21.01.2008

GIS and Humanitarian: Workshop January 30 in Geneva

Information management is crucial for humanitarian activities at any stage, before, during, or after the disaster strikes. Often, access to a timely, well understood and well prepared information makes a difference.

Many professionals do an extensive use of maps. Geographic Information is collected, organised and shared, supporting coordination during field operations, and facilitating cooperation amongst the community.

How does this happen and why does geography matter? To answer these questions, UNOSAT and ESRI are jointly organising a workshop on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in humanitarian activities. This will happen January 30 at 12:30, during the "Aid and Trade" Conference and Exhibition in Geneva. The panel includes speakers from UNHCR, WFP, WHO and UNOSAT as follows:

• Mr Luc St Pierre, UNHCR:
  "Using Geographic Information for better management of resources in refugee camps".
• Mr Alain Rétière, UNOSAT:
  "Satellite Imagery support to humanitarian mapping (...)"
• Mr Haile Menghestab, WFP:
  "The role of GIS in delivering effective humanitarian assistance"
• Mr Steeve Ebener, WHO
  "Preparedness or how to get ready to deliver humanitarian assistance using GIS"

You are invited to attend the workshop and share your questions and experiences with our speakers and other professionals. The registration to "Aid and Trade" is free but mandatory, just follow this URL: http://aidandtrade.org/.

We are looking forward to meeting you at Palexpo. Please do not hesitate to let your friends and colleagues know about this unique workshop.

Contact:
Emanuele Gennai
Global Affairs Account Executive, EMEA
E-Mail:

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