12 August 1996 DEV/2116
EXPERTS ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES CONVENE SESSION IN GENEVA, IN PREPARATION FOR 1997 CONFERENCE ON STANDARDIZATION 19960812NEW YORK, 12 August (DDSMS) -- The eighteenth session of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names is taking place at the United Nations Office at Geneva from 12 to 23 August 1996, with the participation of some 80 experts representing 21 linguistic/geographical divisions.The work of the Group addresses programmes which implement national and international standardization of geographical names (toponyms). The aim of the Group is to enhance effective world-wide communication, by the use of appropriate toponyms which are clear, accurate, current and unambiguous. In particular, experts will discuss and propose steps to encourage advancements in standardizing and disseminating correct written forms of geographical names, as they are nationally recognized. Working groups will, therefore, address questions on training courses in toponymy, toponymic data files and gazetteers, toponymic terminology, romanization systems for languages that use non-Roman script, and standardization in multilingual areas. To promote the distribution of nationally standardized geographical names, emphasis will be put on the publication of guidelines for the use of map and document editors and on the dissemination of these toponyms on maps, in gazetteers and in digital form. The use of new media (such as the Internet) will help the Group of Experts reach wider audiences around the globe, and add to the effectiveness of standardization programmes. The Group of Experts on Geographical Names is challenged in its work towards effective communication by the ever-changing political patterns of the world. Progress in standardization can help eliminate inaccuracy and misrepresentation of geographical names which can lead to inefficiency and misdirection. National and international standardization is fundamental to improved socio-economic development and to more effective environmental management. Trade and commerce, air traffic, population census and national statistics, urban and regional planning, map and atlas production, search and rescue, and tourism are just a few areas for which standardized toponymy is crucial. - 2 - Press Release DEV/2116 12 August 1996 The United Nations Department for Development Support and Management Services (DDSMS) provides secretariat service to the Group of Experts and its sessions, as well as to the United Nations Conferences on the Standardization of Geographical Names. This session of the Group of Experts will prepare for the Seventh United Nations Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names, planned for September 1997. * *** *
United Nations
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