YouthMappers Pre-Event at American Spaces.
The State of the Map (SotM) 2024 in Nairobi started with the most exciting YouthMappers pre-event at American Spaces. It was clear that the conference was going to be full of inspiration and action. Our host Laura was there to welcome YouthMappers early birds from different parts of the world gathered in the venue gearing up for the day’s activities just to prepare for the conference.
Rory from the USAID made an engaging presentation on what YouthMappers do to map problems and solve them, especially in projects that have data gaps in areas such as disasters and health. He recounted some highlights from the program over nine years then we dived into an open discussion on needs for the future of the YouthMappers program. Lastly, we had Priscilla, the Leadership Fellow of the Year 2023, provided useful advice on how to get the most out of the conference, stressing the role of real communication and connections. The meeting came to a close with some pizza, socialization with new acquaintances, and expectedly new ties.
Mapathon at ESA: Mapping for a Cause (Water reservoirs)
The day didn’t end there, next on my schedule was a mapathon at the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team Eastern and Southern Africa hub (ESA) offices. After a quick cab ride, we arrived at ESA, ready to dive into more hands-on mapping activities. Collaborating with experienced individuals in the field of open mapping was an enriching experience, and the focus of the mapathon was particularly compelling: mapping water reservoirs for drought-affected areas in Ethiopia. The work we were doing felt purposeful and impactful, knowing that these maps could directly aid efforts to mitigate the effects of droughts. During the Mapathon we surprised Geoffrey with a birthday celebration! Cakes, pizza, and plenty of laughter filled the room as we continued mapping, all while enjoying each other’s company.
Day 1 of SotM 2024: Learning, Sharing, and Growing
The following day, the official State of the Map Conference commenced as scheduled. It was quite interesting to finally meet fellow mappers in person as well as meet new people. With our lanyards and T-shirts on, the participants were prepared for a long day of presentations and meeting other members. We were welcomed by Walter, and if you do not know him (Talaaaaaaa) That was Iconic,
There was very little time between the day sessions since they were all amazing including organizations such as TomTom UN Maps and their Asian and Pacific projects. I have to say, I was almost moved by Trufi’s presentation, an NGO that is trying to change the way we look at public transport with the help of maps. The amount of information that was provided in each session was very high and I was noting down points to be able to capture all the information being brought forth.
Days 2 and 3: Expanding Horizons, Building Futures
The remaining days of the conference were just as packed with inspiration and knowledge sharing. Also in focus were academic tracks, which offered compelling presentations on the adoption of OpenStreetMap in research and education. Lightning talks kept the energy high, dealing with a wide range of topics and being extremely short, bright, and to the point. The panels took on some of the most controversial issues in the world of mapping and resilience disasters.
The social event was amazing, from the “Nganga” buses filled with music to games, the awarding ceremony, as well as food and drinks. The efforts made by the organizers, sponsors, and speakers in making the conference both informative and participatory are commendable. I departed from Nairobi feeling thankful and knowledgeable, with inspiration to carry on the spirit of open mapping in achieving sustainable development goals. Special thanks to HOT Un summit for making my participation possible, and to all the amazing people who made these days unforgettable. I’m already looking forward to what’s next—see you all in Manila in 2025!
