Friis-Hansen, L.

Lemmen, C.

English

University of Twente Research Information

GIM-INTERNATIONAL.COMYOURREPORT28 |    INTERNATIONAL  |  AUGUST  2014The XXV FIG Congress 2014, 16-21 June 2014, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaEngaging the Challenges, Enhancing the Relevance Th e theme of the XXV FIG Congress, ‘Engaging the Challenges, Enhancing the Relevance’, could not have been more apt. Firstly, a series of impressive developments are under co-ordination for implementation, such as the Global Geodetic Reference Frame, Global Geospatial Information Management and GNSS World. Furthermore, a series of approaches and tools such as, for example, ‘fi t-for-purpose’ Land Administration and the Social Tenure Domain Model, demonstrate that FIG, together with its partners and the profession, is ready to use its scientifi c and technological knowledge and practices to engage challenges including undernourishment, shelter, climate change and economic progress.Th e fi rst FIG Congress in Asia was held successfully from 16-21 June 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Th e event covered a wide range of activities, from technical sessions and special sessions in co-operation with FIG partners such as the World Bank, FAO, UN-ESCAP, UN-GGIM and UN-Habitat/GLTN to technical and social tours. Co-organised by FIG and the Association of Authorized Land Surveyors Malaysia (PEJUTA), the Congress attracted some 2,600 participants from almost 100 countries. Th e event was a celebration and culmination of the collective eff orts and collaborative actions of the past four years. In his opening speech, FIG president Teo said: “Th e surveying profession is a real-world, people-centric, solution-oriented profession. It is a creative and constructive profession engaged in idea generation, conceptualisation and constructive development, engaging the creative and innovative processes that generate new approaches and opportunities, including that which has never before existed.” THE WORLD WE WANT“Politicians and governments can do more to embrace the revolution in data gathering and analysis; to use evidence-based policymaking to design programmes that work. So too the surveyors who produce some of the most important data of all,” said the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Honourable Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, in his opening speech. He added: “We should work to improve existing information infrastructure, including spatial data infrastructure, and to implement policies to ensure that spatial data is reliable, accessible for re-use, and can be easily integrated into collaborative environments.” Keynote speakers including Greg Scott and Vanessa Lawrence from UN-GGIM referred to the fi rst report of the UN System Task Team on the Post-2015 UN Development Agenda from 2012, entitled ‘Realizing the Future We Want for All’. Th at vision sets out four core dimensions where progress needs to be made:Inclusive social development, -including empowering people through land tenure securityEnvironmental -sustainability, including improved land use planning and food securityInclusive economic -development, including ensuring access to land and natural resourcesPeace and security, including -no land confl icts. FIT-FOR-PURPOSE LAND ADMINISTRATIONTh e new joint FIG/World Bank publication on ‘fi t-for-purpose’ land administration is aligned with that vision. During the FIG Congress it became clear that further talks are needed with surveying colleagues and professionals from other disciplines in order for this approach to be fully understood. Keith Bell highlighted the Word Bank’s support for the ‘fi t-for-purpose’ approach also in the context of the challenges of the Post-2015 Development agenda. Likewise, Dr Clarissa Augustinus from UN-Habitat/GLTN expressed support, underlining the responsibilities of professionals: leadership; more attention on managerial aspects rather than merely data creation; understanding the shift at global level, e.g. the continuum of land rights; working with other disciplines; and large-scale innovation and institutional strengthening. Dr Augustinus was also happy about the open source software of the Social Tenure Domain Model. During the Congress, the open source software and  Young and experienced surveyors - FIG Foundation Board with 8 sponsored young surveyors. Experiencing the amazing Malaysian culture.GIM0814_Report1_FIG-Congres   28 23-07-2014   11:32:39REPORT29AUGUST  2014  |    INTERNATIONAL  |BY LOUISE FRIIS-HANSEN AND CHRISTIAAN LEMMEN, FIG, AND DURK HAARSMA, GIM INTERNATIONALthe commercial software packages were widely seen as being complimentary in a win-win environment. Meanwhile Chris Rizos from the International Association of Geodesy presented  innovations concerning a ‘Multi-system GNSS World’ which were very well matched to ‘fi t-for-purpose’ land  administration, especially for georeferencing of imagery and for future upgrading and maintenance of boundary data.HIGHLIGHTSAhmad Fauzi Bin Nordin provided a clear overview of the relevance of geospatial information for crisis management and national development, putting the Malaysian case in an international context. Th e relevance of a good link to spatial data in the marine environment was highlighted by Mustafa Iptes from the International Hydrographic Organisation. Ben Elder from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors explained the impact of, and developments within, the International Property Measurements Coalition. Th e standardisation activities are fundamental to property markets and to the profession, he said. Jean-Yves Pirlot from the Council of European Geodetic Surveyors explained the relevance of his organisation. Dato Sri Mustapa Muhamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia, and David Mitchel from RMIT University, Australia, discussed environmental and economic aspects in a sustainable future. Fittingly in this context, the local host organised a special Carbon Off set Tour during which presidents from FIG member associations contributed to the sustainability of our Earth by planting more than 50 heavy hardwood trees.CELEBRATIONWithin its framework of celebration, contributions and commitment, the Congress celebrated the Cadastre 2014, which not only represents ideas and concepts but also the collective professional passion and ability to better comprehend and apply evolving concepts. Th e authors of Cadastre 2014, Jürg Kaufmann and Daniel Steudler from Switzerland, were highly recognised during the Congress for their contribution to the development of the profession. A new FIG publication is available on Cadastre 2014. A number of joint declarations were also celebrated including the Joint FIG-World Bank Declaration on Fit-for-purpose Land Administration, the Suva Statement on Spatially Responsible Governance in the Context of Small Island Developing States, and the UN-GGIM-AP Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Spatially Enabling Governments and Societies.EXHIBITIONTh e well-organised exhibition hosted 56 international and national exhibitors, including stands from platinum Congress sponsors Trimble, Esri, Leica and Topcon. A new feature, the Bunga Raya Platform, was located in the exhibition area for technical/product presentations, briefi ngs or launches and various exhibitors held presentations there throughout the day.YOUNG SURVEYORSTh e young surveyors held their own successful Congress in a hotel next door. Th e atmosphere was dynamic, interactive and with a focus on documentation via social media. Eva-Maria Unger from Austria summed up the results of that event for the FIG General Assembly: “Yes, we are the future and we are dreaming big!”. MORE INFORMATION  www.fi g.net/fi g2014 FIG members planted 100 trees in the name of the congress. Vice pesident Rudolf Staiger by his tree. At the plenary session. The view from the Congress Centre.GIM0814_Report1_FIG-Congres   29 23-07-2014   11:32:43

Engaging the challenges, enhancing the relevance : the XXV FIG congress 2014, 16-21 June 2014, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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