UNIS/OS/341
31 October 2006

United Nations Holds First Meeting of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG)

VIENNA, 31 October (UN Information Service) -- The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), within the framework of the United Nations Programme on Space Applications, is organizing a two-day meeting of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG). The meeting will be held at the Vienna International Centre in Vienna, Austria on 1 and 2 November 2006.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) constitute one of the most promising space applications that can be used to implement the recommendations of the Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III, 1999). In 2005, the General Assembly in its resolution 60/99 noted the progress made by GNSS and augmentation system providers to establish an international committee on GNSS (ICG) in order to maximize the benefits of the use and applications of GNSS to support sustainable development particularly in developing countries.

On 1 and 2 November 2006, representatives of the Member States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations listed below will meet in Vienna to review the proposals made by the open-ended ad hoc Working Group of the ICG regarding the substantive work plan of the ICG and pending matters related to its Terms of Reference.

     About 40 participants from the following countries, international organizations and entities are expected to attend the first ICG meeting: China, India, Italy, Japan, Russian Federation, United States, International Telecommunication Union, European Commission, European Position Determination System, European Space Agency, Committee on Space Research, International Association of Geodesy, International Association of Institutes of Navigation, International Council for Science, International Federation of Surveyors, International GNSS Service, and OOSA.

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The United Nations Programme on Space Applications is implemented by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and works to improve the use of space science and technology for the economic and social development of all nations, in particular developing countries. Under the Programme, the Office conducts training courses, workshops, seminars and other activities on applications and capacity building in subjects such as remote sensing, communications, satellite meteorology, search and rescue, basic space science, satellite navigation and space law.

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA) implements the decisions of the General Assembly and of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and its two Subcommittees, the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and the Legal Subcommittee. The Office is responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, and assisting developing countries in using space science and technology. Located in Vienna, Austria, OOSA maintains a website at http://www.unoosa.org/

For information contact:

Sharafat Gadimova
Programme Officer, OOSA
Email: sharafat.gadimova@unvienna.org