We, the representatives of nations, organizations, and stakeholders, together with 700 participants at the Fourth International Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (FBAS 2024) in Beijing,
Recognizing the urgent need for collaborative and transformative action to achieve sustainable development, well-being, and peace,
Declare our commitment to work together in the Partnership for Accelerating Sustainable Development through Digital Technologies.
We invite experts, scientists, and representatives of UN Member States to join the Partnership and catalyze sustainable development through the following actions:
1) Co-develop Open Digital Infrastructure and AI Tools: Create accessible platforms that integrate global data systems, ensuring inclusivity in sustainability efforts.
2) Enhance Global Collaboration: Strengthen international networks for digital transformation in SDG initiatives, focusing on knowledge-sharing and capacity-building.
3) Initiate Big Science Programs: In the context of the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development, launch collaborative projects that leverage digital technologies, particularly AI and big data, to drive SDG progress within planetary boundaries.
4) Strengthen Capacity Building: Promote education and training programs to expand access to digital tools, enhancing the ability to integrate digital technology in SDG implementation, and empowering future generations to advance sustainability.
5) Validate Sustainable Development through Space Technologies: Develop global satellite systems and remote sensing capabilities for SDG monitoring, providing critical geospatial data for precise sustainability assessments.
6) Enhance Stakeholder Engagement: Deepen partnerships across governments, academia, private sectors, and civil society to scale digital solutions for sustainable development.
7) Promote the Universality of Science: Expand global access to scientific knowledge and uphold its universal value, ensuring that innovations benefit all of humanity and contribute to global sustainability.
We reaffirm our collective commitment to achieving the SDGs through transformative digital solutions and global partnerships. By harnessing digital technologies and Big Earth Data, we can overcome pressing challenges and accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda.
Annex: Science, Technology, and Digital Innovation for SDG Success
Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires a multifaceted approach that harnesses the power of science, technology, and innovation, along with digital tools and Big Earth Data. This Annex outlines key strategies and the advantages of these elements in accelerating SDG progress and overcoming sustainable development challenges.
Opportunities to Accelerate SDG Implementation
Digital technologies offer unique opportunities to address key sustainability challenges:
Bridging Data Gaps: Developing Creative Commons digital infrastructure ensures timely, high-quality data, supporting effective monitoring and decision-making.
Advancing Methodologies: Digital tools enable multidimensional research approaches, fostering innovation and providing deeper insights into sustainability.
Boosting Technological Capacity: Empowering developing regions with digital tools democratizes access to resources, fostering more inclusive global sustainability efforts.
Enhancing Integration: Digital platforms streamline efforts across sectors, ensuring more cohesive and effective SDG initiatives.
Creating Accessible Information: User-friendly platforms deliver real-time data, empowering policymakers to make impactful decisions.
The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in SDG Implementation
Science, technology, and innovation are pivotal for accelerating progress toward the SDGs by:
Driving Innovative Solutions: STI fosters the development of innovative solutions to systemic challenges across critical sectors.
Promoting Technology Transfer: Facilitating the development, transfer, and dissemination of technologies is essential for implementing sustainable practices globally.
Supporting Science-Based Decision-Making: Scientific research and technological advancements provide vital data, methodologies, and insights for informed policymaking and implementation.
Facilitating Collaboration: STI enables cross-disciplinary, cross-sectoral, and cross-border collaboration, fostering the sharing of data, knowledge, infrastructure resources, and best practices.
We call for strengthened global action to enhance STI frameworks under the United Nations’ Technology Facilitation Mechanism (TFM) to ensure the successful implementation of the SDGs.
Advantage of Digital Technologies for SDG Implementation
Digital technologies offer transformative tools to accelerate SDG achievement:
Enhanced Data Collection and Monitoring: Real-time data enables timely interventions and improves the accuracy of tracking SDG progress.
Improved Access to Information and Services: Digital platforms enhance access to essential services and information, aiding decision-making.
Driving Innovation: Advanced digital technologies, including AI, big data, and cloud computing, offer new solutions to sustainability challenges.
Facilitating Knowledge Sharing: Digital technologies promote collaboration and the exchange of best practices, accelerating collective efforts toward achieving the SDGs.
Proactively leveraging digital technologies is vital for the effective implementation of the SDGs and building a sustainable future.
Big Earth Data for SDG Implementation
Big Earth Data is crucial for advancing SDG implementation by:
Integrating Diverse Data Sources: Providing comprehensive insights intocomplex sustainability challenges, enabling informed decisions, and creating accurate, high-resolution data products as digital public goods.
Improving Monitoring and Evaluation: Offering an integrated approach to tracking SDG progress, ensuring interventions are based on accurate and timely data.
Informing Decision-Making: Supporting science-based policies and strategies aimed at achieving the SDGs.
Building Capacity: Promoting knowledge transfer and capacity building among stakeholders for sustainable development.
Catalyzing Innovation: Driving the development of new tools and methodologies to support sustainability initiatives.
Leveraging Big Earth Data is essential for advancing the SDGs. By utilizing these tools, stakeholders can identify effective pathways for achieving global sustainability.
Source: The International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals
