25th Session of UNGEGN

We are well on the way to the 25th Session of UNGEGN to be held at the United Nations facilities in Nairobi, Kenya from 5 to 12 May 2009. 

• Please let us know if you have suggestions to be considered for:
• Special presentations
• Workshops
• Poster display

A message to all African countries!  At the UNGEGN Session in Nairobi, we would again like to have a poster exhibit.  On this occasion, it is suggested that African countries should have the opportunity to show their material ... any work on names in connection with mapping or cultural heritage, for example: field collection of names; names and maps; gazetteers and/or databases, etc.  Please email Yacob Zewoldi (zewoldi@un.org) if you have particular ideas to offer at this time.

• Some pointers for papers and presentations at UNGEGN in 2009.
• An Abstract should be included
• The appropriate Agenda item should be identified
• There is NO agenda item for Country reports.  If necessary, such material must be included within Division reports or related to other agenda items
• In papers submitted, if possible draw attention to issues and resolution of these issues, rather than just providing a report
• In general, paper presentations will be allocated 5 minutes for summary or highlights

• Division reports
• A template for activities and reporting of Divisions has been considered by the Working Group on Evaluation and Implementation, but the great variation between Divisions makes one realize that one solution does not fit all cases.
• Suggestions for reporting to UNGEGN:
  • Divisions and countries within them which are not very active -  Report could include the status quo in countries of the Division; “assets” of the Division; needs of the countries of the Division; possible plans to move ahead.
  • More active countries and divisions - Report should concentrate on divisional projects; common issues, plans and solutions; results of division meetings; possible assistance to less organized divisions/countries ... (Information from individual countries could be included as annexes to the report or presented in relation to other agenda items.)