Capacity Development

Theme: From Capacity to Competency: Advancing Geospatial Capacity for an Inclusive Knowledge Infrastructure

Summit
 
 

Overview

Building Geospatial Capacity – Empowering People, Enabling Progress

Geospatial technologies are becoming foundational to national development, governance, and climate resilience. However, the uneven capacity to harness these tools across countries highlights critical gaps in skills, systems, and accessibility. Bridging this divide requires inclusive investments in human capital, agile institutions, and systemic collaboration. As countries adopt advanced training, open data policies, and interoperable frameworks, geospatial capacity becomes a driver of sovereignty, innovation, and equitable growth.

Key Discussion

Inclusive Capacity Development
  • Democratize access to spatial data and knowledge.
  • Ensure equitable participation across regions, genders, and communities.
  • Build localized training ecosystems that reach underserved populations.
Institutional Modernization
  • Reorient mapping agencies and academia with agile, adaptive governance.
  • Promote interoperable data standards and shared workflows.
  • Integrate public sector, private sector, and academia in capacity pipelines.
Collaboration for Scalable Impact
  • Move beyond symbolic partnerships to systemic, long-term alliances.
  • Align funding, talent, and infrastructure to measurable capacity goals.
Strategic Sovereignty through Capacity
  • Invest in national geospatial skills to reduce external dependency.
  • Strengthen institutional resilience and decision-making autonomy.
  • Accelerate countries' position on the Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) maturity curve.
Workforce as Economic Engine
  • Cultivate geospatial talent to fuel startups and SMEs.
  • Embed spatial thinking into STEM education and R&D.
  • Position geospatial careers as high-value contributors to economic growth.

Target Segments

Academia & Research Skill Development Organisations National Mapping & Geospatial Agencies Ministries of Education, Science & Technology Development Cooperation Agencies Geospatial Startups & SMEs Corporate Training Providers & EdTech Platforms STEM Educators & Curriculum Developers Youth and Student Organizations Local Governments & Municipal Authorities