New York, United States – The Somali National Bureau of Statistics (SNBS) has taken part in the 15th Session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), held in New York, where it engaged with global leaders and technical experts to promote the use of geospatial solutions in advancing sustainable development.
Representing Somalia’s mandate in mapping, geographic information systems (GIS), and national geospatial coordination, SNBS outlined several national priorities designed to strengthen data-driven governance. These include geo-referenced sampling for statistical accuracy, climate resilience mapping to monitor environmental risks, harmonization of national boundaries, and deeper integration of GIS technologies into government planning.
Speaking in alignment with the Global Statistical Geospatial Framework (GSGF), the delegation emphasized that geospatial and statistical data interoperability is crucial for evidence-based policymaking in Somalia. Officials noted that improved data systems would support decision-making across multiple sectors, from urban planning and infrastructure to agriculture and climate adaptation.
SNBS further underscored the importance of international collaboration, targeted capacity-building, and innovation in geostatistical tools. By strengthening partnerships within the UN-GGIM platform, Somalia aims to accelerate its transition toward a modernized data ecosystem that will underpin national development goals and enhance regional cooperation.
The participation of SNBS in the New York session marks a significant step for Somalia as it seeks to align with global geospatial standards and leverage cutting-edge data solutions to address its development challenges.
