Data for Decisions: Lessons from UN-GGIM’s Frontline with Fernand Balé

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations, host Dr. Valrie Grant is joined by Fernand Balé, Director of Côte d’Ivoire’s Center for Geospatial Information & Digital and former Co-Chair of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM). Together, they unpack how global geospatial frameworks move from concept to impact — transforming decision-making, governance, and resilience on the ground.

Fernand shares his journey in the geospatial sector and his leadership role at UN-GGIM, offering insights into the evolution of global geospatial governance and what it takes to strengthen national and regional geospatial ecosystems. The conversation explores the critical importance of geodesy — the invisible infrastructure underpinning everything from navigation and finance to disaster response.

They also discuss how the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF) is beingtranslated into local action, the importance of centers of excellence and regional reference frames, and how South–South cooperation can accelerate capacity building and innovation. Fernand shares compelling examples, including how Côte d’Ivoire is using AI to map deforestation cost-effectively, illustrating the power of data-driven solutions for national development.

Whether you’re a policymaker, geospatial professional, or just curious about how data shapes decisions, this episode offers invaluable lessons from the frontline of global geospatial leadership.

Join us for this insightful conversation as we explore howglobal geospatial initiatives translate into national impact.

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Host : Valrie Grant: LinkedIn

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