Global Experts Convene in New Delhi to Strengthen Geospatial Ecosystems and Land Governance

Addressing the Technical Expert Forum on "Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Future-Ready Ecosystem", Shri Narendra Bhooshan, Secretary, Department of Land Resources, emphasized that geospatial information has emerged as a critical public good supporting informed decision-making, resilient infrastructure, land governance, environmental management, urban planning, disaster response, and sustainable development. He highlighted that modern governance increasingly depends on accurate, interoperable, and reliable geospatial data systems to enable proactive and efficient decision-making across sectors such as agriculture, engineering, climate resilience, transport, and land administration.

The Technical Expert Forum on "Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Future-Ready Ecosystem" was held at The Ashok, New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, technical experts, and international delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the growing role of geospatial systems in governance, sustainable development, and public service delivery.

The event was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Shri S.K. Sinha, Surveyor General of India, Dr. Victor Khoo, Director, Singapore Land Authority and Vice Chair, UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific Executive Board, and along with delegates from member countries and international organizations.

The forum highlighted the importance of global frameworks developed under the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), including the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF), Global Geodetic Reference Framework (GGRF), Global Statistical Geospatial Framework (GSGF), and Framework for Effective Land Administration (FELA). These frameworks provide countries with practical roadmaps for strengthening national geospatial ecosystems, improving institutional coordination, integrating data systems, and aligning with global best practices.

Shri Narendra Bhooshan said that geospatial information is no longer merely a technical support tool for decision-making but is increasingly becoming central to governance. Across sectors such as climate, agriculture, engineering, urban development, infrastructure planning, and disaster response, accurate and interoperable geospatial systems are enabling governments to move toward proactive and efficient governance.

Shri Narendra Bhooshan stated that India strongly values the role of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) in shaping global norms, frameworks, and cooperation. He added that India's National Geospatial Policy marks an important milestone in building an open, interoperable, and innovation-driven geospatial ecosystem aligned with international best practices.

India's progress in geospatial reforms and land governance modernization was also highlighted during the session. Key initiatives such as the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), SVAMITVA, and NAKSHA were cited as examples of using drones, aerial surveys, digital mapping, and GIS platforms to improve land records, property ownership documentation, and planning in both rural and urban areas.

The concept of an integrated Land Stack was also discussed as an emerging model for bringing together multiple land-related datasets into a unified GIS-enabled digital platform for improved governance and service delivery.

Remarks by Other Distinguished Guests

Earlier, Shri S.K. Sinha, Surveyor General of India, welcomed the participants and highlighted the growing role of geospatial information in infrastructure planning, land governance, service delivery, environmental management, and sustainable development.

Dr. Victor Khoo emphasized the importance of structured and coordinated approaches to geospatial development and underlined the relevance of global frameworks such as IGIF and FELA.

India's Commitment to Regional Cooperation

Delegates from the Asia-Pacific region emphasized the need for stronger cooperation in areas such as climate adaptation, disaster resilience, coastal vulnerability, urban expansion, agricultural sustainability, and modernization of land administration systems.

The forum provided an important platform for exchange of experiences, technological innovations, and institutional best practices, while strengthening regional collaboration in advancing future-ready geospatial ecosystems.

Concluding the session, participants expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute meaningfully toward building more integrated, interoperable, and citizen-centric geospatial systems across the region.

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RC/HR