The second United Nations Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Week is held in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat ID: huzhoufabu]

The second United Nations Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Week, also known as UN GeoNow 2025, kicked off on Oct 20 in Deqing county, Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province.

Organized by the UN Global Geospatial Information Knowledge and Innovation Center, with support from the government of Deqing county and Moganshan Geospatial Information Laboratory, the event attracted hundreds of representatives from UN agencies, Chinese government departments, and international organizations.

China has made significant progress in advancing its geospatial information sector in recent years. The Ministry of Natural Resources actively engages in international cooperation, supporting UN geospatial initiatives, sharing sustainable development practices, and collaborating with ASEAN and African nations on satellite remote sensing. These efforts aim to foster a more open and inclusive geospatial technology environment.

At the opening ceremony, Sun Shuxian, vice-minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources, emphasized the need for technological innovation, data sharing, and enhanced international collaboration.

During the opening ceremony, the UN geospatial center proposed forming the World Geospatial Industry Alliance and the Global Geospatial Public Product Innovation Alliance.

The five-day event includes discussions on the development and application of geospatial information technologies in various fields, such as AI, ocean exploration, Earth observation, and urban-rural integration, alongside a UN geospatial technology exhibition.