Liberia has recommitted to advance Digital Governance, Land Administration, and Sustainable National Development.
The latest comes through its participation in the 16th Session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Chairman of Liberia Land Authority, Samuel F. Kpakio, and Commissioner for Land Administration, Mahmoud Solomon, are representing the country at the high-level global forum.
Kpakio and Solomon’s participation reflected the Government of Liberia’s commitment to strengthen geospatial information management as a cornerstone of effective governance, and inclusive national development under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
The annual UN-GGIM session brought together government leaders, geospatial experts, policymakers, and development partners from around the world to advance the use of geospatial information in support of sustainable development, land governance, disaster risk reduction, environmental management, and evidence-based policymaking.
Kpakio and Solomon have engaged international experts, and development partners to exchange experiences, explore innovative geospatial technologies, and strengthen partnerships that will support Liberia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its national geospatial infrastructure.
Chairman Kpakio emphasized the need for effective geospatial information management, which he said, is essential for Liberia’s development aspirations.
He said, accurate, and reliable spatial data supports better planning, transparent land administration, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and efficient public service delivery.
He said, Liberia’s participation at UN-GGIM aligns with Pres. Boakai’s vision of building stronger institutions through innovation, technology, and data-driven decision-making.
Liberia’s participation is anticipated for a major outcome, including the opportunity to lay the foundation for the establishment of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) that coordinates national framework, which enables government institutions to collect, manage, share, and use geospatial data efficiently.
The development of an NSDI would strengthen collaboration among public institutions, improve data interoperability, reduce duplication of mapping efforts, and support evidence-based planning across sectors.
The establishment of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure would represent a significant milestone in Liberia’s digital transformation agenda, providing a unified platform for land administration, infrastructure planning, agriculture, environmental management, disaster preparedness, urban development, and investment promotion.
It would also enhance the country’s ability to deliver efficient public services, and strengthen transparency, and accountability in governance.
Liberia’s engagement at the UN-GGIM forum directly supports several priorities under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly in strengthening governance institutions, improving land administration, promoting agricultural development through better land-use planning, facilitating infrastructure expansion, enhancing natural resource management, and accelerating digital transformation across government.
The participation further provides an opportunity for Liberia to deepen collaboration with the United Nations, regional geospatial organizations, and international partners in building technical capacity, mobilizing investment, and adopting global best practices in geospatial information management.
Such cooperation could accelerate Liberia’s efforts to establish a modern National Spatial Data Infrastructure that serves as a strategic national asset for inclusive development.
As the government continues implementing reforms to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive economic growth, investments in geospatial technologies are expected to improve planning, increase efficiency in public administration, enhance land tenure security, and support informed policy decisions.
The Government of Liberia said, it remains committed to leverage innovation, international cooperation, and modern geospatial technologies to accelerate sustainable development, and improve the quality of life for all Liberians in line with the vision of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
The 16th Session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management continued through August 7. It brought together countries from across the globe that strengthened international cooperation, and advanced the effective use of geospatial information for sustainable development.
