Climate. Biodiversity. Air quality. The planet has a lot to say about the things that each and every one of us depend on. But can you hear what it’s saying?
There is more data than ever before on our changing Earth. The problem is that many people can’t get hold of it, and when they can, it’s in a language they don’t understand.
If we’re going to act on what the planet is saying, we need an organization that can bring together the best Earth observation data, technology and science and translate it into free, trusted information that makes sense to everyone.
That organization is GEO. We are coming together at the Cape Town Ministerial Summit to shape our future and respond to the Earth’s calls for action.
Join us for a conversation like no other.
Why attend?
Showcase and discover solutions
In the past four years, GEO has advanced the sharing of open knowledge, enhanced coordination, and developed tools and services that respond to specific global policy challenges. Find out more and showcase your own solutions at GEO Week 2023
Unlock action
Earth observations can provide the information needed to unlock action on the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, and drive sustainable development. It’s time to renew our commitment to GEO and forge new partnerships.
Demonstrate leadership
GEO Week and the Ministerial Summit will provide an opportunity to highlight contributions, commitments and Earth observation solutions on a global stage.
Network
The gathering of Ministers, as well as representatives from private sector, civil society and international organizations, represents a unique opportunity for high level networking and discussion.
Week at a glance
Participate
In the run-up to the Plenary and Ministerial Summit, a series of events and an exhibition will demonstrate the GEO community’s unique ability to listen to what our planet is saying, and inspire action through trusted, open Earth observation solutions.
We welcome proposals for events that include representatives from across the GEO community—including young people, private sector and regional GEOs.
Flash talks (6 November)
Content: Short presentations will focus on new projects, applications or services that help us listen to the Earth and take action. The focus is on responding to the triple planetary crisis and driving sustainable development, including action on biodiversity, health, climate change, disaster risk reduction, urban developments, oceans and coastal areas, and water and agriculture.
Format: 10-minute talks in the morning and afternoon of the day allowing individual speakers from the Earth observation community to deliver a short pitch. We will allocate networking time after the presentations so that presenters can interact with the audience.
Workshops and technical meetings (6 & 7 November)
We recognize that GEO Week can be a useful opportunity for GEO activities, working groups or other groups to hold workshops and technical meetings. There will therefore be a 2-hour slot from 16:00 to 18:00 on Monday 6 November and Tuesday 7 November for these types of meetings.
Showcase events (7 November)
Content: Short presentations or panel discussions on best practices and impact stories from across the GEO community. Same thematic focus as the flash talks.
Format: 20-minute presentations, followed by 10 minutes of discussion. In the morning and afternoon of the day
Expressions of interest for events are invited until 15 May using the following form. Expression of Interest for Events at GEO Week 2023
Exhibition
We look forward to hosting an exhibition at the Cape Town International Conference Centre.
If you are interested in hosting a booth at the exhibition, please register your interest using this form by 15 May 2023: Expression of Interest for Exhibition at GEO Week 2023
Please send any questions on GEO Week and the Ministerial Summit to secretariat@geosec.org