Last Chance to Apply: Call for Expression of Interest for GEO and UN-Habitat Programme "Earth Observation Toolkit for Sustainable Cities and Communities"

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and UN Habitat invites cities and communities which would like to contribute to advancing SDG monitoring efforts to join their "Earth Observation toolkit programme". The application deadline is the 31 May 2020.

© Group on Earth Observations 2020

In collaboration with the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), UN Habitat has launched a new programme to design an Earth Observation toolkit. The toolkit will use earth observation data, geospatial information as well as socio-economic data and national statistics to inform cities’ and communities’ decisions with regard to sustainable development in line with the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and SDG 11 for inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements.

The programme’s goal is to promote knowledge sharing, cooperation between national and subnational stakeholders, the exchange of cities’ experiences and a deeper understanding of technical analyses for local decision makers in order to put SDG 11 and the NUA successfully into practice.

Key areas addressed by the toolkit will include the following:

  • monitoring of urban expansions and densification,
  • tracking accessibility to public transport,
  • taking stock of open public spaces and their distribution across urban extents,
  • mapping slums, informal settlements and inadequate housing conditions,
  • assessing enviro-climatic conditions and spatial typology,
  • urban vulnerabilities,
  • reducing the adverse per capita environmental impacts of cities, including air quality.

GEO members and interested cities from member countries are invited to apply to become part of the programme. Participating countries will act as case studies and will be involved in demonstrating how the toolkit has been of use for their local monitoring, reporting and implementation processes. A steering committee consisting of selected countries and cities, UN-Habitat, GEO providers and representatives of GEO urban-related activities will provide guidance virtually.

Cities and communities which would like to contribute advancing SDG monitoring efforts are warmly invited to join the process.

The deadline for applications is the 31 May 2020. More information on the programme is accessible here.