The Central Elections Commission (CEC) hosted a meeting for discussing the “Spatial Data National Infrastructure” (SDI) today at its HQ in Al-Bireh, attended by representatives of ministries, local organizations, and the private sector companies.
During his opening remarks, the CEC’s CEO, Mr. Hisham Kuhail welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the various organizations interested in geographic and spatial data, noting the benefit the CEC gains from the availability of such data, aiding the CEC in performing its functions during electoral processes. Meanwhile, Kuhail also focused on the importance of keeping citizens and the public informed of the achievement aspired to be realized from this project, for the benefit all stakeholders.
In return, GIZ’s Development Advisor, Dr. Anas Altartouri, further explained the advancements made in realizing the project, crowned with the establishment of an e-portal for geospatial data, which will act as a connection point between all institutions with geographic information, and the different parties interested in viewing such information to accomplish their work quickly and efficiently.
The meeting, which included experts in maps and geographic information from all partner organizations, discussed the standards and data that will be handled, means of its development and sharing it with the different stakeholders, and closed the discussion with the data governance model.
Participants agreed on the importance of coordinating efforts between the ministries, NGOs, local authorities and the private sector companies involved in the project, in order to establish a joint spatial data database, which can be developed in order to further facilitate the work of all stakeholders.
It is worth mentioning that the “SDI” project is funded by GIZ, and aims to organize the geographic information sector at the national level, unify its resources, and allow access of stakeholders to it with the minimal effort, time and cost. This reflects positively on governmental work in the maps sector, contributing to the provision of solutions to the environmental, social and economic challenges.
- End -