The FIG Young Surveyors which began on the 10th of September in Warsaw, Poland paving way for the FIG Congress has ended on a high note. The last day of the Young Surveyors Conference was mixed with a number of networking activities for the Young Surveyors.
Early in the day was the session which was dedicated to The Future of the Network – in this case, the Young Surveyors network. The session was chaired by the incoming Young Surveyors Network Vice-Chair, Shirley Chapunza from Zimbabwe.
During the session, Young Surveyors had to chance to get into working groups/teams to discuss on seven key questions which would help determine the direction and the future for the Young Surveyors Network. The questions on the spotlight for this session were:
- Is there anything you think the YSN can improve on?
- Do you know about the YSN toolkit? If yes, how can it be improved?
- How do you communicate within your local network and outside?
- In terms of event organizing is there anything the network is doing right and should keep doing , and what should we change?
- Do you think YSN should keep having online meetings?
- What is the role of Young Surveyors in Sustainable Development?
- How do you think we can build awareness outside the running YSN team and current events?
Six teams were formulated and consisted of Young Surveyors from various regions and nations so they could be able to connect the dots, brainstorm and come up with ideas and suggestions that would ensure the future from all different angles and perspectives.
The last and seventh question was left to the delegates as a discussion starting point for the next and coming online sessions for the YSN.
Before the Wrap up and Closing Session came a time of farewell as the YSN bid farewell to Dr Kwabena who had been the YSN Chair for the previous four years. Young Surveyors from across the world shared their messages to the outgoing Chair Dr Kwabena and expressed gratitude to the work that he had done and how much of a true leader and visionary he is.
The Wrapping up and Closing event of the ceremony marked the beginning of the social events for the day for the Young Surveyors at the conference. These social events and games were aimed at promoting the networks within the YSN.
Some of the activities conducted to boost the networking among delegates include:
- The Charity Dance
- Lunch
- and Field Game.
The charity dance was led by the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Warsaw University of Technology. The Artistic Director of the Ensemble, Mr. Jaroslaw Wojciechowski, along with one of the couples led the learning of polonaise and krakowiak, with live accompaniment performed by their pianist Krzysztof Kozlowski.
The proceeds from the Charity event are meant to go to the FIG YSN’s Volunteer Community Surveyor Programme, and the FIG Foundation. This year’s Charity Dance was sponsored by Trimble Inc.!
After the two day conference of discussing the future of our profession and our planet, the afternoon of Day 2 was a Geo-oriented field exploration. The Field Game took place at Palace’s Gardens area in Wilanow. The Game focused on Geo puzzles, riddles and azimuth searching with maps. It contained knowledge about local landmarks – a small dose of Polish culture. During the game the players went through the gardens in search of the Otter.
As the Young Surveyors Conference has now ended, the FIG Congress started off with a Welcome Reception that was held on the same evening at the venue (Double Tree by Hilton). With the Young Surveyors looking forward to network more in person at next year’s Working Week and future Congresses which are in the next year’s, the spirit and momentum of the network has shown and proven that there is much more to look forward to.
Kumbirai is a GIS & MEAL specialist using geospatial analytics to advance global health and social impact. A certified Data Protection Officer (DPO), an open-data advocate and self-taught software developer, he builds web GIS tools that turn field data into decisions. He lectures in GIS/Remote Sensing and mentors emerging practitioners. Founder of a geospatial startup and nonprofit, he believes, “Real geospatial innovation happens when we empower communities with the right tools and knowledge.” Open to consulting and collaborations.