16-18 May 2016

Myanmar Information Management Unit (MIMU) organized a three-day Conference of SuZeeYar Myanmar Spatial Data Platform in Nay Pyi Taw in 2016. It focused on exchange of data and integration of systems in spatial data platforms to enhance information sharing and coordination among organizations and departments of government which are necessary to support good spatial data infrastructure.

The SuZeeYar conference brought together policy-makers and technical experts from Myanmar and other countries to share information on their ongoing spatial data platforms initiatives in Myanmar and to learn from the experiences of national spatial data platforms in other countries. In addition, the conference was intended to promote and exchange among key stakeholders such as Government departments, Non- Government Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, academic and private sectors.

A number of thematic sessions with insightful presentations by the panelists enhanced discussion time with the opportunity to further explore the themes discussed and draw on the panelists’ expertise. The sessions covered the following,

• Experience of successful institutional frameworks for national spatial data platforms from other countries including Canada and regional countries
• Policy, legislation and standards with International examples and lessons
• Ongoing projects in Myanmar and future spatial data platforms
• The role of the private sector and the role of the academic sector
• Community and NGOs’ role in spatial data verification and validation

The final day of the conference focused on specific technical priorities identified during the conference, seeking to clarify next steps for future work and potential recommendations. The SuZeeYar Conference was followed up by the Symposium on “Building Capacities for Evolving Geospatial Needs in Myanmar” (2018), and the Seminar, “Fostering partnerships with Universities involved in Geospatial Sciences & Research” (2019). More details on these initiatives are available on the MIMU website.