- October 4, 2021
- Posted by: EARSC
- Category: EOcafe
The Group on Earth Observations (GEO)
Thursday 7th October 2021, 16:00-16:45 CEST
The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is a partnership of governments and organizations envisioning a future whereby decisions for human-kind will be informed by timely, reliable, openly shared science-based environmental information underpinned by systematic Earth observations. GEO gathers together over 113 countries and their delegates are national representatives interested in Earth Observation and geospatial technologies.
GEO plays an important role in connecting the demand for sound and timely environmental information with the supply of data collected and made available by the GEO community. In doing so, GEO is working to build the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), a set of “coordinated, independent Earth observation, information and processing systems that interact and provide access to diverse information for a broad range of users in both public and private sectors”. GEOSS was designed to deliver the data and information necessary to increase our understanding of the Earth and improve global policy and decision-making abilities.
As stated in the GEO Strategic Plan 2016-2025, GEO is a “flexible and agile forum” gathering many actors, such as governments, public sector agencies, UN bodies, academia and the private sector. EARSC is a participating member of GEO and works closely with the secretariat on various topics, but especially those connected with private sector engagement. In order to implement the Canberra Declaration’s elements related to the private sector, a Private Sector subgroup[1] is intented to engage with private sector’s stakeholders with a special focus on creating opportunities for small, medium and micro sized enterprises.
In the context of a rich global policy agenda in 2021 including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change COP26, the Convention on Biological Diversity COP15, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, the GEO Week 2021 will present multidisciplinary activities of the GEO Work Programme. As it is highlighted in the GEO Strategic Plan, “Earth Observations are an indispensable component to measure and monitor our progress towards addressing societal challenges”. In that regard, the GEO Week will highlight how the use of Earth Observations contributes to these efforts.
On July 1st 2021, Ms Yana Gevorgyan was appointed as the new GEO Secretariat Director. According to previous declarations, her vision for GEO includes strengthening GEO’s core membership participation in the organization’s mission, the connections with GEO’s regional structures and multisectoral partnerships.
Our EOcafe will be a good opportunity to discuss further about the future of GEO, the involvement with the private sector and EARSC’s collaboration within the GEO community.
Join us in the EOcafe to hear more about the vision for the Group on Earth Observations and more specifically the relations with the private sector!
Our host Geoff Sawyer (EARSC Strategic Advisor and former Secretary General) will discuss with Ms Yana Gevorgyan, (GEO Secretariat Director)
Topics which could be addressed during this EOcafe include the following:
- What is the vision for GEO in the long-term?
- What will be the key missions of GEO in the upcoming years?
- How will GEO connect more with private stakeholders in the future?
- What tools will GEO use to create more opportunities for the small, medium and micro-sized companies?
- How can EARSC support GEO’s activities and missions?
Registration: The webinar is open to ALL but priority will be given to EARSC members. Registration is free but compulsory. Please click on the following link to register.
Registration link
Please note this is a virtual event!
EOcafe is part of a series of EARSC meetings that offer timely, relevant, and practical information on a broad variety of topics related to the EO sector. Join us every two weeks to discuss and network while enjoying a cup of coffee with friends.
IMPORTANT NOTES!!!
- The use of a video camera is not mandatory but encouraged to facilitate better interaction among the attendees and the guest speaker(s).
- The EOcafe will stay open after 17:00 in case our guests want to continue the discussion.
- By registering for this event, you accept the terms and conditions (https://earsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/EARSC_Events_GDPR.pdf).
If you have any questions, and/or you want to know more about the EOcafe, and/or you want to share an idea about a future EOcafe, please contact Delphine (Delphine.Miramont@earsc.org).
[1] https://earthobservations.org/documents/pb/me_202101/PB-19-13_Draft%20PS-SG%20Work%20Plan.pdf
