In 2026, the National Geographic Institute (NGI) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in its current form. This anniversary marks an important milestone in the Institute’s history and provides an excellent opportunity to increase its visibility, valorise its partnerships and highlight its essential role in serving society. The theme of this anniversary year perfectly sums up the spirit of the NGI: “Deeply rooted in history. Younger than ever. Ready for the future.”

The celebrations got under way on 9 January at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels with an evening dedicated primarily to NGI staff. That celebration honoured all those whose commitment, expertise and professionalism have made the many achievements of the Institute over the past 50 years possible. The concrete results achieved by the NGI on an everyday basis are the result of a collective effort of which everyone can justifiably be proud.
Numerous events throughout the year will provide an exceptional stage for the NGI’s know-how, expertise and ambitions. In particular, on 8 June, the date of his birthday, the NGI, in collaboration with the Royal Library, is organising an official event to celebrate the 300th birthday of the cartographer, Count Joseph Ferraris. The NGI’s anniversary year also coincides with a year of commemorations for other important partners, namely the 200th anniversary of the Royal Observatory and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Commission on Toponymy and Dialectology, all of which are paving the way towards fruitful collaborations. The international dimension of the NGI’s work will also be highlighted by means of the 9th edition of BeGeo and the fact that Belgium will be hosting the official meetings of EuroGeographics and EuroSDR. During the course of this year, these and many other activities will help to enhance the image and outreach of the NGI.

It all began two centuries ago

The NGI is deeply rooted in history and is fully aware of its origins. The National Geographic Institute was created by the Act of 8 June 1976 and forms part of a long scientific and industrial tradition dating back to Belgium’s independence. Its origins lie in the Dépôt de la Guerre et de la Topographie (War and Topographical Depot, KTD), which was established in January 1831. The NGI can therefore look back on a rich history spanning nearly two centuries.
In 1976, the NGI was demilitarised as a semi-governmental institution, but remained under the supervision of the Minister of Defence. Today, the Ministry of Defence remains its most important partner and a major user of its products and services. For several years, part of the NGI’s staff has been placed at the direct disposal of the “Defence Geospatial Centre” in Evere, clearly illustrating the common interests of and the enhanced cooperation between the two institutions. The NGI’s current location on the Renaissance Campus further underscores this interconnectedness. The geographical proximity of the Royal Military Academy promotes strategic and operational synergies and is fully in keeping with the concept of an enhanced partnership.

Innovation as a driver of the future

Innovation has been a core value of the NGI since its inception. In that spirit, the Institute continues to develop its missions and strengthen its role as a geo-broker within the federal government. It continues to follow the course set out in its strategic axes, supported by concrete initiatives and robust partnerships. Innovation is deeply embedded in the DNA of the NGI and provides crucial leverage that enables it to face the challenges ahead.
By diversifying its services, facilitating access to geographical data and continuously integrating new skills, insights and ideas, the NGI remains younger than ever and ready to meet the challenges that the future has in store.

On to the next 50 years!