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Global movement provides data, tools and initiatives to support informed decision-making for sustainable development
Abu Dhabi - The second Eye on Earth Summit opened in Abu Dhabi today, with leaders of the Summit Alliance partner organisations highlighting the critical role the movement is playing in promoting dialogue and driving international action to help overcome the challenges associated with data to support informed decision-making for sustainable development.
Representing the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and new partners Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and World Resources Institute (WRI), these global thought leaders stressed the urgency of the need to foster a culture of collaboration and find global solutions to make environmental, social and economic data more available and accessible to achieve the global sustainable agenda.
"Global agreement this year on major intergovernmental commitments on sustainable development has brought into sharp focus the need for transparent, timely and accurate data and information on the state of the world's resources. These global agreements are creating a tipping point for the role of data in sustainable development and Eye on Earth will help to accelerate this transition," stated HE Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary General, EAD.
In September, the 17 new Sustainable Development Goals were unanimously adopted by 193 UN Member States. In March, the UN also adopted the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and in December the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21) will, for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, aim to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate change.
UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said, "If good data drives better decisions, open data drives better collaboration. We will need both to meet the challenges of a sustainable future for our planet and its peoples. When information and knowledge are made accessible to everyone across the social spectrum, informed choices and decisions can be made at all levels that support the goals of sustainable development."
The Eye on Earth Alliance expects the 2015 Summit to drive further international action to revolutionise the way we collect, access, share and use data and information for sustainable development. Themed "Informed Decision-Making for Sustainable Development", delegates will aim to identify how governments, technology, the scientific community and citizen participation can enhance access to quality data and information.
"By harnessing the data revolution for sustainable development, we have an opportunity to create a real turning point in our modern environmental history. This Summit, and the wider efforts of the Eye on Earth Initiative, will help us to pool our collective intelligence and resources to protect the future of the planet and humanity," said Inger Andersen, Director General, IUCN.
"The global reach and contributions of the major organisations that currently represent the Eye on Earth Summit Alliance will bring significant momentum to the Eye on Earth movement as we work together in engaging many more actors in decisions that affect the health of the planet and all of its inhabitants," said Barbara Ryan, Secretariat Director of GEO.
Since its founding in 2011, Eye on Earth has seen its reach and impact grow. The eight Special Initiatives created to deliver the Eye on Earth mission have brought together more than 500 scientists, government officials, academics, NGOs and ordinary citizens through projects focused on data, data analytics and decision support systems to improve decision-making for sustainable development. Members of the Special Initiatives have identified an additional 120 projects to help close the data gap that currently hampers decision- and policy-making for sustainable development. These project proposals, some of which require funding, are being presented during Eye on Earth Summit 2015. They have also been made available to nations, funding organisations and interested philanthropists.
During the three-day Eye on Earth Summit delegates, will aim to reach consensus on several outcomes, including the formation of new partnerships, guidelines for the implementation of data governance frameworks and the promotion of new environmental data policies in countries where this is most needed.
"Good decisions start with good data, but decision makers often lack the tools to gather, understand and make use of the growing quantities of information now available to them," said Janet Ranganathan, Vice President for Science and Research at the World Resources Institute. "The Eye on Earth Summit aims to spark innovations in the way people collect, use, and share data to tackle the world's biggest challenges. Through Eye on Earth, we can help bridge the gap between governments, businesses, citizens and the data they need to make better decisions."
More information about the Eye on Earth Summit, speakers and new project proposals can be found at www.eoesummit.org.
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About Eye on Earth
Despite technological and scientific advancements, decision makers often lack vital data on the state of the world's resources. Eye on Earth is a global movement that aims to improve access to and sharing of environmental, social and economic data, to better inform decision-making for sustainable development. Its primary goal is to convene thought and action leaders, converge on key areas of mutual importance, and collaborate on initiatives to close the data gap.
The mission of Eye on Earth is supported by the Summit Alliance Partners, eight targeted Special Initiatives, and the Eye on Earth Summit.
For more information, please visit www.eoesummit.org.
About the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD)
Established in 1996, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda. For more information, visit www.ead.ae
For media enquiries, please contact:
EAD Press Office:
Sobhia Akram El Masri
Tel: +9712 693-4637
Mobile: +97150 442-5096
Email: pressoffice@ead.ae
About the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI)
Under the guidance and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, AGEDI was formed in 2002 to address responses to the critical need for readily accessible, accurate environmental data and information for all those who need it. With the Arab region as a priority area of focus, AGEDI facilitates access to quality environmental data that equips policy makers with actionable, timely information to inform and guide critical decisions. AGEDI is supported by Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) on a local level, and championed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) regionally and internationally. For more information, visit www.AGEDI.ae
For media enquiries, please contact:
AGEDI Press Office:
Larissa Owen - PR & Outreach Manager, Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI)
Tel: +9712-693 4436
Email: larissa.owen@ead.ae
About the Group on Earth Observations (GEO)
Established in 2005, GEO strives to improve the world's observation systems and provide policy makers and scientists with accurate and useful data that can be used to make informed decisions on issues affecting the planet. GEO's primary focus is to develop a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) to enhance the ability of end-users to discover and access Earth observation data and convert it to useable and useful information. GEO is headquartered in Switzerland. For more information, visit www.earthobservations.org
For media enquiries, please contact:
GEO Press Office:
Robert J. Samors - Senior External Relations Manager, Group on Earth Observations
Tel: +41 (0)22 730 8317
Email: rsamors@geosec.org
About the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
IUCN helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges.
IUCN's work focuses on valuing and conserving nature, ensuring effective and equitable governance of its use, and deploying nature-based solutions to global challenges in climate, food and development. IUCN supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world, and brings governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice.
IUCN is the world's oldest and largest global environmental organization, with almost 1,300 government and NGO Members and more than 15,000 volunteer experts in 185 countries. IUCN's work is supported by almost 1,000 staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. www.iucn.org.
For media enquiries, please contact:
IUCN Press Office:
Lynne Labanne, Senior Communications and Marketing Officer, IUCN
Tel: +41 79 527 7221
Email: lynne.labanne@iucn.org
About UNEP
UNEP is the voice for the environment in the UN system. Established in 1972, UNEP's mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
UNEP is an advocate, educator, catalyst and facilitator promoting the wise use of the planet's natural assets for sustainable development. It works with many partners, UN entities, international organisations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, business, industry, the media and civil society. UNEP's work involves providing support for: environmental assessment and reporting; legal and institutional strengthening and environmental policy development; sustainable use and management of natural resources; integration of economic development and environmental protection; and promoting public participation in environmental management. For more information, visit www.unep.org
For media enquiries, please contact:
UNEP Press Office:
Shereen Zorba, UNEP, Head of News and Media
Tel: +254 788 526000
Email: shereen.zorba@unep.org
About the World Resources Institute (WRI)
WRI is a global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. Our 450 experts and staff work with partners in more than 50 countries; we have offices in Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia and the United States. For more information, visit www.wri.org
For media enquiries, please contact:
WRI Press Office:
Michael Oko, Director of Strategic Communications and Media
Tel: 202-729-7684
Email: moko@wri.org
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© Press Release 2015
