In a keynote address at the GIS for the United Nations and the International Community conference held recently in Geneva, Ambassador Betty E. King, permanent representative of the United States to the United Nations Office in Geneva, said that, “Technology is a valuable tool that has the potential to transform the way we work, and it also can deliver cost efficiencies, increase transparency, and make an organization more relevant to what it is happening around the world in real time.”

The ambassador also pointed out that by "using GIS [Geographic Information Systems] technology we can analyze and see where natural disasters have previously occurred and how they have impacted the landscape. We can also try to predict where a natural disaster is most likely to occur."  She went on to add, “Technology does not have a mind of its own. It has to be directed and put to its most effective use, or it can be a waste of resources, or worse yet applied to nefarious purposes. Collaboration between partners is critical for the success of such efforts."