The Fifth International Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (FBAS 2025) opened in Beijing on September 6, spotlighting the debut of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) large models designed to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The three-day event brings together more than 700 participants from nearly 50 countries and 17 international organizations to accelerate global cooperation on sustainable development through digital innovation.
At the heart of the event was the launch of the LingXi SDGs Large Models, an advanced AI system developed by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS). By integrating massive Earth observation and socioeconomic datasets, LingXi can monitor, analyze, and simulate progress across all 17 SDGs. The system features five intelligent modules capable of generating literature reviews, indicator analyses, reports, 3D interactive visualizations, and narrative insights, offering researchers and policymakers a faster way to turn complex data into actionable solutions.
CBAS also released the Big Earth Data Science and Engineering Series, a 23-volume collection that for the first time systematically summarizes global advances in Big Earth Data research. The series spans theory, technology, and applications, with case studies ranging from biodiversity conservation to sustainable cities.
At the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by prominent figures including He Hongping, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General; Liu Zhenmin, China's Special Envoy for Climate Change; Bai Chunli, Founding President of the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO); Danilo Türk, former President of Slovenia; DAI Gang from the China's Ministry of Science and Technology; Lidia Brito, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences; and Li Lifeng from the Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Keynote speeches from Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th UN General Assembly; the CBAS Director-General Guo Huadong; and TWAS President Quarraisha Abdool Karim emphasized the urgent need for systemic change, stronger global collaboration, and digital innovation to close the gap on SDG progress. Kőrösi highlighted AI's potential for trend analysis and policy support, and Guo introduced the Digital Sustainable Development Goals Programme (DSP), a UNESCO-endorsed initiative, to foster global cooperation. Abdool Karim stressed the importance of eliminating digital divides to ensure technology benefits all.
Organized by CAS and co-hosted by CBAS together with the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) under CAS, the event features six special sessions and 39 parallel sessions on topics such as AI for the SDGs, global monitoring, and youth action. Supported by multiple UN agencies and more than 30 universities worldwide, FBAS 2025 underscores the growing role of big data and digital intelligence in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.
A scene of the opening ceremony
Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th UN General Assembly delivers a keynote speech
The Director-General of CBAS, Prof. Guo Huadong delivers a keynote speech
TWAS President Quarraisha Abdool Karim delivers a speech
Launch Ceremony for "LingXi SDGs Large Models"