Meeting objectives 

GISTDA’s approach to Chairmanship of CEOS in 2009 has been to focus on the achievement of demonstrable outcomes/ deliverables that illustrate the effectiveness of our coordination efforts for the GEOSS space segment - such as the provision of information systems and services, access to data, climate data records, or firm agreements to address key observation gaps. 2010 is the mid-point for the implementation of the GEOSS (2005–2015) and the Ministers attending the summit in late 2010 will no doubt be keen to see that, as a community, we have organised ourselves to good effect in achieving the original vision for the GEOSS. It is towards this event that we have set our planning horizons and resources within CEOS for the time being, as well as ensuring our achievements are well represented in the near-term key meetings of GEO-VI and COP-15 such that the political processes involved recognise and support our progress and direction.

The main meeting days of the 23^rd CEOS Plenary will be the 4^th and 5^th November. The first day will comprise a review of the progress in 2009 towards the priorities set last year, with a number of reporting presentations to inform Principals as to the achievements, challenges, and requested commitments. The second day is dedicated to Strategic Discussion and Planning – with in-depth discussion of the outcomes to be demonstrated by CEOS for the GEO Ministerial, and of the details and resources for their implementation. This will include consideration of the priorities set by CEOS of Forest Carbon Tracking, Greenhouse Gases and Data Democracy.