FIG General Assembly

Minutes

46th General Assembly - 2023

Sunday 28 May 2023 9:00 - 15:00
Thursday 1 June 10:00 - 13:00

in Bonnet Creek Ball Room at
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek/Waldorf Astoria Orlando Florida, USA

INTRODUCTION

This online version of the minutes includes link to all appendices in .pdf.

To download the minutes in .pdf please click here:

Minutes  (pdf, 22 pages)

Click here to see the agenda or for the pdf version go to:  Agenda  (pdf, 29 pages)

PLEASE NOTE: The minutes have been sent by email to all members.


The following sessions connected to the General Assembly were held (time shown in Eastern Daylight Time EDT (UTC-4)):

Sunday, 28 May 2023

9:00-15:30 EDT General Assembly Day 1

Monday, 29 May 2023

11:30-13:00 EDT Member Association Forum
by invitation
11:30-13:00 EDT FIG Task Force:  Reimagining the Climate Action Agenda for the Global Surveyor Community through FIG
16:30-18:00 EDT Academic Member Forum

Tuesday, 30 May 2023

11:30-13:00 EDT Director Generals Forum (Affiliate members) incl. FIG Task Force on Geospatial Trends
11:30-13:00 EDT FIG Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion in the Surveying Profession
16:30-18:00 EDT Annual Meetings of FIG Commissions

Wednesday, 31 May 2023

14:00 EDT Online voting for Destination for FIG Working Week 2027 starts
14:30-16:00 FIG Corporate Members meeting
14:30-16:00 FIG Africa Capacity Development Network meeting
14:30-16:00 FIG Americas Capacity Development Network meeting
14:30-16:00 FIG Standards Network Meeting
16:30-18:00 PPresidents Meeting

Thursday, 1 June 2023

8:00 AM Voting ends
10.00-13:00 General Assembly Day 2
Further reading

List of Agenda Items

  1. OPENING PROCEEDINGS
  2. ROLL CALL
  3. APPOINTMENT OF TELLERS
  4. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
  5. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE 45th GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  6. MEMBERSHIP
  7. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
  8. APPOINTMENT OF HONORARY PRESIDENT
  9. APPOINTMENT OF HONORARY MEMBER
  10. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR FOR FIG COMMISSION 10
  11. FIG COUNCIL WORK PLAN 2023-2026
  12. FIG FOUNDATION REPORT AND WORK PLAN
  13. FIG ACCOUNTS FOR 2022 AND AUDITOR'S REPORT AND BUDGETS 2023-2026
  14. SUBSCRIPTION RATES FOR 2025
  15. TASK FORCE ON FIG AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
  16. TASK FORCE ON THE ROLE OF FIG IN INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND FUTURE GOESPATIAL INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM
  17. TASK FORCE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE SURVEYING PROFESSION
  18. TASK FORCE ON REIMAGINING THE CLIMATE ACTION AGENDA FOR THE GLOBAL SURVEYOR COMMUNITY THROUGH FIG
  19. FIG COUNCIL WORKING GROUPS
  20. FIG PERMANENT INSTITUTIONS
  21. FIG NETWORKS
  22. FIG COMMISSIONS - WORK PLANS
  23. NEW PUBLICATIONS
  24. CO-OPERATION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE WORLD BANK
  25. LIAISON WITH INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS
  26. DECISION ON THE HOST FOR FIG WORKING WEEK 2027 - PRESENTATION BY CANDIDATES
  27. FIG PRESIDENT'S MEETING
  28. ROLL CALL
  29. MEMBERSHIP
  30. DECISION ON THE HOST FOR FIG WORKING WEEK 2027
  31. REPORTS FROM ASSOCIATION, AFFILIATE, ACADEMIC AND CORPORATE MEMBERS FORUM
  32. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS
  33. REPORTS FROM NETWORKS, TASK FORCES, PERMANENT INSTITUTIONS, FIG FOUNDATION AND OTHER WORKING WEEK ACTIVITIES
  34. OTHER ISSUES
  35. REPORT ON THE FIG CONGRESS 2026 IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
  36. REPORT ON THE FIG WORKING WEEK 2025 IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
  37. REPORT ON THE FIG WORKING WEEK 2024 IN ACCRA, GHANA
  38. CLOSING CEREMONY AND PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES

MINUTES

1. OPENING PROCEEDINGS

President Diane Dumashie opened the 46th General Assembly and welcomed everyone to Orlando, Florida. She sent her greetings and regrets to all the delegates and participants who could not get a visa to the US despite the efforts that the local organisers and FIG went through trying to assist the process. It is an unfortunate situation and it was even more difficult than expected entering the US. FIG delegates from Africa, especially Nigeria, and Asia were unfortunately not able to get a visa.

The General Assembly was held onsite only but was recorded and published afterwards.

Recording part 1 28 May 2023: https://youtu.be/sVesIXKlbdA
Recording part 2 28 May 2023: https://youtu.be/5d8cc9OOm84

2. ROLL CALL

The General Assembly was open for all interested participants. All member associations were asked to appoint their official delegate in advance for voting purposes. These are registered in a special column in the roll call. The onsite roll call was done for member associations only.

Appendix to item 2 & 28: Roll Call including members that had registered for voting and members that were present on the two General Assembly days.

Motion:: That members that are present at the first General Assembly day are recorded in the minutes.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

3. APPOINTMENT OF TELLERS

The General Assembly was asked to appoint two persons as tellers for the entire General Assembly.

FIG Council suggested to appoint:

  • Richard Allen, Florida Surveying and Mapping Society, NSPS
  • Humphrey Amegadoe, Ghana Institution of Surveyors, Ghana

The actual voting took place online through a secure voting system, SimplyVoting, who delivered a certified report.

The voting sheets were prepared by FIG Office and the two appointed tellers together with FIG Director had access to the SimplyVoting system.

The voting system allows the tellers to see who has cast a vote and when this has been done, but they cannot see any details on what each delegate has voted, nor can they see any results until the voting is finalised and a report has been created by SimplyVoting. Once the voting is over the overall result will be available through a certified report from SimplyVoting.

Motion: That the General Assembly appoints the two tellers:

  • Richard Allen, Florida Surveying and Mapping Society, NSPS
  • Humphrey Amegadoe, Ghana Institution of Surveyors, Ghana

Decision: The motion was adopted.

4. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

The General Assembly was announced through the newsletter and on FIG web site, and the Agenda for the General Assembly was published in July on the web site and sent by email to all members.

Motion: That the agenda for 2023 will be adopted

Decision: The motion was adopted.

5.. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE 45th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The minutes from 2022 have been circulated previously.

Appendix to item 5: The minutes of the General Assembly 2022

Motion: That the minutes are adopted as recorded.

Decision: The motion was adopted

6. MEMBERSHIP

6.1 Admittance of new Member Associations

FIG has received one new applications for membership since the 45th General Assembly.

6.1.1 Haitian Association of Geodetic Survedyos (HAGS) MA-10139

The Haitian Association of Geodetic Surveys (HAGS) association was founded during the month of August 2021. The association has 24 members. FIG Council has discussed the application and has decided to bring it forward to the General Assembly.

Appendix to agenda item 6.1.1: Application form

Motion: That the General Assembly admits the Haitian Association of Geodetic Surveys (HAGS) to become an association member of FIG.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

6.2 Other Member Association Issues

The two Finnish member associations of FIG MIL and MAKLI have merged and will continues as one member of FIG under the name of Finnish Association of Geodetic and Land Surveyors MIL.

MA-10118 Nigerian institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers NIESV has been reinstalled as member after they have paid their arrears.

Belarus Land Reform Association MA-10007 has terminated its membership in 2022. The association does not exist anymore.

Due to exceptional circumstances in Turkey and the immediate region earlier this year, FIG has waived the subscription fee for the year 2023 for the Chamber of Surveying and Cadastre Engineers of Türkiye, HKMO, knowing that all their efforts, financial and personal, are being used to assist and help in the aftermath of the earthquake. This amounts to almost 10,000 EUR.

Motion: That the General Assembly notes the update.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

6.3 Expulsion of member associations

The General Assembly has power to expel from the Federation any member association whose fees are in arrears and shall under normal circumstances expel any member association whose fees are three years in arrears. (Article 4.3 of the Statutes).

  • The Institute of Surveyors St. Lucia INC. ISSL, St Lucia - MA-10123

The FIG office has sent information to the association informing that if their membership fees are still in arrears at the time of the General Assembly the General Assembly shall expel the above member associations at its meeting on 28 May 2023 unless FIG Office receives payment from the associations.

FIG Office has received payment from Institusi Geomatik Brunei (IGB) which will therefore not be expelled.

After acceptance of the new member association and before expulsions, the number of FIG member associations is 95 from 83 countries

Motion: That the General Assembly notes that at this General Assembly there are two members to expel unless FIG office receives payment from the associations:

  • The Institute of Surveyors St. Lucia INC. ISSL, St Lucia - MA-10123

Decision: The motion was adopted.

6.4 Suspended status 2023

In accordance with its administrative measures, FIG Council, has deferred to continue for 2023 the issuance of a membership subscription invoice to the following members and FIG Council deems their membership to be in suspension:

  • Iran: Iranian Society of Surveyors (ISS) (international ban makes it impossible for them to transfer the registration fee)
  • Palestine: Licensed Surveyors Association in Palestine; effort to maintain contact
  • Russia: Noncommercial partnership "Self-regulated organisation of activity of cadastral engineers" MA-10121 (Danish banks do not accept payment from Russia)          
  • Syria: the Order of Syrian Engineers and Architects, OSEA as all efforts to maintain contact with them has not yielded results and will deem their membership in suspension giving due consideration to its internal situation.
  • Ukraine: Ukrainian Society of Geodesy and Cartography MA-10088 (due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

The situation with these associations will be reconsidered by Council again in 2024.

Motion: That the General Assembly notes the members in suspension.

Decision: The motion was adopted

6.5 Other membership issues

6.5.1 Affiliate members

There has been three application for affiliate membership since the General Assembly 2022:

  • National Land Commission Secretariat, Bhutan (NLCS)
  • Cadastre Committee of the Republic of Armenia
  • Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI) under American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Three affiliate members have been expelled:

  • Mongolia Administration of Land Affairs Geodesy & Cartography AF-20018
  • United Arab Emirates Surveying Department - Geodesy & Hydrographic Survey Section AF-20032
  • Iran National Cartographic Center of Iran AF-20036

After these changes the number of Affiliate members is 42 from 41 countries.

6.5.2 Corporate members

FIG Council has admitted two applications for corporate membership:

  • Atlas Surveying  Malta, Category F Regional level  CM-30079
  •  TopoDOT – Category D Bronze level CM-30080

There were no expulsions of corporate members de to lack of payment of membership fee.

In May 2023 FIG Office was informed that the corporate member Derinsu Underwater Engineering & Consulting will terminate their membership (Category E)

After these changes, the number of corporate members is now 21.

6.5.3 Academic members

FIG Council has admitted six new Academic members since the General Assembly 2022:

  • University of Life Sciences Romania AC-40158
  • Queensland University (UQ) Haiti AC-40159
  • Cyprus University of Technology AC-40160
  • National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia NUACA, Engineering Geodesy department
  • Universitat Politècnica de València, UPV, Department of Cartographic Engineering, Geodesy and Photogrammetry (DICGF), and School of  Engineering in Geodesy, Cartography and Surveying (ETSIGCT)
  • Central Christian University, Department of Land Surveying, Malawi

The payment structure of the Academic Members was changed in 2013 so that Academic Members would be invoiced every 4 years instead of every year. The four-year payment will reward the members with a 50% discount. Academic members were invoiced in 2014, 2018 and again in 2022.

The number of Academic Members after these changes is 82 from 52 countries.

6.5.4 Correspondents

The number of correspondent members are five. The current correspondents are coming from Maldives, Pakistan, Rwanda, Tonga and Venezuela.

Motion: That the General Assembly notes the actions that the Council has taken with other membership matters.

Decision: The motion was adopted

7. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

President Diane Dumashie has prepared the President’s report on the activities of the Federation since the General Assembly in 2022 that was held in Warsaw, Poland.  

Appendix to item 7:

  • Handouts of the President's report 2023

Motion: That the General Assembly accepts the President’s report 2023.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

8. APPOINTMENT OF HONORARY PRESIDENT

The German Association for Geodesy, Geoinformation and Land Management, DVW, has sent FIG Council a letter in which it proposes that FIG appoints Prof. Rudolf Staiger, the immediate Past President of FIG, as an Honorary President of the Federation.

According to paragraph 3.1.6 in the statutes “a past president who has rendered outstanding service to the Federation during his period of office can be appointed as an honorary president”. Nomination shall be made by a member association or by the Council, which will consider it and submit it to a vote of the General Assembly.

The Council has decided to bring forward this proposal to the General Assembly, noting that Rudolf Staiger fulfils the criteria for an Honorary President and his achievements as the President for the term 2019-2022 have contributed the Federation to extend that he without any doubt deserves to be appointed as an FIG Honorary President. 

Appendix to agenda item 8: The nomination letter for:

Motion: That FIG General Assembly appoints Prof. Rudolf Staiger as Honorary President of FIG.
 
Decision: The motion was adopted with applause from the general assembly. FIG President Diane Dumashie commented the nomination which is a fully deserved recognition of the former president. Rudolf Staiger received a certificate and gold pin by FIG.
 

9. APPOINTMENT OF HONORARY MEMBER

The Council has received one nomination for Honorary Member:

  • The National Society of Professional Surveyors NSPS, USA has appointed Mr. Brent Jones

According to the Statutes paragraph 3.1.7 an individual who has materially assisted the development and promotion of the surveying profession at the international level can be appointed as an honorary member. Nomination for this appointment shall be made by a member association or the Council, which will consider it and submit it to a vote of the General Assembly.

The Council has considered the proposal and decided to propose to the General Assembly that it appoints Mr. Brent Jones as Honorary Members of the Federation for the outstanding services he has provided to the Federation over many years.

Appendix to agenda item 9: The nomination letter for:

Motion: That FIG General Assembly appoints Mr Brent Jones as Honorary Members of FIG.

Decision: The motion was adopted with applause from the general assembly. Tim Burch, NSPS, gave a short presentation of the background of the nomination, and Brent Jones received a certificate and silver pin by the FIG President.

10. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR FOR FIG COMMISSION 10

The originally elected Chair of FIG Commission 10, elected at the General Assembly in 2021, has with regret informed that he will not be able to take on the responsibility as chair of the commission for this term. FIG Council has been in contact with the Nigerian Institution of Quantity Surveyors, who has appointed Ms Mercy Iyortyer, Nigeria. FIG Council has with thanks accepted this nomination and has appointed Ms Mercy Iyortyer Chair of FIG Commission 10 for the term 2023-2026.

Motion: That the General Assembly records the appointment of Ms Mercy Iyortyer, Nigeria as Chair of FIG Commission 10 for the term 2023-2026

Decision: The motion was adopted. FIG President thanked Mercy Iyortyer for taking on this task.

11. . FIG COUNCIL WORK PLAN 2023-2026

The Council has prepared the FIG Council Work Plan for 2023-2026. Together with the Commission Work Plans the Council Work Plan will form the FIG Work Plan for the next four years. The proposal for the Council Work Plan 2023-2026 is attached to the agenda. The Council Work Plan has been coordinated with the Commissions', Networks', Task Forces’ and Permanent Institutions’ Work Plans.

President Diane Dumashie will present the Work Plan at the meeting.  The Council has also decided on responsibilities of individual Council members. This list is included as an appendix to the Council Work Plan. An up-to-date list will always be available on the FIG web site. 

Appendix to item 11:

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts the Council Work Plan for 2023-2026

Decision: The motion was adopted.

12. FIG FOUNDATION REPORT AND WORK PLAN

Mr. John Hohol, President of the FIG Foundation, presented a report on the FIG Foundation activities in 2022.

After more than 20 years of being President of FIG Foundation John Hohol will step down from this position. FIG Council has accepted this decision and has appointed Mr Bryn Fosburgh, who was appointed one of the Directors of FIG Foundation in 2022, to take over this position. This succession will occur gradually over the next year.

FIG Council thanked Mr John Hohol for his extensive work over these more than 20 years and to bring the FIG Foundation to where it is today.

Appendix to item 12:

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts the report of the President of the FIG Foundation and records its thanks to the President and members of the Board of Directors of the FIG Foundation for their past year’s work and that the General Assembly notes the appointment by FIG Council of Bryn Fosburgh to take over the presidency of FIG Foundation.

Decision: The motion was adopted. Due to the extraordinary length of term as an appreciation John Hohol was accorded the title of FIG Foundation Emeritus President. This will be added to the FIG Foundation web site. It is stressed that this is a one-time only and extraordinary token of appreciation.

13. FIG ACCOUNTS FOR 2022 AND AUDITOR'S REPORT AND BUDGETS 2023-2026

The financial report was presented to the General Assembly by FIG Director Louise Friis-Hansen. This report includes the auditor’s report from 2022, official accounts (income statement 2022) and balance sheet at 31 December 2022, an updated budget for 2023 and proposals for budgets 2024-2026.

Appendix

Annexes:

  • 13A Auditor's Report, Income Statement for 2021 and Balance Sheet at 31 December 2021.
  • 13B FIG Result 2021 and FIG Budgets 2022-2025
  • 13C List of member associations whose membership fees are in arrears for 2021 and earlier and that are not allowed to vote (in roll call)

Motion: That the General Assembly

  • adopts the audited accounts for 2022
  • adopts the Finance Reports from 2022, and
  • adopts budgets for 2023–2026

Decision: The motion was adopted. FIG Director and President underlined 1) that we are facing some difficult years ahead financially with the current income 2) that it is important that all members declare their actual numbers of members to FIG and 3) that all pay their arrears  

14. SUBSCRIPTION RATES FOR 2025

The General Assembly has to set levels of fees for member associations two years in advance of the year in which they become payable. Fees are payable in respect of each individual member up to a maximum of 5,500 members. Membership fees have been discussed as part of the finance report, appendix to item 13.

The 2022 General Assembly approved membership fees for 2024 as follows:

  Per capita fee Minimum fee Maximum fee
2024 € 4.80 per member up to a maximum of 5,500 members
20 members or € 50 (whichever is greater) 5,500 members (€ 26,400)
Member associations from countries listed by the World Bank as low-income economies or lower-middle-income economies shall pay € 2.40 member up to a maximum of 5,500 members.

The World Bank lists of the low-income economies and the lower-middle-income economies are available at: http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lending-groups   

The General Assembly decided in 2017 to increase subscription fees with 8% for 2019 after subscription fees have been kept at the same level for the years 2012-2018. This level has been kept in the following years.

FIG Council has discussed the fees in the light of the current inflation and the decrease in subscription income. Even though this will affect the budget Council suggest that the subscription fee for 2025 will remain at same level. Council is conscious of the economic conditions that members are operating under and do hope that members will use their best endeavours to report their actual number of national members.

It must be noted that in 2021 FIG Council granted a 20% reduction of fee to all members due to the difficulties during the Covid19 Pandemic.

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts following membership fees payable by member associations in 2025:

  Per capita fee Minimum fee Maximum fee
2025 € 4.80 per member up to a maximum of 5,500 members
20 members or € 50 (whichever is greater) 5,500 members (€ 26,400)
Member associations from countries listed by the World Bank as low-income economies or lower-middle-income economies shall pay € 2.40 member up to a maximum of 5,500 members.

Decision: The motion was adopted. It is to be noted that with the current trend in the financial situation Council will look at income sources and current business model for the future years.

15. TASK FORCE ON FIG AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

In 2019 FIG Council established a Task Force to focus on FIG and the Sustainable Development Goals. This Task Force has been chaired by Ms. Paula Dijkstra from the Netherlands. The Task Force delivered in cooperation with the Commissions good progress, however several activities were delayed due to the COVID19 pandemic. Council has decided to continue this Task Force for the next term.

Appendix to item 15: 

Motion: That the General Assembly records the Council’s decision to continue the Task Force on FIG and the Sustainable Development Goals and its terms of reference as well as the appointment of Ms. Paula Dijkstra to continue to chair the Task Force.

Decision:The motion was adopted.

16. TASK FORCE ON THE ROLE OF FIG IN INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND FUTURE GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM

FIG Council has established three new Task Forces for the term 2023-2026.
The first Task Force will look into the role of FIG in international trends and future geospatial information ecosystem. This Task Force will be chaired by Prof. Abbas Rajabifard, Australia. The Task Force topic was included in the Director Generals Forum in the Working Week technical programme. On behalf of the chair of the Task Force, FIG Vice President Daniel Steudler presented the terms of reference.

Appendix to agenda item 16:

Motion: That the General Assembly records the Council’s decision of establishment of the Task Force on the role of FIG in international trends and future geospatial information ecosystem, appointment of Prof. Abbas Rajabifard to chair the Task Force and its terms of reference.

Decision: The motion was adopted

17. TASK FORCE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE SURVEYING PROFESSION

The Second Task Force established by FIG Council is an outward facing task force to encourage young people into the profession. This task force will be led by Mr Stephen Djaba, Ghana. There was a special Task Force session in the technical programme of the Working Week. On the second General Assembly Day Stephen Djaba presented the terms of reference.

Appendix to agenda item 17:

Motion: That the General Assembly records the Council’s decision of establishment of an outward facing task force to encourage young people into the profession, appointment of Mr Stephen Djaba to chair the Task Force and its terms of reference.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

18. TASK FORCE ON REIMAGINING THE CLIMATE ACTION AGENDA FOR THE GLOBAL SURVEYOR COMMUNITY THROUGH FIG

The Third Task Force that FIG Council has established is a FIG Climate Compass Task Force – the Surveying Profession’s Global Response to Tackling the Climate Agenda. Co-chairs of the Task Force are Ms. Roshni Sharma and Ms. Clarissa Augustinus.

On the second General Assembly day Roshni Sharma presented the terms of reference.

Appendix to Agenda item 18:

Motion: That the General Assembly records the Council’s decision of establishment of a FIG Climate Compass Task Force, appointment of Ms Roshni Sharma and Ms Clarissa Augustinus to co-chair the Task Force and its terms of reference.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

19. FIG COUNCIL WORKING GROUPS

Council suggests to establish two Working Groups under Council.  

  1.  FIG Knowledge Assets and Infrastructure, to be co-chaired by Daniel Steudler and Eva-Maria Unger
    Handouts of presentation
  2. A 50-year Perspective – the development of FIG from 1978 – 2028, to be published as part of the FIG 150th anniversary celebration in 2028 and to be chaired by Honorary President Stig Enemark 
    Terms of Reference

Motion: That the General Assembly records the Councils decision of establishment of two Working Groups under FIG Council on FIG Knowledge Assets and Infrastructure co-chaired by Daniel Steudler and Eva-Maria Unger and a 50-year Perspective publication chaired by Stig Enemark.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

20. FIG PERMANENT INSTITUTIONS

20.1 International Office of Cadastre and Land Records (Office International du Cadastre et du Régime Foncier) OICRF

Dr. Eva-Maria Unger, Director of OICRF has prepared a report on the OICRF activities and she presented a short oral report at the General Assembly

Appendix to item 20.1:

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts the report and records its thanks to the Director and the members of OICRF for their past year’s work and contributions.

 Decision: The motion was adopted.

20.2  International Institution for the History of Surveying and Measurement, Permanent Institution of FIG

Mr. Jan de Graeve, Director of the IIHSM and Mr. John Brock have prepared a report on the IIHS&M. Mr John Brockl presented a short oral report to the General Assembly.

Appendix to item 20.2:

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts the report and records its thanks to the Director and the members of the permanent institution for their past year’s work and contribution.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

21. FIG NETWORKS

21.1.   Young Surveyors Network

FIG Young Surveyors Network is for the term 20223 chaired by Ferah Kökhsal, Turkey. Attached to this agenda is a report on the FIG Young Surveyors activities during the past year and their work plan for the coming term. On behalf of the Chair, Vice Chair Shirley Tendai Chapunza presented the Work Plan.

Appendix to item 21.1:

Motion: that the General Assembly adopts the report, and thanks all the many active Young Surveyors.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

21.2.   Standards Network

The Chair of the network, David Martin has prepared a written report to the General Assembly of the activities 2022-23. The Chair of the Standards Network presented a short report of the Network..

Appendix to item 21.2:  Standards Network Report and Work Plan

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts the report from the Network and records its thanks to the Chair of the Network and its members.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

21.3.   FIG Regional Capacity Development Networks

The Chair of the Asia/Pacific Network, Rob Sarib presented a short oral report to the General Assembly and Surv. Mohmmed M Kabir, Chair of FIG Africa Regional Network ARN presented in brief the Work Plan for the term 2023-2026.

Appendix to item 21.3:

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts the reports and Work Plans from the networks, notes the update and appointments made by FIG Council, and records its thanks to the Chair of the Networks and their members.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

22. FIG COMMISSION WORK PLANS

The Commission Chairs have prepared their Commission Work Plans for the term 2023-2026 with input from commission members and delegates. The Work Plans have been coordinated with the Council Work Plan and with other Commission Work Plans at a special meeting in February 2023.  All Commission Work Plans have now been finalised and synchronized with the Council Work Plan are presented for the General Assembly for its approval in Orlando in May 2023.  

At the General Assembly a one hour slot was reserved for the members to discuss the work plans and Commission activities with the Commission Chairs. This discussion was chaired by Vice President Mikael Lilje Council representative to ACCO.  

Appendix to item 22:

Commission 1 Work Plan video - commission 1
Commission 2 Work Plan video - commission 2
Commission 3 Work Plan video - commission 3
Commission 4 Work Plan video - commission 4
Commission 5 Work Plan video - commission 5
Commission 6 Work Plan video - commission 6
Commission 7 Work Plan video - commission 7
Commission 8 Work Plan video - commission 8
Commission 9 Work Plan video - commission 9
Commission 10 Work Plan video - commission 10

 

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts the Work Plans of the Commission Chairs and records its thanks to the chairs and other officers of the Commissions for their ongoing contributions.

Decision: The motion was adopted. Each Commission Chair answered and elaborated over questions asked by Vice President Mikael Lilje in regard to their commission, and there were furthermore several questions from the delegates to the chairs.

Recording of agenda items 21 and 22 can be watched here (YouTube)

23. NEW PUBLICATIONS

Since the last General Assembly agenda in September 2022, FIG has published four new publications:

FIG Publication no 78:
Geospatial Data in the 2020s - Transformative Power and Pathways to Sustainability
FIG Commission 3 – Spatial Information Management
FIG Report 2022
FIG Publication no 79:
Land Consolidation – The Fundamentals to Guide Practice
FIG Commission 8 - Spatial Planning and Development,
FIG Report 2022
FIG Publication no 80:
Digital transformation and land administration Sustainable practices from the UNECE region and beyond
FAO, UN AND FIG
FIG Guide 2022
FIG Publication no 81:
Enhancing Surveying Education through Blended Learning
FIG Commission 2 - Professional Education FIG Report 2023

 

Motion: That the General Assembly notes the new publications

Decision: The motion was adopted. This agenda item was included in the president’s report.

24. CO-OPERATION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE WORLD BANK

FIG has continued to collaborate with the World Bank and various agencies and structures within the United Nations.

Appendix to agenda item 24: Cooperation with partners    

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts the report on the co-operation between FIG and the United Nations, its agencies and the World Bank and records its thanks to all those who have contributed to this co-operation  

Decision: The motion was adopted. This agenda item was included in the president’s report.

25. LIAISON WITH INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS

Appendix to agenda item 25: Cooperation with partners    

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report on the liaison with other international associations.

Decision: The motion was adopted. This agenda item was included in the president’s report.

26. DECISION ON THE HOST FOR FIG WORKING WEEK 2027 - PRESENTATION BY CANDIDATES

The FIG Working Weeks are organised by FIG together with a local member association. FIG will together with the local member association have full responsibility of the arrangements and of the financial result. This offers FIG better opportunities in terms of organising events and generating revenue. Therefore, the Council has to ensure that all candidates are aware of the role of FIG and split of responsibilities for organising the Working Week. This General Assembly will decide on the host for the FIG Working Week 2027.

The FIG Council has received two bids to host the FIG Working Week 2027, and FIG Council thanks the national associations for their special engagement and contribution to FIG.

The Council has prepared a desktop summary on the bids. The summary report will not give a recommendation or a preference to any candidate but it will draw from the bids to highlight the information provided on relevant items and summarise the pros and cons of each candidate to assist the member association in making their decision.  

The General Assembly must note that, especially in these past years, the issue of security and financial viability has come to the fore. In addition the issuance of visas is also becoming a key consideration for many FIG members, although it is recognised that FIG and LOCs have no direct influence with country Ministries/embassies. The purpose of the evaluation process is to maintain the continued viability, high standard and quality of the FIG Working Week.

The Council has considered the bids and has decided to present the submitted bids to the General Assembly for its decision:

  1. Kathmandu, Nepal
  2. Stavanger, Norway

Appendix to agenda item 26

  1. Kathmandu, Nepal  - bidding document  |  Presentation  |  video
  2. Stavanger, Norway - bidding document  |  Presentation  |  video

Summary report

Voting: There was one voting round which took place online starting on Wednesday 31 May 2023 at 14:00/2PM EDT and was closed at 8:00AM on Thursday 1 June 2023. An email was from SimplyVoting to the official delegate of member associations who have registered.

Motion: That the General Assembly notes the submission and the presentation, makes its careful consideration and decision for the online voting.

Decision: The motion was adopted. FIG President Diane Dumashie explained the voting procedure for the delegates.


FIG PRESIDENT'S MEETING

WEDNESDAY 31 MAY 2023 - 16:30 - 18:00, ORLANDO, FLORIDA

27. FIG PRESIDENT'S MEETING

The Presidents Meeting is convened by the FIG President and is reserved for Presidents or Heads of delegations of Member Associations (or their representatives).
The meeting took place on Wednesday 31 May 2023 at 16:30 – 18:00.

40 member associations were represented, and in total 55 persons in this meeting. FIG President Diane Dumashie chaired the meeting that included a discussion on the future of FIG. A summary from the meeting will be sent to the FIG member associations.  


FIG GENERAL ASSEMBLY DAY 2
1 JUNE 2023, 10:00 - 13:00
OORLANDO, FLORIDA


 28. ROLL CALL

Vice President Kwame Tenadu took the roll call for members attending in person in Orlando, Florida.

Appendix to item 2& 28: Roll Call including information on member associations that are not allowed to vote at the General Assembly because of unpaid membership fees for 2022 and earlier.

Motion: That the General Assembly notes the members who are present in person on day 2 of the General Assembly.

Decision:The motion was adopted.

29. MEMBERSHIP

The Council will decide on other membership issues, if any, considered in Orlando and bring them to the General Assembly for decision or information as necessary.

Motion: That the General Assembly decides on the membership issues based on the proposal of the Council.

Decision: There were no new membership issues to bring to the General Assembly. Since some new members were present in this General Assembly day 2 session FIG President Diane Dumashie handed out certificates to these new members. FIG office will send the certificates to the new members that were not attending the Working Week.

30. DECISION ON THE HOST FOR FIG WORKING WEEK 2027

The General Assembly has been presented to the two bids from Nepal and Norway on General Assembly day 1. Online election took place between Wednesday 31 May 2023 14:00/2PM EDT and Thursday 1 June 2023 8:00AM EDT.  

The tellers explained the system and its reliablilty.  
The result of the online voting was presented by FIG President.

Appendix:

Motion: That the General Assembly notes and adopts the voting result.

Decision: In total there were 71 electors registered coming from 56 associations (some members have two or three votes). In total there were 62 votes cast of which one abstained. The result was:

Which means that FIG Working Week 2027 will be held in Stavanger, Norway in 2027.  Representatives from the Norwegian associations thanked all members for their trust in them. A representative from Nepal came to the stage, too, and FIG President thanked them for their bid and wish to host the FIG Working Week.

31. REPORTS FROM ASSOCIATION, AFFILIATE, ACADEMIC AND CORPORATE MEMBERS FORUM

During the Working Week there will be Member Association Forum, the Director General's/Affiliate Members Forum, Academic Members Forum, Forum of Regional Bodies and Corporate Members Meeting. They may report back to the General Assembly on any issues that may need the endorsement of or are of general interest to the General Assembly.

The following reported back:

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report(s)

Decision: The motion was adopted

32. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS

FIG Commissions had their annual meetings, administrative meetings and technical sessions during the Working Week. They may report back to the General Assembly on any issues that may need the endorsement of or are of general interest to the General Assembly. Any other activities from the Working Week may be reported back to the General Assembly on any issues that may need the endorsement of or are of general interest to the General Assembly.

On behalf of the commissions, the ACCO representative, Tim Burch reported back to the General Assembly:

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report(s).

Decision: The motion was adopted

33. REPORTS FROM NETWORKS, TASK FORCES, PERMANENT INSTITUTIONS, FIG FOUNDATION AND OTHER WORKING WEEK ACTIVITIES

Networks, Task Forces, Permanent Institutions, FIG Foundation and others will have meetings and technical sessions during the Working Week. They may report back to the General Assembly on any issues that may need the endorsement of or are of general interest to the General Assembly. Any other activities from the Working Week may be reported back to the General Assembly on any issues that may need the endorsement of or are of general interest to the General Assembly.

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report(s).
 
Decision:The motion was adopted. FIG President thanked all for their involvement.

An Americas Capacity Development Network meeting was held during the Working Week to find out the interest of a network in this region. Their recommendation to FIG Council was to establish a network in the region (North, Central, South America and Caribbean).

34. OTHER ISSUES

Any other issues that the members want to raise for discussion.

Motion: That the discussion will be recorded, and the Council will consider action that will be required.

Decision: No other issues were presented to the General Assembly or Council.

35. REPORT ON THE FIG CONGRESS 2026 IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Peter Newmarch representing the Local Organising Committee from South African Geomatics Institute (SAGI) could not attend in person but sent a video in which he talks about the preparations of FIG Congress 2026.

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

36. REPORT ON THE FIG WORKING WEEK 2025 IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

Representatives from the Local Organising Committee from Geospatial Council of Australia gave a presentation on preparations of FIG Working Week 2025.

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report.

Decision: The motion was adopted

37. REPORT ON THE FIG WORKING WEEK 2024 IN ACCRA, GHANA

Representatives from the Local Organising Committee from GhIS and LISAC gave a presentation on the preparations of FIG Working Week 2024.

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

38. CLOSING CEREMONY AND PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES

FIG President Diane Dumashie gave a closing speech in which she commented the busy and successful Working Week. She thanked all the participants, exhibitors and sponsors for coming to Orlando, Florida for this Working Week.

After the closing speech the president invited the local organisers, national and local organisations, University of Florida and other key persons involved in the planning of the conference to thank them personally.

Hereafter, the FIG Flag was handed over from NSPS to the official representative of the Ghanaian organisers, Honourable Benito Owusu Bioh, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources accompanied by Honourable Manu Adabor, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Forestry together with the 68 delegates from Ghana to mark the upcoming Working Week in Accra, Ghana 19-24 May 2024.

 

 


Data supplied by the FIG Office. 

 

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that this data is accurate errors might exist. Requests for updates and corrections should be emailed to the FIG Office.