On behalf of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, and the National Remote Sensing Center of China (NRSCC), I thank all the members for the trust accorded to China and the host country for its warm hospitality. Thanks also to those who have supported CEOS over the years.
As Chairman in 2004, I will do my utmost and propose the following priorities for CEOS over the following year.
I. Joint efforts to strengthen coordination for the comprehensive global Earth observation system
In establishing a comprehensive, coordinated and sustained Earth observation system – as advocated by the Declaration of the 2003 Earth Observation Summit - I believe:
1. CEOS should play an active role.
2. The guiding principles should be voluntarism and equality - giving top priority to coordination for global environmental protection, disaster relief and prevention and improving peoples’ lives;
3.We should strengthen the role of countries, international organizations and agencies engaged in Earth observation.
4. Developed countries should offer comprehensive aid to developing countries for Earth observation.
II. Priority areas in 2004
1. Strengthening observation of major global change processes:
We plan to carry this out in three steps:
a. hold three symposia in 2004;
b. form a task team;
c. implement the program.
2. Disaster management:
I propose that the CEOS Secretariat work with countries and UN agencies to promote regional cooperation with the aim of real-time spatial information exchange, the co-ordination of data products and services within the CEOS framework, and support for services for disaster management agencies, especially those of developing countries.
3. Data utilization and education & training:
We should continue the efforts of the CEOS Ad-hoc Team on Utilization. We plan to build
on the current work, draw on supporting efforts of COPUOS and ESCAP, and strengthen the overall activity.
4. The 20th anniversary of CEOS in 2004
This major event is an important opportunity for CEOS to comprehensively review its achievements. Activities planned for the 18th Plenary in Beijing include:
- Inviting important guests to attend the Plenary;
- Reviewing the history and major achievements of CEOS;
- Conducting an exhibition of CEOS’s achievements.
III. Progressing the routine work of all CEOS Working Groups and IGOS Themes
The Working Group efforts represent the core of the day-to-day progress on practical issues within CEOS. Our priorities for the coming year are as follows:
1. Support successful working group meetings and activities;
2. Host secretariat meetings and telephone conferences with the expert support of the existing Chairs and secretariats;
3. Encourage all secretariats and working groups to assist in supporting IGOS activities and Plenary meetings and be actively involved in related deliberations.
IV. The 18th Plenary
The 18th CEOS Plenary, to be held in Beijing in November 2004, with Chinese government leaders being invited to the opening ceremony, will include large-scale symposia and exhibitions.
I wish to extend my warm invitation to all of you to come to Beijing for the 18th CEOS Plenary and the 20th anniversary celebrations.