On 23 and 24 October, the 7th FIG Young Surveyors European Meeting (7YSEM) will take place in Bucharest, Romania, famously known as the ‘Land of Dracula’. The event is jointly organized by the FIG Young Surveyors Network, the CLGE Representative of Young Surveyors, and the Romanian Surveyor Union – Young Commission. Hosted by the Romanian Surveyor Union, this conference will be held in conjunction with Romanian Surveyor Week (SGR) and marks the first in-person YSEM since the pandemic, during which the meetings were paused.
The FIG Young Surveyors European Meeting (YSEM) is a significant event in the surveying and geospatial sciences, dedicated to enhancing professional development and networking opportunities for young surveyors across Europe. It attracts a diverse audience of young professionals, students and researchers who are passionate about surveying, geomatics and related fields. YSEM welcomes participants from across the region of Europe, enriching the event with a wide range of perspectives and expertise.
The importance of the younger generation
The FIG Young Surveyors Network was established in 2006 as the Young Surveyors Working Group of FIG Commission 1 and later upgraded to a full network in 2009. Its primary goal is to foster active participation of young surveyors in FIG’s work across its 10 commissions. The network brings together young surveyors from diverse cultures and backgrounds, promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing to sustain the surveying profession. It has organized numerous meetings, workshops and conferences globally, often in partnership with organizations like UN-Habitat, the World Bank, CLGE, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These collaborations amplify the voices of young surveyors, emphasizing the importance of their generation in shaping the future of our planet as they ‘Volunteer for the Future’.
Leading tomorrow’s challenges
This year’s edition of YSEM focuses on ‘Building Together: Surveyors Leading Tomorrow’s Challenges’ and emphasizes the need for surveyors to unite in building a strong, cohesive community. Together, we must be ready to tackle future challenges with determination and resilience in these rapidly changing times.
During the two-day event, participants will attend workshops designed to facilitate discussions on shaping the future of our profession. These sessions will emphasize the importance of active involvement in the evolution of surveying and geospatial sciences, as well as building the networks necessary to stay relevant amidst current and future challenges. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to and engage with young surveyors from across Europe, gaining insights into diverse experiences and regional challenges. By exploring innovative approaches and sharing their own experiences, participants will collaboratively develop strategies to strengthen the community and address both present and future complexities in the surveying profession.
Vibrant networking environment
Another key element of the conference is the networking, so participants will have the chance to connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders from around the world. This conference offers a vibrant networking environment where you can exchange ideas, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships with professionals who are shaping the future of surveying and geospatial sciences. Whether through formal networking events or informal conversations, these connections can lead to collaborations, mentorship opportunities and a deeper understanding of global industry trends.
Opportunities for young surveyors
Young surveyors have several opportunities to engage with the event: they can attend as participants, take on the role of speakers, or apply for one of the FIG Foundation Grants. The FIG Foundation, a key supporter of the event, is offering four grants specifically to assist young surveyors in attending. These grants are designed to support individuals who wish to contribute to and benefit from the event’s rich programme of workshops, presentations and networking opportunities. By applying for a grant, young surveyors can gain financial support to cover their attendance costs, allowing them to fully participate in shaping the future of the profession and connecting with peers and industry leaders.
Participation by policymakers and businesses
At the same time, the event invites stakeholders, policymakers and businesses from the surveying profession to contribute to shaping the industry’s future. By participating, they can share their expertise and experiences to inspire and guide the next generation of surveyors, fostering innovation and enthusiasm. They will engage in knowledge sharing by providing and gathering insights on the latest trends and advancements, ensuring that attendees leave with valuable, actionable knowledge. Their involvement will help build a cohesive and dynamic community of young surveyors and allow their perspectives to be heard by a diverse global audience.
The 7th FIG Young Surveyors European Meeting (7YSEM) will be co-chaired by Shirley Chapunza (Zimbabwe), chair of the FIG Young Surveyors Network; Iaroslav Zifceac (Romania), president of the Romanian Surveyor Union – Young Commission; and Marineli Dancheva (Bulgaria), representative of young surveyors on the CLGE Executive Board.
