International Geographical Union (IGU)

The IGU was founded in Brussels in 1922. The organisation emerged from a series of international conferences, the first of which took place in Antwerp in 1871. Three significant institutions have shaped the IGU since its foundation:

The General Assembly, which is made up of the delegates from the member countries. The General Assembly usually meets during the International Geographical Congress and is the highest decision-making authority in the Union.
The Executive Committee, consisting of the IGU President, the previous President, seven Vice-Presidents and the General Secretary-Treasurer.
Commissions and Task Forces, which examine specific research themes and organise their own events between the Congresses.

Aims of the IGU

to encourage research into geographical problems.
to initiate and co-ordinate geographical research at an international level.
to support scientific debate and publications.
to offer a platform for geographers to work in international organisations.
to provide motivation for the collection and exchange of geographical data in and between member countries.
to organise and support international geographical congresses, regional and local conferences as well as symposia on specific thematic areas within geography.
to participate in international co-operations that serve to further the study of geographical topics and the application of geographical knowledge.
to advance the development of international standards and the compatibility of the methods, nomenclatures and symbols used by geographers.

For further information please visit:
www.igu-online.org