Asia’s position as the growth engine in the world economy has intensified in recent years. Emerging from the shadows of the world’s leading economies, the region is the new economic powerhouse and now accounts for nearly two-thirds of global growth. As the region continues to be the leader of global growth, developments in the region are central to the global economic outlook and for formulating policies around the world.

Central to this growth are its two most dynamic pockets – South Asia and South East Asia, housing almost a third of the world’s population and some of the world’s fastest growing economies. To sustain this momentum and reinforce its resilience to global risks, it is prudent for the nations in this region to further strengthen their response mechanisms to leverage opportunities and address challenges. Given their similar socio-economic and cultural fabric and a geographic proximity that presents a number of cross-boundary matters, an increased connectivity and trans-boundary co-operation amongst these nations would create significant opportunities for both regions and raise productivity.

Reliable and accurate geospatial data is the foundation for all kinds of information systems. The common issues facing the region have spatial information at its core, making it the most critical decision support system. It also paves the way for reaching out to each other and learning from each other about solutions to common problems. In view of current focus on strengthening interaction and collaboration to transform South and South East Asia, it becomes pertinent to strengthen the geospatial frameworks as well. Recent times have witnessed instances of collaboration amongst the region on spatial information, for example the South Asia satellite with GPS and Geo-Augmented Navigation system enhancement that can serve the region in situations like disasters and other emergencies. Such developments are encouraging and forward looking towards more such collaborative efforts ahead.

Realising this need greater cooperation and collaboration on geospatial information for regional benefits, Geospatial Media is taking initiative to bring together the geoinformation stakeholders at one platform. “Strengthening Regional Resilience with GeoInformation: Programme on Trans-boundary Cooperation in South and South East Asia for Geospatial Information,” shall focus on highlighting the role of geoinformation for the region in leveraging opportunities and addressing challenges, in particular for the cross-boundary sectors, and strengthening mechanisms for greater collaboration on information and knowledge sharing. The program shall focus on optimizing resources, evolving mechanisms for data sharing and geospatial technology transfer towards trans-boundary efficiencies.