Global Land Community Convenes in Cape Town for FIG Congress 2026

Cape Town, South Africa – Cape Town, South Africa, will host the global land and geospatial community from 24 to 29 May 2026 for a pivotal gathering that looks beyond the Sustainable Development Goals and into the future of land governance, sustainability, and spatial innovation.

Cape Town, host city of FIG Congress 2026, promises to be a convergence of global land and geospatial professionals charting the future of sustainable land systems in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Photo: B. Kamprath)

Every four years, the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) convenes its flagship global event: the FIG Congress. More than a technical meeting, the Congress has become a key platform for professionals, researchers, policymakers, and innovators in land and spatial disciplines to share knowledge, shape discourse, and set future priorities.

The upcoming edition — FIG Congress 2026 — will take place in Cape Town under the theme “The Future We Want – The SDGs and Beyond.” It will feature a comprehensive programme of plenary sessions, technical presentations, exhibitions, and side events, covering themes from land administration reform and fit-for-purpose approaches to AI in surveying, climate resilience, and smart valuation systems.

What to Expect in 2026

Scheduled to run from 24 to 29 May 2026, the FIG Congress will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), a world-class venue located in the heart of the city. Pre-congress events will begin on 23 May. The overall structure will include technical sessions, networking forums, an extensive exhibition area, and the official FIG General Assembly, which will convene on 24 and 29 May.

The event is hosted by the South African Geomatics Institute (SAGI) and the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC), and is expected to attract participants from over 100 countries. Attendees will include professionals from national land agencies, academic institutions, surveying companies, international organisations, and technology providers, all converging to explore the future of land systems, geospatial technology, and sustainable development.

Theme: “The Future We Want – The SDGs and Beyond”

The theme of the 2026 Congress encourages reflection on the role of the land and geospatial professions in achieving global goals — not only by the 2030 deadline, but also in shaping the development agenda beyond it. With the world nearing the end of the SDG timeframe, the Congress presents an opportunity to examine what has been achieved, where progress is still needed, and how spatial professionals can contribute to long-term systemic change.

Discussions will focus on rethinking professional practices, institutions, and partnerships in light of accelerating technological advances, growing environmental pressures, and changing demographic and social dynamics. Central to the theme is a call to action: how can land and spatial governance serve as a cornerstone for a just, inclusive, and sustainable future?

Key Topics and Focus Areas

The 2026 Congress will cover a wide range of topics across the spectrum of land administration, surveying, geospatial innovation, and development policy. A strong emphasis will be placed on land governance and tenure security, including the challenges of formalizing land rights and resolving disputes in both urban and rural contexts. Discussions will also highlight fit-for-purpose land administration as a practical, scalable approach to mapping, registration, and land service delivery — particularly in settings with limited resources or complex tenure systems.

Emerging technologies will be at the forefront, with sessions dedicated to artificial intelligence, drones, satellite-based data, and digital twins. These tools are increasingly central to spatial planning, property registration, and environmental monitoring. The Congress will explore not only their technical capabilities, but also the ethical, legal, and institutional frameworks needed to harness them responsibly.

Other prominent topics will include climate change and land-based resilience strategies; innovations in valuation and taxation systems; and professional education and capacity building. Cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, Indigenous rights, urbanization, and inclusion of marginalized groups will be woven throughout the technical programme.

Submission and Participation Opportunities

The Call for Papers is now open, offering opportunities for both peer-reviewed papers and non-peer-reviewed abstracts. The deadline for peer-reviewed paper submissions is 15 September 2025, while abstracts for non-peer-reviewed contributions must be submitted by 1 November 2025. Authors are encouraged to present original research, policy case studies, institutional reforms, technological innovations, and community-driven solutions. Submissions are welcomed from across disciplines and sectors — including government agencies, civil society, academia, and the private sector.

In addition to the technical sessions, the Congress will include a professional exhibition showcasing the latest in geospatial hardware, software, and services. A Young Surveyors programme will also take place, designed to build networks and leadership capacity among the next generation of professionals. Networking receptions and cultural events will offer additional opportunities for collaboration, learning, and exchange.

Africa on the Global Stage

Cape Town’s selection as the host city for FIG Congress 2026 is symbolically and practically significant. As a gateway to Africa, the city reflects the continent’s growing influence in shaping global land and spatial agendas. South Africa itself is home to a vibrant geomatics profession, with active reforms in spatial planning, land reform, and digital land systems.

Across the continent, countries are piloting and scaling up diverse models of land governance — from customary tenure recognition in West and East Africa, to large-scale cadastral modernisation in Southern Africa. These experiences, along with lessons from other parts of the world, will contribute to rich and relevant discussions at the Congress. FIG 2026 provides a platform for African governments, institutions, and experts to share their insights, build partnerships, and contribute to shaping global professional standards.

Registration, Sponsorship, and Delegate Support

Registration for FIG Congress 2026 will open on 1 August 2025. Online registration will remain available until 15 May 2026. On-site registration will begin on 25 May, with credit card payment as the only accepted method. To promote inclusivity and broaden participation, the organisers have launched an “Adopt a Delegate” initiative. This programme enables sponsors to support delegates from underrepresented or resource-constrained regions by covering some or all of their travel and registration costs.

Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are also available. Organisations interested in showcasing their work, tools, or technologies to a global professional audience are encouraged to explore these options early, as spaces are expected to fill quickly.

Looking Ahead – FIG Congress 2026

FIG Congress 2026 promises to be a landmark event at a time when land, data, and spatial solutions are more central than ever to global sustainability and justice. It will serve as a catalyst for reimagining professional roles, fostering innovation, and building the networks and knowledge needed for the next generation of challenges and opportunities.

For more information on participation, registration, the programme, and submission guidelines, visit FIG Congress 2026.