On November 22, a presentation titled "UN Maps: How Open Geospatial Information Supports UN Peacekeeping" was delivered at an OSUN GeoHub-hosted event, shedding light on the vital role open geospatial data plays in United Nations missions. The session, led by Michael Montani from the United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC), explored the transformative impact of OpenStreetMap (OSM) and crowdsourced geospatial information in addressing complex global challenges.
Michael Montani, a GIS consultant at UNGSC since 2020, introduced the audience to the OSM platform, detailing its database structure, community-driven governance, and open license model. He also highlighted OSM's applications in humanitarian aid and development, emphasizing its unique ability to mobilize communities for participatory mapping initiatives. The event highlighted the broader potential of open geospatial data to drive collaboration and innovation across humanitarian, environmental, and political domains.