SIXTH UNITED NATIONS REGIONAL CARTOGRAPHIC CONFERENCE FOR THE AMERICAS BEGINS IN NEW YORK
Press Release
DEV/2161
SIXTH UNITED NATIONS REGIONAL CARTOGRAPHIC CONFERENCE FOR THE AMERICAS BEGINS IN NEW YORK
19970603 NEW YORK, 2 June (DDSMS) -- The Sixth United Nations Regional Cartographic Conference for the Americas, which opened today at Headquarters, is focusing on the contribution of surveying, mapping and charting in support of the implementation of Agenda 21, the programme of action adopted by the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, and other multinational environmental agreements. The Conference also serves as focal point for regional cooperation and transfer of technology and expertise. The Conference is being held pursuant to Economic and Social Council decision 1993/225 of 12 July 1993.The Conference provides a regional forum for government officials, planners, scientists and experts from the Americas and other regions where they could meet to address the common needs, problems and experiences in the field of surveying and mapping, cartography, hydrography, remote sensing, land and geographical information systems, including educational and training aspects, scientific and technological requirements, implementation issues and benefits.
The Conference is being serviced by the Department for Development Support and Management Services (DDSMS) which provides substantive inputs, as well as by staff of the Office of Conference Services.
In her opening statement, Béatrice Labonne, Director, Division for Economic and Social Development and Natural Resources Management, DDSMS, welcomed the participants on behalf of the Department, stressing how recent changes in technology and communication are making feasible today for cartography and its related fields to become an essential and integrated tool for sustainable development purposes.
The Conference elected Carlos M. Jarque (Mexico) as President.
Attending the Conference are 82 delegates from 26 countries of the America region, as well as delegates from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Western Asia and representatives of United Nations specialized agencies and international scientific organizations. The Conference will concludes on 6 June.
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