2022-2023 Call for Expressions of Interest: Global SDG Partnership

1.        Overview
The International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS) is launching a pilot call for expressions of interest (EOI) from organizations that are active in big data and sustainable development, and interested in partnering with CBAS to serve the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and make joint efforts to promote, advance, and realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) around the globe.
1.1        Background
CBAS is a non-profit and non-governmental international research institute established in 2021, hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences with the aim to address global challenges in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is committed to harnessing big data to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing technological barriers and filling in data gaps, both within China and around the world. To fulfill this commitment, CBAS works towards a vision where data is open and accessible across borders and disciplines, technology is available to support the policymaking process, and knowledge and ideas are communicated and cultivated, especially among developing countries.

CBAS aims to facilitate multidisciplinary research related to Earth system science, social and economic sciences, and is devoted to monitoring and evaluating indicators of the SDGs with a particular focus on SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). CBAS activities broadly address one or more of the following five priority areas:
            Develop SDG data infrastructure and information products
            Provide new knowledge for SDG monitoring and evaluation
            Develop and launch a series of SDG satellites
            Establish a think tank for science, technology, and innovation to promote SDGs
            Provide capacity development for SDGs in developing countries

2.        Objectives
The overall objective of the partnership is to synergize research and development efforts within the priority areas of CBAS through efficient and replicable process, ensuring positive progress towards sustainability at local, national, regional, and global scales. CBAS hopes to develop collaborative projects with partner organization that complements its expertise, capacity, and resources to ensure collective development and contributions to achieve SDGs.
CBAS hopes to work with partners to carry out:
2.1        Joint Research:
            Joint research focusing on SDG monitoring, assessment, and application at all geographical scopes;
            Joint demonstration projects of integrated evaluation of SDGs in selected areas;
            Interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary projects focusing on SDG indicators in developing countries;
            Joint publication of papers and reports to introduce best practices to the world.
2.2        Data Sharing:

Building a fair, inclusive, and reciprocal data sharing and exchange mechanism between both the partner organization and CBAS that could enhance the diversity, quality, and sectoral coverage of data on SDGs;
Utilizing data infrastructures and products from both sides to support joint research projects and explore innovative methods to improve quality and availability of data for better SDG monitoring and assessment at local, national, regional, and global scales.
2.3        Academic Exchange & Capacity Development:
            Joint workshops, seminars, and international forums that promote dialogues and inspire ideas;
            Exchange expertise and visits in the fields of sustainable development and big earth data;
            Joint SDG training programs on science and technology, etc.
2.4        Decision Support & Networking:
Mobilizing the connections and capacities of both sides to develop interactions with industries, policy-making bodies, and alike to foster contributions of science, technology and innovation in evidence-based decision making towards sustainable development.

3.        Financial Support
Financial support from CBAS will be available to selected partners with promising collaborative concept.
3.1        The funding has a maximum grant size of 50,000 USD per partner per year for a maximum of 3 years.
3.2        In-kind funding and contribution from other resources are highly appreciated.

4.        Expectations from Partners
CBAS seeks EOI from:
4.1        Organizations holding significant expertise or proven capacities in (1) one of the five priorities CBAS is focusing on; or (2) at least one of the seven SDGs CBAS is prioritizing on.
4.2      Organizations with abilities to implement the proposed activities in an efficient, effective, and mutually beneficial manner, through a fair, open, and professional approach.
4.3      Organizations with proven international research experience related to big data and SDGs, and multi-national expertise on the proposed activities.
4.4       Organizations that are committed to or have experience of working with developing countries on the promotion and advancement of SDGs at local, national, regional, and global scales.

5.        How to Apply
5.1     Please submit the EOI (Attachment 1) and a Concept Note (see EOI for specific instructions) to CBAS at cooperation@cbas.ac.cn under the subject: 2022-2023 Partnership EOI + Organization Name + Applicant Name
5.2     CBAS will evaluate each submission according to its (1) feasibility, effectiveness, and relevance of the contribution to the SDGs; (2) demonstration of capacities, impacts, mutual benefits, and robustness to the future; (3) alignment with CBAS' priorities.
5.3      The deadline for submission is July 31st, 2022. Each organization can only submit once for the 2022 Call. CBAS will inform all applying organizations about the decision on their submission and invite selected organizations for further discussions towards submitting a full proposal and signing of the eventual agreement.

Contact
If you have any question or inquiry, please contact us at:

CBAS Cooperation & Development Division
No. 9 Dengzhuang South Road,
Haidian District, Beijing
100094 China
www.cbas.ac.cn/en/
cooperation@cbas.ac.cn
+86 (010) 82177122

Attachment 1.CBAS Global SDG Partnership EOI