis on capacity building ensures that member states have the necessary skills and knowledge to utilize geospatial data effectively. This empowerment leads to improved governance and service delivery at the national and local levels.
📚 Relevance for Government Exam Aspirants
For students preparing for government exams, understanding India’s role in international organizations like UN-GGIM-AP is crucial. This knowledge is relevant for subjects such as International Relations, Geography, and Current Affairs, providing insights into India’s foreign policy and global engagements.
🕰️ Historical Context
📜 Evolution of UN-GGIM-AP
The Permanent Committee on GIS Infrastructure for Asia and the Pacific (PCGIAP) was established in 1995 to promote the development and implementation of geographic information systems (GIS) infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2012, following the creation of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) in 2011, PCGIAP was rebranded as UN-GGIM-AP to align with the global geospatial governance framework.
🇮🇳 India’s Engagement in Geospatial Governance
India has been actively involved in geospatial initiatives both domestically and internationally. The establishment of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) in 2006 marked a significant step in organizing and disseminating geospatial data within the country. Internationally, India has contributed to various UN-GGIM working groups and has hosted regional meetings to promote geospatial capacity building.
🗺️ Significance of Geospatial Information
Geospatial information plays a critical role in modern governance, supporting activities such as urban planning, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure development. The ability to collect, analyze, and utilize geospatial data enhances decision-making processes and contributes to achieving sustainable development objectives.
🧠 Key Takeaways from “India Elected Co-Chair of UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific”
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | India has been elected Co-Chair of UN-GGIM-AP for the 2025–2028 term. |
| 2 | The 14th Plenary Meeting took place in Goyang-si, Republic of Korea. |
| 3 | Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, Surveyor General of India, will lead the committee. |
| 4 | The committee represents 56 national geospatial authorities across Asia-Pacific. |
| 5 | India’s focus includes secure digital transformation and data-driven governance. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is UN-GGIM-AP?
UN-GGIM-AP stands for United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific. It is a regional committee under UN-GGIM that promotes geospatial governance, data sharing, and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.
2. When was India elected as Co-Chair of UN-GGIM-AP?
India was elected as the Co-Chair of UN-GGIM-AP for the 2025–2028 term during the 14th Plenary Meeting held from September 24–26, 2025.
3. Who will represent India as Co-Chair in UN-GGIM-AP?
Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, the Surveyor General of India, will serve as India’s representative and Co-Chair for the 2025–2028 term.
4. How many countries participate in UN-GGIM-AP?
UN-GGIM-AP represents 56 national geospatial authorities from countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
5. Why is India’s role as Co-Chair important for exams?
India’s leadership position highlights its global engagement in geospatial governance, sustainable development, and international collaboration—topics relevant for UPSC, State PSCs, banking, railways, and defence exam syllabi.
6. What are India’s priorities as Co-Chair?
India plans to focus on secure digital transformation, leadership in geospatial innovation, inclusivity, good governance, data-driven decision-making, and regional collaboration.
7. What was UN-GGIM-AP earlier called?
Before 2012, it was known as the Permanent Committee on GIS Infrastructure for Asia and the Pacific (PCGIAP).
8. Where was the 14th Plenary Meeting of UN-GGIM-AP held?
It was held in Goyang-si, Republic of Korea, from September 24–26, 2025.
9. How does geospatial data help in governance?
Geospatial data aids urban planning, disaster management, environmental monitoring, infrastructure development, and evidence-based policymaking.
10. What is the historical significance of India’s election?
India’s election reflects its growing influence in international geospatial governance and reinforces its commitment to sustainable development goals in the Asia-Pacific region.
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