Accra hosts energetic FIG Working Week

The annual Working Week of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) got off to an energetic start in Accra, Ghana. From 19-22 May, delegates from all over the world – from member organizations, affiliates and academic institutions, as well as corporate members – convened in numerous plenary and technical sessions to gain new insights and exchange knowledge. In parallel, an exhibition is showcasing the latest hardware and software for today’s surveying professionals. The theme for FIG Working Week 2024 is ‘Your World, Our World: Resilient Environment and Sustainable Resource Management for All’. 

With Accra as the host city for this year’s FIG Working Week, the possibilities for harnessing and leveraging geospatial knowledge in the battle against climate change are being placed in a truly international perspective. President Diane Dumashie emphasized the importance of this global outlook in the opening ceremony. She told the audience that the role of Africa and also South America will be pivotal in improving sustainability in context of the planet. In fact, their role will be crucial in saving the Earth. She urged delegates to take action and build partnerships, not only during the conference, but also afterwards.

SDG ambassadors

Similarly impressively, on the first full day, traditional African leaders called for a less European or Western focus on the topic of sustainability and battling climate change. Instead, they asked for local customs, traditional views and cultural laws to be taken into account. On the second full day, the plenary session on ‘Land Tenure, Resources and Minerals: Building sustainable and resilient resource management for the planet’ highlighted various examples from Africa. Likewise, the technical sessions featured many local examples of ongoing efforts for people and planet. Based on this FIG Working Week so far, it is already clear that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being heavily supported and have found great ambassadors in the global surveying community.

Accra was originally intended as the host for the FIG Working Week in 2021, but the COVID pandemic prevented a live event from being held at that time, so the Netherlands stepped in and organized an online event instead. The Ghanese Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) and Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LiSAG) have finally got a second chance this year, and they are more than living up to expectations!