1. 4th Meeting of the Expert Group on the Integration of Statistical and Geospatial Information (UN EG-ISGI) – Nov 2017
Summary of progress
Martin Brady, Australian Bureau of Statistics

2. Key 2017 Decisions for EG-ISGI
In March 2017 the Statistical Commission recognized the increasing role of statistical and geospatial integration, particularly with regard to the SDGs and the 2020 Round of Population Censuses.
Agreed that the mandate of the Expert Group be strengthened for it to become the overall coordination group for all activities in the area of the integration of statistical and geospatial information, and for regional statistical bodies to develop and strengthen partnerships with the regional committees of UN-GGIM.
In August 2017 UN-GGIM endorsed the Statistical Commission’s decisions, and further encouraged the continued refinement and implementation of the Global Statistical Geospatial Framework.

5. Global Statistical Geospatial Framework: Timeline
44th UNSC
March 2013
46th UNSC
Mar 2014
46th UNSC
Mar 2015
47th UNSC
Mar 2016
48th UNSC
Mar 2017
3rd UN-GGIM
Aug 2013
4th UN-GGIM
Aug 2014
5th UN-GGIM
Aug 2015
6th UN-GGIM
Aug 2016
7th UN-GGIM
Aug 2017
EG-ISGI established
March 2013
1st EG-ISGI
Nov 2013
2nd EG-ISGI
May 2015
3rd EG-ISGI
April 2016
4th EG-ISGI
Nov UNECE Workshop
The process for developing the GSGF has involved extensive international discussion and consultation, with strong participation from both National Mapping and Statistical agencies.
The time line shows the extent of consultation and discussion.
This work has continued focusing on the following priority areas.
Global Forum
Aug 2014
EG-ISGI Informal Side Event
Aug 2015
EG-ISGI
Formal Side Event
Aug 2016
EG-ISGI
Informal Meeting
Aug 2017
+ Census 2021 seminar
EG-ISGI
Side Event
Mar 2016
EG-ISGI
Side Event Mar 2017
EG-ISGI
WebEx May 2017
EG-ISGI
WebEx Sept 2017

6. Key EG focus areas Consolidation and implementation of the Framework
Capability-building, knowledge management and sharing
Incorporate and build on the work done by other bodies
Showcase country level examples
consider how to act upon a “strengthened mandate”
The report identified the following future priorities for the EG:
consolidation and implementation of the Framework With a program to further develop the supporting materials to support the adoption and implementation of the framework.
Consider and plan for capability-building, knowledge management and sharing of good practices through use of the GGIM knowledge base
build on the work done by other bodies at the global and regional levels and to enable these groups to in turn to build on the work of the Expert Group
prepare country level examples detailing country application of the GSGF
At its 48th session, the UN Statistical Commission agreed that the mandate of the Expert Group should be strengthened to
become the overall coordination group for all activities in the area of the integration of statistical and geospatial information
- The EG wishes to obtain feedback on this extended mandate from UN-GGIM
EG is currently consider how to act upon that “strengthened mandate”

7. EG-ISGI key priorities - 2018
Operationalising the principles of the Framework by producing detailed specifications and supporting material, via the 5 Principle Working Groups; to ensure that the Framework is implemented and consolidated.
Focus areas for Global Statistical Geospatial Framework 5 Principle Working Groups
Building capability through supporting and promoting the application of the Framework to 2020 Round of Population Censuses.
Supporting SDG indicator production by providing the Framework as a means of enabling small area data and facilitating disaggregation.

8. EG-ISGI key priorities - 2018
Consulting users on requirements to assess usefulness and effectiveness of the GSGF.
Communications
Members should represent the Expert Group and promote the GSGF at the various international meetings they attend or lead.
Extend the use of case studies in communication about the benefits of the Framework.
The Expert Group would consider drafting an appendix to the UNSD Handbook on Population Censuses, if appropriate resources become available.

9. GSGF Content development
The Global Statistical Geospatial Framework
The Framework provides a common method for geospatially enabling statistical and administrative data, as well as ensuring that this data can be integrated with geospatial information.
The 5 principles of the GSGF set a foundation from which we can work to put in place common language, processes, standards and methods across both statistical and geospatial communities.
In order to progress the GSGF the EG must provide more context and guidance to the principles in the framework in order to facilitate adoption and implementation of the principles.

10. Lead countries - GSGF principles
Principle working groups
Lead countries - GSGF principles
To ensure the progress of each principle working group, two lead countries have been agreed to guide the work on each principle.
Other EG members will be invited and expected to contribute to the work of at least one working group.
Other groups and regional bodies will be invited to contribute to these groups by the leads as required.
Membership and contributions?

11. UN EG-ISGI Looking Forward
Conclusions
Strong engagement by statistical community
Need to grow geo community engagement
Great support for Global Framework
Need to follow through to develop further details and supporting material
Promote and support implementation
Prioritise work program topics