The world nowadays is facing many challenges, such as the pandemic and geopolitical disturbances, hindering the progress of global sustainable development. As a response to this pivotal point in time, China initiated the Global Development Initiative (GDI), promoting global openness and mutual support through international cooperation. CBAS, as an international organization located in China established to serve the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is determined to support and contribute to such efforts under the guidance of the GDI with the establishment of a CBAS Global SDG Partnership Programme dedicated to revitalizing and realizing the 2030 Agenda. The Special Session, therefore, invited universities, research institutes, and international organizations around the globe in the field of sustainable development to an open discourse on how to build an innovative sustainable future for all.
Guo Huadong, the Director General of CBAS, CAS Academician, gave a speech at the session in which he stressed the importance of comprehensive integration of Digital Technology to support global connectivity and international cooperation, to set up a platform for cooperation through the Partnership, and to keep pursuing the SDGs with Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).
Guo stated, “CBAS will continue to strengthen its global outreach, cultivate big data in support of global development, and step up data cooperation and sharing with the international community and support the adoption of digital technologies for a shared sustainable future for everyone.”
A consensus was reached by all the participants, highlighting the irreplaceable role of global cooperation as one of the most important components of the sustainable development, and the collaboration on big data will significantly contribute to the successful global coordination and facilitation of the SDGs, as well as forming a bridge for mutual support and a channel for capacity building for developing countries.
The session was joined by leading figures in the field of sustainable development, including Jeffrey Sachs, Professor of Columbia University and President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Dr. Liu Wei from the Inter-Agency Task Team at the Division for Sustainable Development of UN DESA, Professor Xu Zhengzhong from the Economy Department of the National Academy of Governance, Professor Sun Xinzhang from the Administrative Center for China’s Agenda 21, and Dr. Monthip Sriratana from the Climate Change Research Strategies Center of the National Research Council of Thailand, with remarks made towards the session's theme.
Other participants included 14 representatives of international organizations, research institutes, and universities such as the UN-Habitat, the Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Keio University, Peking University, Nanjing University, etc. sharing their ideas and opinions.
The session was organized at the Digital Earth Science Platform (DESP) at CBAS headquarters with an online video conference open to global participants and audiences. More than 500 people attended the session.
Professor Guo Huadong Delivering Remarks
Jeffrey D. Sachs, Professor at Columbia University, President of the UN SDSN giving remarks
Dr. Liu Wei, UN DESA IATT Coordinator giving remarks
Sun Xinzhang, Deputy Head and Professor of the Strategy Research and Regional Development Office of the Administrative Center for China's Agenda 21 giving remarks
Dr. Monthip Sriratana, Director of the Climate Change Research Strategies Center of the National Research Council of Thailand giving remarks
Xu Zhengzhong, Associate Director and Professor of Economy Research Department of Chinese Academy of Governance giving remarks