FIG General Assembly

Minutes

40th General Assembly
29 May and 2 June 2017 in Helsinki, Finland

Minutes for the meetings held on Monday 29 May 2017 and on Friday 2 June 2017 in the Plenary Hall 101 at Messukeskus Conference Centre, Helsinki, Finland


Introduction

This online version of the minutes includes link to all appendices in .pdf.

In addition to this on-line version, the minutes and its appendices will be published as one large .pdf file.

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Minutes  (pdf, 28 pages)

 Note: Revisions are shown only on the .htm version of the agenda and marked with colour.

The individual appendix files can be downloaded below under each item in Acrobat format.


Changes to the minutes after it was originally distributed as hard copy to the member associations are marked in this agenda with colour and date.

  • No changes or additional files


List of Minutes Items

Monday, 29 May, 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-15:30
  1. OPENING PROCEEDINGS
  2. ROLL CALL
  3. APPOINTMENT OF TELLERS
  4. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
  5. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE 39th GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  6. MEMBERSHIP
  7. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
  8. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE FIG FOUNDATION 2016-2017
  9. REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTORS OF PERMANENT INSTITUTIONS 2016-2017
  10. FIG REGIONAL BODIES FORUM
  11. REPORTS FROM FIG COMMISSIONS AND NETWORKS 2016-2017
  12. HONORARY MEMBERS
  13. REPORTS FROM THE FIG TASK FORCES 2016-2017
  14. CO-OPERATION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE WORLD BANK
  15. LIAISON WITH INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS
  16. AMENDMENT TO STATUTES AND INTERNAL RULES
  17. FIG ACCOUNTS FOR 2016, AUDITOR’S REPORT AND BUDGETS 2017-2020
  18. SUBSCRIPTION RATES FOR 2019
  19. DECISION ON THE VENUE FOR FIG WORKING WEEK 2021 – PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
  20. Friday, 2 June, 8:30-10:30 – Presidents' Meeting (by invitation only)
  21. FIG PRESIDENTS’ MEETING
    Friday, 2 June, 11:00–12:30 and 13:30-15:00
  22. ROLL CALL
  23. MEMBERSHIP
  24. AMENDMENT TO STATUTES AND INTERNAL RULES
  25. DECISION ON THE VENUE FOR 2021 FIG WORKING WEEK
  26. FIG TASK FORCE ON COMMISSION STRUCTURE
  27. REPORTS FROM FIG TASK FORCES
  28. REPORTS FROM ASSOCIATION, AFFILIATE, ACADEMIC, REGIONAL BODIES AND CORPORATE MEMBERS FORUM (IF ANY)
  29. REPORTS FROM NETWORKS, PERMANENT INSTITUTIONS, FIG FOUNDATION AND OTHER WORKING WEEK ACTIVITIES (IF ANY)
  30. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS
  31. OTHER ISSUES
  32. REPORT ON THE FIG WORKING WEEK 2020 IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
  33. REPORT ON THE FIG WORKING WEEK 2019 IN HANOI, VIETNAM 
  34. REPORT ON THE FIG CONGRESS 2018 IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY
  35. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION AND CLOSING CEREMONY

CLOSING CEREMONY


Monday 29 May 2017


GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1ST SESSION

Monday, 29 May, 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-15:30
Hall 101 at Messukeskus Conference Centre,
Helsinki, Finland

1. OPENING PROCEEDINGS

President Chryssy Potsiou opened the 40th General Assembly by welcoming all delegates to Helsinki, Finland and to the third General Assembly during this four-year term. The President expressed her gratitude to members and delegates for their participation. She acknowledged the hard work of the local organising committee, the two participating associations MIL and MAKLI and especially National Land Survey, Finland (NLS), for the initial idea to host the Working week in Helsinki in 2017 giving the possibility to also celebrate the 100’th year of Finland’s independence, and for the support that NLS has provided throughout the preparations and during the Working Week.

The President welcomed Honorary Presidents Juha Talvitie, Bob Foster, Stig Enemark and Teo CheeHai to the meeting and noted several greetings and apologies that were received from member associations and other members. The President also warmly welcomed former FIG Director Markku Villikka.

The President held a moment of silence for past president of DVW, Germany, Karl-Friedrich Thoene and other notabilities who have passed away since the last General Assembly.

2. ROLL CALL

Vice President Rudolf Staiger took the roll call. The roll call was done for member associations only. It was noted that only member associations that have paid all their membership fees to the end of 2016 were allowed to vote at the meeting. A list of member associations that were not allowed to vote was published and posted on the FIG web site 26 April 2017. Some associations have after this date settled their arrears.

Appendix to items 2 & 21: Roll Call including information on member associations that were not allowed to vote at the General Assembly because of unpaid membership fees for 2016, as updated on 29 May and on 2 June 2017.

63 member associations out of 107 were present at this session, which is more than one third of the membership needed for the General Assembly to be constitutionally valid.

Motion: That members present are recorded in the minutes.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

3. APPOINTMENT OF TELLERS

The General Assembly shall appoint two persons as tellers for the entire General Assembly.  The tellers will represent the member associations hosting the current and the following General Assembly

  • Martti Pietikainen (MIL/MAKLI, Finland),
  • Muzaffer Kahveci (Chamber of Surveying and Cadastre Engineers of Turkey)

Motion: That the General Assembly appoints Martti Pietikainen from MIL/MAKLI and Muzaffer Kahveci from Chamber of Surveying and Cadastre Engineers of Turkey as tellers for this General Assembly.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

4. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

The Agenda for the General Assembly was issued as mandated, two months prior the General Assembly on the FIG web site and also sent by email to all members.

Motion: That the agenda be adopted.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

5. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE 39th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Minutes have been circulated previously.

Appendix to item 5: Minutes of the General Assembly in Christchurch, New Zealand, May 2016, without appendices.

Motion: That the minutes be adopted as recorded.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

6. MEMBERSHIP

6.1 Admittance of new Member Associations

FIG Council has received four applications for member association since the 39th General Assembly.

6.1.1 Ordre des Géomètres Experts de Côte d’Ivoire (OGECI) (MA-10129)

Ordre des Géomètres Experts de Côte d’Ivoire (OGECI) has applied for association membership. The association was established in 1970. Their total membership (all categories) is 35. Ordre des Géomètres Experts de Côte d’Ivoire (OGECI) fulfills the criteria of FIG Member association.

Appendix to item 6.1.1:

Motion: That the General Assembly admits Ordre des Géomètres Experts de Côte d’Ivoire to become a member association of FIG.

Decision: The motion was adopted, and the membership certificate was handed over by FIG President.

6.1.2 Tanzania Institution of Valuers and Estate Agents (TIVEA) (MA-10130)

Tanzania Institution of Valuers and Estate Agents (TIVEA) has applied for association membership. The association was established in 1997. Their membership of qualified surveyors is 334 and qualifying is over 600. Tanzania Institution of Valuers and Estate Agents (TIVEA) fulfills the criteria of FIG Member association.

Appendix to item 6.1.2: Membership application from Tanzania Institution of Valuers and Estate Agents (TIVEA)

Motion: TThat the General Assembly admits Tanzania Institution of Valuers and Estate Agents (TIVEA) to become a member association of FIG.

Decision: The motion was adopted, and the membership certificate was handed over by FIG President.

6.1.3. Society Of Engineers – UAE (MA-10131)  

The Society of Engineers – UAE has sent an application for membership. The association was formed 1979, and has 1200 members in the category surveyors. This number includes both Title holders and Sub- profession that are practicing members.

Appendix to item 6.1.3:

Motion: That the General Assembly admits The Society of Engineers – UAE to become a member association of FIG.  

Decision: The motion was adopted, and the membership certificate was handed over by FIG President.

6.1.4. Institution of Surveyors of Uganda (MA-10132)  

Institution of Surveyors of Uganda, ISU has sent an application for membership. Their association was formed in 1968 and has 280 qualified members. Institution of Surveyors of Uganda fulfills the criteria of FIG Member association.

Appendix to item 6.1.4:

Motion: That the General Assembly admits Institution of Surveyors of Uganda, ISU to become a member association of FIG.  

Decision: The motion was adopted, and the membership certificate was handed over by FIG President.

6.2 Other Member Association Issues
6.2.1 GEOTHECO Uganda change from member association to corporate membership

Géographie, Topographie, Hydraulique, Energie et Construction (GEOTHECO), Uganda was in 2016 admitted as Member Association. However, the correct membership category is Corporate Membership. They have submitted a new application form for corporate membership, category D.

Motion: That the General Assembly notes the change of membership category from Member Association to Corporate member for GEOTHECO

Decision: The motion was adopted

6.3 Expulsion of member associations

Subscriptions of following member associations are more than three years in arrears:  

  • Brasil: Sociedade Brasileira de Cartografia, Geodésia, Fotogrametria e Sensoriamento Remoto  MA-10011
  • Togo: Ordre des Geometre du Togo MA-10084
  • Benin: Ordre Des Geometres Experts Du Benin MA-10113
  • Ethiopia: Ethiopian Surveying Professionals Association (ESPA) MA-10115
  • Nigeria: Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) MA-10118
  • Gabon: Association des Professionels de l'Ingenierie Topographique du Gabon, APIT MA-10122  

The General Assembly has power to expel from the Federation any member association whose fees are in arrears and shall under normal circumstances expel any member association whose fees are three years in arrears. (Article 4.3 of the Statutes). The FIG office has sent information to these associations informing that if their membership fees are still in arrears at the time of the General Assembly the General Assembly shall expel the above member associations in Helsinki.  

After acceptance of new member associations and before expulsions the number of FIG member associations is 107 from 92 countries.

Motion: That the General Assembly expels the:

  • Brasil: Sociedade Brasileira de Cartografia, Geodésia, Fotogrametria e Sensoriamento Remoto  MA-10011
  • Togo: Ordre des Geometre du Togo MA-10084
  • Benin: Ordre Des Geometres Experts Du Benin MA-10113
  • Ethiopia: Ethiopian Surveying Professionals Association (ESPA) MA-10115
  • Nigeria: Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) MA-10118
  • Gabon: Association des Professionels de l'Ingenierie Topographique du Gabon, APIT MA-10122  

from the FIG Membership if their membership fees are still in arrears 29 May 2017.

Decision: The motion was adopted. It was noted that Ordre des Geometre du Togo and Ordre des Geometres Experts du Benin paid their arrears during the Working Week and their membership was restored at the second session of the General Assembly.

6.4 Suspended status 2017

In accordance with its administrative measures, FIG Council, has deferred to continue for 2017 the issuance of a membership subscription invoice to the Order of Syrian Engineers and Architects, OSEA as all efforts to maintain contact with them has not yielded results, will deem their membership in suspension giving due consideration to its internal situation. As reported in the General Assembly 2016, there remain existing sanctions on Iran, but this might change during 2017. The FIG office in Denmark cannot for the time being receive payments from Iranian Professional Society of Surveying Engineers (ISS). Ukrainian Society of Geodesy and Cartography has also gained suspended status and has not been invoiced for 2017. Again in accordance with its administrative measures, FIG Council deem their membership to be in suspension. The situation with these associations will be reconsidered by Council again in 2018.

Motion: That the General Assembly notes the members with suspension status.

Decision:

6.5 Other membership issues

6.5.1 Affiliate members

There have been no applications for affiliate membership since the General Assembly 2016.

The council has expelled the following affiliate members because of unpaid membership subscriptions:

  1. Argentina: Consejo Federal De Catastro De La Republica Argentina (C.F.C) AF-20047
  2. Azerbaijan: State Committee for Land and Cartography, State Aerogeodesy Corporation, Azerbaijan AF-20048
  3.  Fiji: Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources AF-20039

After these changes the number of Affiliate members is 46 from 45 countries.

General Administration of the patrimonial Documentation, Belgium (AF-20002) has terminated their membership.

 After these changes the number of Affiliate members is 45 from 44 countries.

6.5.2 Corporate members

FIG Council has admitted the following Corporate Members:

  1. Géographie, Topographie, Hydraulique, Energie et Construction (GEOTHECO), Uganda (CM-30062) moved from MA membership) as reported in 6.2
  2.  Génie Congo Sarl, République Démocratique du Congo – Category F (CM-30063)
  3.  GEOIDE GEOSYSTEMS S.A., Portugal – Category E (CM-30064)
  4.  M/s. Survey Scale Pvt. Limited., Karachi, Pakistan – Category F (CM-30065)
  5.  M/s Accord Marine Surveyors, India – Category F (CM-30066)
  6.  GIS/Transport Ltd., Nigeria – Category D (CM-30067)  
  7. Topcon Europe Positioning b.v Category C (CM-30068)

The State Enterprise, Ukraine has terminated their corporate membership of FIG.  

Expelled:

  1. Russian Federation      Meridian + (CM-30049)
  2.  KQ Geo Technologies Co. Ltd. (CM-30050)  

After these changes the number of corporate members is now 27.

6.5.3 Academic members

FIG Council has admitted the following University to become Academic member:

  1.  University of Oradea – Faculty of Construction, Cadastre and Architecture, Romania (AC-40145)
  2.  Selcuk University, Geomatic Engineering, Turkey (AC-40147)
  3. Institute of Surveying and Mapping, Survey Department, Sri Lanka (AC-40146)
  4. Tafe NSW - Riverina Institute, Australia (AC-40148)

University of Mines and Technology, Ghana (AC-40030) were expelled at the end of 2015 but they paid their arrears in 2016 and have been reinstalled.

The number of Academic Members after these changes is 95 from 53 countries.

6.5.4 Correspondents

The Council has admitted following new correspondents:

  • Ahmed Nuaim, Maldives, Managing Director Foresight Surveyors (Pvt) Ltd. (CR-50026)
  • Mr Javaid Akhtar, Pakistan (CR-50027)

The number of correspondents is now 3.

Motion: That the General Assembly notes the actions that the Council has taken with other membership matters.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

7. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

PPresident Chryssy Potsiou has prepared the President’s report on the activities of the Federation since the General Assembly in Christchurch, New Zealand, May 2016.

Appendix to item 7:

Motion: That the General Assembly accepts the President’s report.

Decision: The motion was adopted

8. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE FIG FOUNDATION 2016-2017

Mr. John Hohol, President of the FIG Foundation has prepared a report on the FIG Foundation activities from May 2016 to March 2017. He made a short report to the General Assembly.

The FIG Council has appointed Dr. Daniel Steudler from Switzerland as a new Director in the Board of Directors for 2017-2018 since Paul van der Molen, now retired, has decided to resign as board member. The new Council representative in the Board of Directors is Vice President Orhan Ercan.

Appendix to item 8:

Motion: That the General Assembly

  • adopts the report of the President of the FIG Foundation
  •  records its thanks to the President and members of the Board of Directors of the FIG Foundation for their past year’s work
  •  records the resignation of Paul van der Molen after 6 years as director and extends its special thanks for his commitment to the FIG Foundation including his generous financial donations for these many years
  •  appoints the President and Directors of the FIG Foundation for term of office 1.1.2017-31.12.2018: President: Mr. John Hohol (USA) and Directors: Prof. Michael Barry (Canada),  Dr. Daniel Steudler (Switzerland), Ir. Liza Groenendijk (FIG Commission 2 representative), and FIG Vice President Orhan Ercan (Turkey) as the Council representative.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

9. REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTORS OF PERMANENT INSTITUTIONS 2016-2017

9.1.   International Office of Cadastre and Land Records (Office International du Cadastre et du Régime Foncier) OICRF

Dr. Christiaan Lemmen, Director of OICRF has prepared a report on the OICRF activities since the General Assembly in Christchurch. He made a short report to the General Assembly.

Appendix to item 9.1: Report from the International Office of Cadastre and Land Records (Office International du Cadastre et du Régime Foncier) OICRF.

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts the report and records its thanks to the members of OICRF for their past year’s work and contribution.

Decision: The motion was adopted

9.2.   International Institution for the History of Surveying and Measurement, Permanent Institution of FIG

Mr. Jan de Graeve, Director of the IIHSM has prepared a report on the IIHSM activities since the General Assembly in Christchurch. IIHSM made a short report to the General Assembly.

Appendix to item 9.2: Report from the International Institution for the History of Surveying and Measurement, Permanent Institution of FIG.

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts the report and records its thanks to the Director and the members of the permanent institution for their past year’s work and contribution.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

10. FIG REGIONAL BODIES FORUM

At the FIG Working Week 2016, regional bodies held a forum session for the first time.  Again in 2017, there was a Regional Bodies Forum scheduled during the Working Week on Thursday 1 June 11:00 – 12:30. Maurice Barbieri made a short update report of the FIG Regional Bodies Forum.

Motion: Tthat the General Assembly notes the report.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

11. REPORTS FROM FIG COMMISSIONS AND NETWORKS 2016-2017

Each Commission Chair has submitted a written report on their Commission activities since the FIG Working Week in Christchurch. These reports include progress reports of the Commission working groups. Each Commission will hold a meeting during the Working Week (Wednesday 31 May, 17:30-18:30). Each Commission gave a short report on Commission activities to the General Assembly. The reports were grouped into three panels and were followed by questions and comments from the delegates.

Appendix to item 11: Commission reports:

Hand-out of the presentations

New publication from FIG Commission 9: Property Taxation for Developing Economies,  joint FIG Commission 9/UN-Habitat/GLTN – Valuation and the Management of Real Estate, FIG Report 2016: http://www.fig.net/resources/publications/figpub/pub67/Figpub67.asp

Each Network Chair has submitted a written report on their Network activities since the FIG Working Week in Christchurch. Each Network gave a short report on the Network activities to the General Assembly. 

Appendix to item 11: Network reports:

Election Structure for Chair of Young Surveyors

Young Surveyors Network has so far elected their chairs for a 4 year term like the commissions. FIG Council has approved the chair. Young surveyors have proposed to FIG Council to change this structure. FFIG Council and Young Surveyors Network have decided on the following structure for the future proposed by the Young Surveyors:

Shortlist of candidates by YSN and decision by FIG Council
YSN has an internal consultation process that can include application for the position, together with key and active YS from regions identify candidates and recommend to FIG Council a shortlist of candidates (e.g. three). FIG Council decides and appoints one as YSN Chair-elect. This process should include consulting the candidate’s member association.

The above structure has been adopted by FIG Council with the caveat that Council and YS retain the possibility to nominate an alternative Chair if the Chair elect has not proven active.

Motion: That FIG General Assembly

  • adopts the reports of the Commission Chairs and records its thanks to the chairs and other officers of the Commissions for their ongoing contributions.
  • adopts the reports of the Network Chairs and records its thanks to the chairs and other officers of the Networks for their ongoing contributions
  • records the structure on voting of Chair for Young Surveyors

Decision: The motion was adopted.

12. HONORARY MEMBERS

The Council has received two nominations for Honorary Members:

  • Association of Licensed Surveyors in Israel (ALSI) from Israel has nominated Professor Dr. Yerach Doytsher, and
  • Swiss Association for Geomatics and Land Management (geosuisse) has nominated Dr. Daniel Steudler.

 Appendix to item 8: The nomination letters for:

  • PProfessor Dr. Yerach Doytsher, Association of Licensed Surveyors in Israel (ALSI)
  • Dr. Daniel Steudler, Swiss Association for Geomatics and Land Management (geosuisse)

According to the Statutes paragraph 3.1.7 an individual who has materially assisted the development and promotion of the surveying profession at the international level can be appointed as an honorary member. Nomination for this appointment shall be made by a member association or the Council, which will consider it and submit it to a vote of the General Assembly.

The Council has considered both proposals and decided to propose to the General Assembly that it appoints Yerach Doytsher, ALSI, Israel and Daniel Steudler as Honorary Members of the Federation for the outstanding services they have provided to the Federation in different positions and functions.

Paul Munro-Faure, FAO, has worked closely with FIG for many years and is now standing down from FAO. FIG Council would like to acknowledge the longstanding cooperation with Paul Munro-Faure. As a special consideration FIG Council has decided to appreciate him as Honorary Ambassador. His certificate will be presented to him by the President during the Opening Ceremony on 30 May.

Motion: That the General Assembly appoints Yerach Doytsher and Daniel Steudler Honorary Members of FIG, and that the General Assembly notes the appreciation as Honorary Ambassador for Paul Munro-Faure that will be presented to him at the Opening Ceremony.

Decision: The motion was adopted with applause.

13. REPORTS FROM THE FIG TASK FORCES (2016-2017)

FIG has currently four Task Forces.

13.1. Task Force on Real Property Markets

The Task Force assesses the progress of establishing the real property markets in the countries with economies in transition. The Task Force is chaired by Pekka Halme, Finnish Association of Geodetic and Land Surveyors MIL. A session on Real Property Markets is included in the technical programme.

Appendix to item 13.1Status Report from the Task Force - Presentation hand outs

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts the report from the Task Force and records its thanks to the Chair of the Task Forces and their members.

Decision: The motion was adopted

13.2. Task Force on Corporate Members  

The Task Force is established to strengthen the FIG relationship with corporate members. The Task Force is chaired by John Hohol, National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) in cooperation with Bryn Fosburgh, Vice President of Trimble.  

Appendix to item 13.2Status Report from the Task Force

Motion: That the General Assembly adopts the report from the Task Force and records its thanks to the Chair of the Task Forces and their members.  

Decision: The motion was adopted.

13.3. Task Force on Scientific Journal  

The Task Force is established to investigate the usefulness and need and if justified, the steps forward in order to introduce an FIG peer review Journal (electronic or printed). The Task Force is chaired by Yerach Doytsher, Association of Licensed Surveyors in Israel (ALSI).
The Task Force has written a final report and proposal to be presented and adopted at the General Assembly 2017.  After the reporting, the Task Force has completed its task, and FIG Council will decide on the next steps. The report closes the task force.

Appendix to item 13.3Status Report from the Task Force - Presentation hand-outs

Motion: That the General Assembly:

  • records the final report and recommendations from the Task Force,
  • records its thanks to the Chair of the Task Force and its members
  • decides to close the FIG Task Force on Scientific Journal as its work has come to an end

Decision:   The motion was adopted. The President thanked the Task Force for its work and the recommendations, and said that the recommendations as well as comments from the General Assembly will be discussed by council. The editorial board of the FIG peer review will also be included in the discussions.

13.4. Task Force on Commission Structure  

The Task Force assesses the Commissions and investigates if there is a need to revise their structure and to provide a proposal on possible improvements. The Task Force is chaired by Mikael Lilje, Swedish professionals for the built environment, Samhällsbyggarna.

The Task Force has written a final report and proposal to be presented and adopted at the General Assembly 2017.  The final report is based on the discussions and feed back from the Task Force sessions at FIG Working Week 2016, and the regional meetings held during the autumn 2016.

Members of FIG had another possibility to discuss the proposal in more details with the Task Force at a lunch meeting on Thursday 1 June 2017.

A summary of the comments received during the first General Assembly session and the Task Force session will be presented at the 2nd General Assembly together with a final proposal for the General Assembly.

Votings for Commission Chairs for the term 2019-2022 for the current 10 commissions will be done at the General Assembly 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey. The bid for nominations will be published in July/August.

 Appendix to item 13.4Report/Proposal from the Task Force  

Motion: That the General Assembly:

  • records the final report and recommendations from the Task Force,

  • records its thanks to the Chair of the Task Force and its members

  • notes the discussion session during the Working Week

  • decides to take the Task Force proposal with amendments, if any, to a voting at the second General Assembly Session

  • notes the voting schedule for commission chairs for the term 2019-2022

Decision: The motion was adopted.

14. CO-OPERATION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE WORLD BANK

Since the 39th General Assembly, FIG has continued to collaborate with the World Bank and various agencies and structures within the United Nations.

The main activities in the co-operation with the United Nations and the World Bank during this period have been:

At FIG Working Week 2016, a pre-workshop was organised in cooperation with UN-Habitat/GLTN, FAO, AUS-Aid and NZ-Aid on Climate Change and Tenure Insecurity in Small Island Developing States, SIDS. Outcome of the workshop was a declaration which has been published in the FIG Publication series:
The FIG Christchurch Declaration - Responding to Climate Change and Tenure Insecurity in Small Island Developing States.  The Role of Land Professionals SIDS Workshop, FIG Working Week, Christchurch, New Zealand 30 April – 1 May 2016.  FIG Report 2016
http://www.fig.net/resources/publications/figpub/pub68/figpub68.asp

Participation to FAO and the Voluntary Guidelines, VGGT.
At FIG Working Week 2016 two special sessions, one of them being the FIG Academic Forum, were organised. A result of the Working Week 2016 was an action statement.
Appendix to agenda item 14:

Again in 2017 at the Working Week there will be two sessions, FIG Academic Forum and a special session on Land Consolidation.

Participation to Global Land Tool Network GLTN:

  • Lead of Global Land Tool Network Professional Cluster 2016-17,
  • Participation in the GLTN International Advisory Board
  • STDM workshops in cooperation with FIG Young Surveyors
  • Expert Group Meetings
  • Special sessions in the Working Week 2017 technical programme

FIG Publication 52 FIG Publication no 52 The Social Tenure Domain Model - A Pro-Poor Land Tool on Social Tenure Domain Model. FIG Report, 2010 http://www.fig.net/pub/figpub/pub52/figpub52.pdf
has now been translated into three laguages:
Arabic: http://www.fig.net/resources/publications/figpub/pub52/Figpub52_arabic.pdf
French: link will follow – under preparation
Japanese: link will follow – under preparation
 
Participation at the Habitat III meeting organised by UN-Habitat
Participation to the work of UN-GGIM
Participation to the work of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG)
Participation to UN-OOSA
Participation at the World Bank Conference in March 2017.

Motion:

That the General Assembly:

  •  adopts the report on the co-operation between FIG and the United Nations, its agencies and the World Bank
  • endorses the Christchurch Declaration
  • endorses the FAO/FIG statement
  • records its thanks to all those who have contributed to this co-operation

Decision: The motion was adopted.

15. LIAISON WITH INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS

The Joint Board of Spatial Information Societies JB-GIS was formally established during the FIG Working Week in Cairo in 2005 and meets annually during a major conference. The meeting of JB-GIS in 2016 was held in August 2016. FIG has collaborative MoUs with a number of the organizations who are part of JB-GIS.

FIG has further bilateral agreements of co-operation with several other international associations like ISM, IFHP, CIB, ION, ICEC, FIABCI, IFHS, PAIGH and PAQS.

FIG is represented in International Construction Measurement Standard Coalition by Chair of FIG Commission 10, See Lian Ong who has been appointed chair of the Standard Setting Committee. FIG is represented in the Trustee Board by the President.

FIG is represented in International Land Measurement Standard Coalition by Mr. Maurice Barbieri.

FIG Council has furthermore decided to join the Ethics Standard Committee.

FIG is a member of the International Council for Science (ICSU) and is working together with ISO and International Valuation Standards Committee (IVSC) on standards. 

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report on the liaison with other international associations.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

16. AMENDMENT TO STATUTES AND INTERNAL RULES

The following two agenda items, 17.1 and 17.2 were introduced at the first session of the General Assembly, and voting will take place at the second session on 2 June, under agenda item 24.

16.1.   Amendment proposed by DVW Society of Geodesy, Geoinformation and Land Management, Germany

FIG President and Council has received letter from DVW with proposal for amendment of the FIG Statutes:

Existing Provision Proposed amendment (amendment here shown in italics

5.5 The term of office for all elected members of the Council is four years subject to the provisions of section 5.6. No individual may serve for more than two consecutive periods on the Council and the term of office of the president is limited to one period of four years. The term of office for the President, Vice Presidents and the ACCO representative starts on 1 January in the year immediately following their election. For the purposes of this section a single term of two years or less shall not be considered as a term of office.

5.5 The term of office for all elected members of the Council is four years subject to the provisions of section 5.6. No individual may serve for more than two consecutive periods on the Council as Vice President. The term of office of the president is limited to one period of four years. The term of office for the President, Vice Presidents and the ACCO representative starts on 1 January in the year immediately following their election. For the purposes of this section a single term of two years or less shall not be considered as a term of office.

 

The proposal was presented by President of the German Association DVW and hereafter discussed by the General Assembly. Comments included:

  • A change should be done on thorough research
  • A proper review is needed before a discussion
  • Qualified candidates for the posts are needed
  • It is a principle matter, and therefore it needs to be considered carefully
  • A potential candidate will already have had 8 years to implement ideas
  • Experience is important
  • There was a major governance change in 2001 that was a result of many discussions, and which was fully operational in 2007
  • Important to encourage global influence
  • 16 years since FIG has examined itself. Much has happened since then – perhaps good idea to study FIG overall – finances, administrations, commissions, everything
  • FIG provides an open platform

Attached to item 16.1 and 23: Letter from DVW, Germany

Motion: That the General Assembly notes the presentation of the proposed change and decides to make the elections at the second session of the General Assembly.

Decision: The motion was adopted

16.2.   Amendment proposed by Council

FIG President introduced the rationale behind “Suspended status” for FIG members.

FIG Council has in the later years experienced on several occasions where a member (member association, affiliate or academic member):

  • had difficulty in remitting its membership dues to FIG;
  • could not be contacted; and
  • experienced internal financial distress,

due to circumstances beyond the member’s or FIG’s control such as domestic civil strife, external economic sanctions or sharp sudden domestic economic turmoil, but desirous of remaining a member of FIG.

FIG Council has adopted guidelines to handle the above situation, and suggests that the already adopted paper on membership suspension will be added to the FIG Statutes, Internal Rules and Guidelines as a new Guideline for Council and FIG Office.

Appendix to agenda item 16.2: Guidelines for membership suspension by decision of council.

Motion: That the General Assembly endorses the Guidelines for membership suspension by decision of council.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

17. FIG ACCOUNTS FOR 2016, AUDITOR’S REPORT AND BUDGETS 2017-2020

Vice President Rudolf Staiger presented the report to the General Assembly. This report included the auditors report from 2016, official accounts (income statement 2016) and balance sheet 31 December 2016, a summary of 2016 accounts, an updated budget for 2017 and proposals for budgets 2018-2020 and proposal for membership fees for member associations in 2019.

Appendix to item 17: Report on Financial Issues (including 2016 accounts and budgets 2017-2020)

Annexes:

Motion:

That the General Assembly

  • adopts the audited accounts for 2016,
  • adopts the Finance Report, and
  • adopts budgets for 2017–2020

Decision: The motion was adopted.

18. SUBSCRIPTION RATES FOR 2019

The General Assembly has to set levels of fees for member associations two years in advance of the year in which they become payable. Fees are payable in respect of each individual member up to a maximum of 5,500 members. The membership fee structure was changed in 2009. Membership fees have been discussed as part of the finance report, appendix to item 17.

The 2016 General Assembly approved membership fees for 2018 as follows:

  Per capita fee Minimum fee Maximum fee
2018 € 4.48 per member up to a maximum of 5,500 members
Member associations from countries listed by the World Bank as low-income economies or lower-middle-income economies shall pay € 2.24 member up to a maximum of 5,500 members.
20 members or € 50 (whichever is greater) 5,500 members (€ 24,640)

The World Bank lists of the low-income economies and the lower-middle-income economies are available at: http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lending-groups 

The 2017 subscription fees were kept at the same level as for the years 2012-2015.

The 2018 subscription fees have been kept at the same level as for the years 2012-2018.
 
Although FIG Council knows that budgets are tight among the member associations, it has decided to propose to the General Assembly an increase of the subscription rates of 8% to €4.80 per member from €4.48. The rates have been kept stable since 2012, Council and office have been very cost conscious, but must also face that there is a general increase in costs.

Motion: That the General Assembly:

That the General Assembly adopts following membership fees payable by member associations in 2017 and 2018:

  Per capita fee Minimum fee Maximum fee
2019

€4.80 per member up to a maximum of 5,500 members
Member associations from countries listed by the World Bank as low-income economies or lower-middle-income economies shall pay €2.40
per member up to a maximum of 5,500 members.

25 members or €50  (whichever is greater)

5,500 members (€26,400)

Decision: The motion was adopted.

19. DECISION OF THE VENUE FOR FIG WORKING WEEK 2021 – PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES

The FIG Working Weeks are organised by FIG together with a local member association. FIG will together with the local member association have full responsibility of the arrangements and of the financial result. This offers FIG better opportunities in terms of organising events and generating revenue. Therefore the Council has to ensure that all candidates are aware of the role of FIG and split of responsibilities for organising the Working Week. This General Assembly will decide on the host for the 2021 Working Week.

The FIG Council has received two bids to host the FIG Working Week 2021, and FIG Council thanks all bidding member associations for their special engagement and contribution to FIG.

The Council has considered the bids and has decided to present the submitted bids to the General Assembly for its decision:

  1. Accra, Ghana, Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana and Ghana Institution of Surveyors
  2. Krakow, Poland, Association of Polish Surveyors (SGP)

Appendix to item 19 and 24:
Summary Reports on the Bids for FIG 2021 Working Week
Bidding documents for FIG Working Week 2021:

  1. Accra, Ghana, Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana and Ghana Institution of Surveyors
    Presentation
  2. Krakow, Poland, Association of Polish Surveyors (SGP)
    Presentation

At the session each candidate got exactly 10 minutes to make a presentation of their proposal and framework of the Working Week and their bid.

Decision on the venue of FIG 2021 Working Week will be made at the second session of the General Assembly on 2 June. The voting will be made by blind votes.

Motion: TThat the General Assembly notes the submission, the summary report and the presentations, makes its careful consideration and decision during the second session of the General Assembly on 2 June.

Decision: The motion was adopted.


Monday 29 May 16:00 – 17:30, Room 102

Session for Presidents/Heads of Delegation of Member Associations and other FIG  members (affiliate, academic, corporate): Developing Professional Networks and Mutual Recognition Agreements Around the Globe.



Friday 2 June 2017


Friday, 2 June, 08:30-10:30
Room 103,
Messukeskus Conference Centre, Helsinki, Finland

Presidents’ Meeting (by invitation only)

20. FIG PRESIDENT'S MEETING

Totally 59 persons attended the Presidents’ Meeting. At the meeting challenges facing the member associations and relations between member associations and FIG were discussed, hereunder the fact that next year at the Congress 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey there will be election for the positions in FIG as President, two Vice Presidents and for the chairs of the 10 commission, as well as experiences from the FIG Working Week 2017. A separate memorandum of this meeting is circulated to the participants of the meeting and to the Presidents of member associations.


Friday, 2 June, 11:00–12:30 and 13:30-15:00 

Plenary Hall, 101,
Messukeskus Conference Centre, Helsinki, Finland General Assembly, Second Session and Closing Ceremony

21. ROLL CALL

Vice President Rudolf Staiger took the roll call. The roll call was done for member associations only.

It was noted that only member associations that have paid all their membership fees to the end of 2016 were allowed to vote at the meeting. A list of member associations that were not allowed to vote was published and posted on the FIG web site 26 April 2017. Some associations have after this date settled their arrears.

At the second General Assembly 69 member associations out of 104 were present representing 86 votes. Together with observers around 300 persons participated in the General Assembly

Appendix to items 2 & 21: Roll Call including information about member associations that are not allowed to vote at the General Assembly because of unpaid membership fees for 2016 and earlier. 

To be noted that the General Assembly has appointed two representatives as tellers.
Tellers: The tellers will represent the member association hosting the current General Assembly (MIL/MAKLI, Finland) Martti Pietikainen and the host of the proceeding following General Assembly (Chamber of Surveying and Cadastre Engineers of Turkey) Muzaffer Kahveci.

Motion: Those members present are recorded in the minutes.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

22.  MEMBERSHIP

During the Working Week the following member associations that in the first General Assembly were expelled have paid:

  • Togo: Ordre des Geometre du Togo MA-10084
  • Benin: Ordre Des Geometres Experts Du Benin MA-10113

These member associations will therefore be reinstalled as member of FIG.

Iranian Professional Society of Surveying Engineers (ISS) has paid their arrears, and their status is now changed from suspended to normal membership.

After reinstallation of the above mentioned members the number of FIG member associations is 104 from 89 countries.

Geo-tech Surveys LTD, Ghana has applied for corporate membership category F. FIG Council has approved their membership. Hereafter the number of corporate members is 28.

Motion: That the General Assembly decide that the members who have paid their membership fees will be reinstalled as members, note that Iranian Professional Society of Surveying Engineers (ISS) has paid arrears and steir status is changed from suspended to normal memberhsio and that the General Assembly note the approval of the new Corporate member Geo-tech Surveys LTD, Ghana

Decision: The motion was adopted.

23. AMENDMENT TO STATUTES AND INTERNAL RULES

Amendment proposed by DVW Society of Geodesy, Geoinformation and Land Management, Germany

FIG President and Council has received letter from DVW with proposal for amendment of the FIG Statutes which was presented at the first General Assembly on 29 May 2017.

The proposed amendment was as follows:

Existing Provision Proposed amendment (amendment here shown in italics

5.5 The term of office for all elected members of the Council is four years subject to the provisions of section 5.6. No individual may serve for more than two consecutive periods on the Council and the term of office of the president is limited to one period of four years. The term of office for the President, Vice Presidents and the ACCO representative starts on 1 January in the year immediately following their election. For the purposes of this section a single term of two years or less shall not be considered as a term of office.

5.5 The term of office for all elected members of the Council is four years subject to the provisions of section 5.6. No individual may serve for more than two consecutive periods on the Council as vice president. The term of office of the president is limited to one period of four years. The term of office for the President, Vice Presidents and the ACCO representative starts on 1 January in the year immediately following their election. For the purposes of this section a single term of two years or less shall not be considered as a term of office.

The decision took place by blind votes following the FIG statutes and internal rules.

The voting was made by ballot. 49 voted in favour of the change and 37 voted against the change.

Attached to item 16.1 and 23: Letter from DVW

Motion: That FIG General Assembly adopts the proposed change to FIG Statutes item 5.5 to: 5.5 The term of office for all elected members of the Council is four years subject to the provisions of section 5.6. No individual may serve for more than two consecutive periods on the Council as vice president. The term of office of the president is limited to one period of four years. The term of office for the President, Vice Presidents and the ACCO representative starts on 1 January in the year immediately following their election. For the purposes of this section a single term of two years or less shall not be considered as a term of office.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

24. DECISION ON THE VENUE FOR 2021 FIG WORKING WEEK

Candidates for FIG 2021 Working Week have made their presentations in the first session of the General Assembly and FIG Council has presented its evaluation. The decision will be made between:

  1. Accra, Ghana, Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana and Ghana Institution of Surveyors
  2. Krakow, Poland, Association of Polish Surveyors (SGP)

The decision took place by blind votes following the FIG statutes and internal rules.

In the voting Accra, Ghana received 47 votes and Krakow, Poland 39 votes

Motion: That the General Assembly decides the host and venue for FIG Working Week 2021.

Decision: The General Assembly decided that the FIG Working Week 2021 will be hosted jointly by Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana, Ghana Institution of Surveyors and FIG and will take place in Accra Ghana.

25. FIG TASK FORCE ON COMMISSION STRUCTURE

At the first General Assembly session the final report from the Task Force on Commission Structure was presented and there was allocated time for discussion. Furthermore, on Thursday, 1 June 14:00–15:30 the Members of FIG had a possibility to discuss the proposal in more details with the Task Force.

A summary of the comments received during the first General Assembly session and the Task Force Session will be presented at the 2nd General Assembly together with the final proposal for the General Assembly that will be brought to a final vote.

Voting for Commission Chairs for the term 2019-2022 for the current 10 commissions will be done at the General Assembly 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey. The bid for nominations will be published in July.

Appendix to item 13.4Report/proposal from the Task Force

Motion: That the General Assembly

  • Notes the update report
  • Adopts the Task Force proposal

Decision: The motion was adopted. The Task Force was closed down and the President thanked the Task Force for its contribution. Based on the Task Force Recommendations, comments and feedback from the members, the President established a new group of volunteers among the members to contribute to the definition of a Terms of Reference for a future Working Group on a review of the overall FIG Governance. The Terms of Reference are planned to be presented at the General Assembly on 6 May 2018 during the Congress 2018.

26. REPORTS FROM FIG TASK FORCES

Chair of FIG Task Force on Corporate Members, John Hohol, reported back to the General Assembly.

Appendix: Presentation hand-outs

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

27. REPORTS FROM ASSOCIATION, AFFILIATE, ACADEMIC, REGIONAL BODIES AND CORPORATE MEMBERS FORUM (IF ANY)

During the Working Week there were Member Association Forum, the Director General’s/Affiliate Members Forum, Academic Members Forum and Corporate Members Meeting.

There were reports from:

Motion: That the General Assembly records the reports.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

28. REPORTS FROM NETWORKS, PERMANENT INSTITUTIONS, FIG FOUNDATION AND OTHER WORKING WEEK ACTIVITIES (IF ANY)

Networks, Permanent Institutions, FIG Foundation and others had meetings and technical sessions in Christchurch.

The following reported back to the General Assembly:

On behalf of the Chair of the Standards Network  Christiaan Lemmen gave a short oral report including two recommendations:

  • to set up a Cross Commission Working Group or may be a Task Force to discuss the implications of blockchain technology for FIG and for the profession.
  • to propose a new Working Item Proposal to TC 211 on Geographic Information of ISO for a revision of the Land Administration Domain Model

FIG Foundation: presentation hand-outs

Motion: That the General Assembly records the reports.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

29. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS

FIG Commissions had their annual meetings, administrative meetings and technical sessions during the Working Week. Vice President Diane Dumashie reported back on the commission activities based on input from all commissions.

 FIG Commission 5 introduced a new price. The Commission has decided to award the best Commission 5 paper of the FIG Working Week with the NavXperience Award. The award is donated by the company NavXperience GmbH Berlin, working in the field of navigation and location. The award consists of free registration for the next FIG Congress in Istanbul, a trophy, and 400 EUR. This year the price was awarded to Hannu Koivula et al. for the contribution “Finish Permanent GNSS Network”, and the price was handed over during the General Assembly.

Appendix: presentation hand-outs

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report(s).

Decision: The motion was adopted.

30. OTHER ISSUES

There were no further issues raised for discussion.

Motion: That the discussion will be recorded and the Council will consider action that will be required.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

31. REPORT ON THE FIG WORKING WEEK 2020 IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

Representatives from the Local Organising Committee from Geo-Information Netherlands, GIN gave a presentation on preparations of FIG Working Week 2020.

Appendix: Presentation hand-outs.

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report.

Decision: The motion was adopted.

32. REPORT ON THE FIG WORKING WEEK 2019 IN HANOI, VIETNAM

Representatives from the Local Organising Committee from the Vietnam Association of Geodesy - Cartography - Remote Sensing gave a presentation on preparations of FIG Working Week 2019.

Appendix: Presentation hand-outs.

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report  

Decision: The motion was adopted.

33. REPORT ON THE FIG CONGRESS 2018 IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Co-congress director Orhan Ercan from the Chamber of Surveying Cadastre Engineers of Turkey gave a presentation on the preparations of FIG Congress 2018.

Appendix: Presentation hand-outs

Check the Congress web site: www.fig.net/fig2018

Motion: That the General Assembly records the report  

Decision: The motion was adopted.

34. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION AND CLOSING CEREMONY

FIG President Potsiou thanked FIG members and participants of the General Assembly.
President Potsiou presented at the closing ceremony certificates of appreciation to the members of the local organising committee of the XL FIG General Assembly and the FIG Working Wek 2017. Special thanks were recorded to MIL and MAKLI and their Presidents, Paavo Häikiö and Martti Pietikäinen, and Co-Conference Director Pekka Halme. There was also a special thanks to National Land Survey of Finland for their assistance before and during the Working Week.

At the closing ceremony the FIG banner was handed over by Mr Pekka Halme, Co-Conference Director of the Working Week 2017 to Mr. Orhan Ercan, Co-Conference Director of FIG Congress 2018. The FIG XXVI Congress will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, 6 - 11 May 2018.

President Chryssy Potsiou presented her closing address that summarises the findings and the main outcomes of the FIG Working Week 2017. The President formally closed the 40th General Assembly of FIG Working Week 2017 with the FIG Fanfare.

Appendix:   Handouts of the President’s Closing Address 


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