Thematic Session on Digital Technologies Driving Global Sustainable Development Held during IDSSD Global Conference in Paris
22 Jul 2026
A thematic session on "Digital Technologies Driving Global Sustainable Development" was held on July 17 during the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD) Global Conference in Paris, France. The event brought together more than 100 participants to explore how digital technologies and international scientific cooperation can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and support the global development agenda beyond 2030.
The session was jointly organized by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Digital Sustainable Development Goals Programme (DSP), and the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspices of UNESCO.
Opening remarks were delivered by Abou Amani, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences a.i.; Luo Hui, Executive Secretary of the China Association for Science and Technology; Yang Xinyu, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of China to UNESCO; Seng Chuan Tan, President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations; and Simon Hodson, Executive Director of CODATA of the International Science Council. The opening ceremony was chaired by Prof. Guo Huadong, Director General of CBAS and Leading Scientist of the DSP.
Opening remarks.
CBAS and UNESCO Establish Long-Term Partnership
A major highlight of the session was the signing of a cooperation agreement between CBAS and UNESCO. The agreement was signed by Guo and Amani on behalf of the two organizations, respectively.
Under the agreement, CBAS and UNESCO will establish a long-term strategic partnership over the next eight years. Within the IDSSD framework, the two sides will collaborate on international scientific research, technical support, data sharing, capacity building, science communication, and the development of global cooperation networks.
The partnership aims to advance the worldwide implementation of the DSP, address shared sustainability challenges, and contribute to both the IDSSD and the UNESCO Operational Strategy for Small Island Developing States (2023–2029).
CBAS and UNESCO sign a cooperation agreement.
Mobilizing Scientific Expertise for Development Beyond 2030
The session featured keynote speeches, thematic presentations, and a roundtable discussion, bringing together experts from leading research institutions worldwide to exchange ideas and offer recommendations for implementing the DSP.
In his keynote address, Guo outlined the DSP's vision, objectives, and significance, as well as the progress made since its launch in 2024. He explained that the Programme seeks to harness Earth observation, big data, artificial intelligence, and other frontier technologies to transform data into knowledge—and knowledge into action.
Guo invited participants to use the conference as a platform for in-depth discussion and to contribute scientific insights to the global sustainable development agenda beyond 2030.
Guo Huadong delivers a keynote address.
Hu Shaofeng, Director of UNESCO's Division of Ethics of Science and Technology, then introduced the overall vision and implementation mechanisms of the IDSSD. He emphasized the need to strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation, improve the science–policy–society interface, and promote the ethical governance of emerging technologies so that scientific knowledge can be translated more effectively into sustainable development action.
Martino Pesaresi, Senior Scientist at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, presented the Centre's work on the Global Human Settlement Layer, spatial population mapping, and disaster risk assessment. He demonstrated how open geospatial data, Earth observation, and big data analytics can help overcome the spatial and temporal limitations of conventional statistics, providing reliable evidence for globally comparable monitoring and informed decision-making.
During the thematic presentations, experts shared perspectives from Earth science, geospatial information, environmental science, oceanography, and economics on the challenges and emerging opportunities associated with SDG indicator monitoring.
The speakers included Livia Peiser, Head of the Geospatial Unit of FAO's Land and Water Division; Prof. Wang Fan, Director of the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Johannes Cullmann of the German Federal Institute of Hydrology and Science Advisor to the President of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly; Emmanuel Pajot, Secretary General of the European Association of Remote Sensing Companies; and Prof. Ranjula Swain of the Stockholm School of Economics.
Their presentations brought multidisciplinary perspectives to the DSP and helped broaden its potential research areas and application scenarios.
From Digital Evidence to Collective Action
A roundtable discussion on "From Digital Evidence to Collective Action: Building a Global Science Partnership for the SDGs and Beyon" was moderated by Gretchen Kalonji, former UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences and Special Advisor to CBAS.
Participants highlighted the importance of building trustworthy, transparent, and traceable digital evidence systems. They discussed how to balance global comparability with regional adaptability, as well as open data sharing with data sovereignty.
They also called for United Nations agencies, Member States, scientific organizations, and local institutions to jointly develop digital indicators, data standards, and demonstration applications. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening capacity building in Africa and Small Island Developing States, enabling local partners to become co-producers of scientific knowledge and technology.
Participants further stressed the need for continuous monitoring, implementation feedback, and accountability mechanisms to ensure that scientific evidence is effectively incorporated into policymaking and practical action.
The experts called for international cooperation to move beyond fragmented projects toward sustainable, open collaboration platforms. They welcomed more international organizations, research institutions, and other partners to join the DSP network and jointly develop more inclusive global public goods powered by digital technologies.
Roundtable discussion.
Expanding the DSP's Global Reach
The DSP was jointly initiated by CBAS and more than 100 scientists from 35 countries and regions, together with 59 international organizations and research institutions. In February 2025, UNESCO officially endorsed it as an international scientific programme under the IDSSD.
As Leading Scientist of the DSP, Guo was also invited to attend the IDSSD plenary session on July 16, which marked the release of the IDSSD Global Report.
During a high-level panel discussion, Guo addressed the report's central message of moving from scientific mobilization to knowledge transformation and real-world impact. He explained how the DSP integrates monitoring, diagnosis, scenario analysis, and decision support through open digital evidence, mission-oriented research, and sustained international cooperation.
He also called for the Global Report to evolve from a periodic assessment into a platform for continuous action and international collaboration.
Guo Huadong speaks at the IDSSD plenary session.
During the conference, CBAS also organized a special exhibition on the DSP at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The exhibition presented the Programme's applications and achievements in using Earth observation, artificial intelligence, and big data to support sustainable development. It attracted wide attention from government representatives, international organizations, experts, scholars, and other conference participants.
News Updates
Thematic Session on Digital Technologies Driving Global Sustainable Development Held during IDSSD Global Conference in Paris
A thematic session on "Digital Technologies Driving Global Sustainable Development" was held on July 17 during the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD) Global Conference in Paris, France. The event brought together more than 100 participants to explore how digital technologies and international scientific cooperation can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and support the global development agenda beyond 2030.
The session was jointly organized by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Digital Sustainable Development Goals Programme (DSP), and the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspices of UNESCO.
Opening remarks were delivered by Abou Amani, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences a.i.; Luo Hui, Executive Secretary of the China Association for Science and Technology; Yang Xinyu, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of China to UNESCO; Seng Chuan Tan, President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations; and Simon Hodson, Executive Director of CODATA of the International Science Council. The opening ceremony was chaired by Prof. Guo Huadong, Director General of CBAS and Leading Scientist of the DSP.
Opening remarks.
CBAS and UNESCO Establish Long-Term Partnership
A major highlight of the session was the signing of a cooperation agreement between CBAS and UNESCO. The agreement was signed by Guo and Amani on behalf of the two organizations, respectively.
Under the agreement, CBAS and UNESCO will establish a long-term strategic partnership over the next eight years. Within the IDSSD framework, the two sides will collaborate on international scientific research, technical support, data sharing, capacity building, science communication, and the development of global cooperation networks.
The partnership aims to advance the worldwide implementation of the DSP, address shared sustainability challenges, and contribute to both the IDSSD and the UNESCO Operational Strategy for Small Island Developing States (2023–2029).
CBAS and UNESCO sign a cooperation agreement.
Mobilizing Scientific Expertise for Development Beyond 2030
The session featured keynote speeches, thematic presentations, and a roundtable discussion, bringing together experts from leading research institutions worldwide to exchange ideas and offer recommendations for implementing the DSP.
In his keynote address, Guo outlined the DSP's vision, objectives, and significance, as well as the progress made since its launch in 2024. He explained that the Programme seeks to harness Earth observation, big data, artificial intelligence, and other frontier technologies to transform data into knowledge—and knowledge into action.
Guo invited participants to use the conference as a platform for in-depth discussion and to contribute scientific insights to the global sustainable development agenda beyond 2030.
Guo Huadong delivers a keynote address.
Hu Shaofeng, Director of UNESCO's Division of Ethics of Science and Technology, then introduced the overall vision and implementation mechanisms of the IDSSD. He emphasized the need to strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation, improve the science–policy–society interface, and promote the ethical governance of emerging technologies so that scientific knowledge can be translated more effectively into sustainable development action.
Martino Pesaresi, Senior Scientist at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, presented the Centre's work on the Global Human Settlement Layer, spatial population mapping, and disaster risk assessment. He demonstrated how open geospatial data, Earth observation, and big data analytics can help overcome the spatial and temporal limitations of conventional statistics, providing reliable evidence for globally comparable monitoring and informed decision-making.
During the thematic presentations, experts shared perspectives from Earth science, geospatial information, environmental science, oceanography, and economics on the challenges and emerging opportunities associated with SDG indicator monitoring.
The speakers included Livia Peiser, Head of the Geospatial Unit of FAO's Land and Water Division; Prof. Wang Fan, Director of the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Johannes Cullmann of the German Federal Institute of Hydrology and Science Advisor to the President of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly; Emmanuel Pajot, Secretary General of the European Association of Remote Sensing Companies; and Prof. Ranjula Swain of the Stockholm School of Economics.
Their presentations brought multidisciplinary perspectives to the DSP and helped broaden its potential research areas and application scenarios.
From Digital Evidence to Collective Action
A roundtable discussion on "From Digital Evidence to Collective Action: Building a Global Science Partnership for the SDGs and Beyon" was moderated by Gretchen Kalonji, former UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences and Special Advisor to CBAS.
Participants highlighted the importance of building trustworthy, transparent, and traceable digital evidence systems. They discussed how to balance global comparability with regional adaptability, as well as open data sharing with data sovereignty.
They also called for United Nations agencies, Member States, scientific organizations, and local institutions to jointly develop digital indicators, data standards, and demonstration applications. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening capacity building in Africa and Small Island Developing States, enabling local partners to become co-producers of scientific knowledge and technology.
Participants further stressed the need for continuous monitoring, implementation feedback, and accountability mechanisms to ensure that scientific evidence is effectively incorporated into policymaking and practical action.
The experts called for international cooperation to move beyond fragmented projects toward sustainable, open collaboration platforms. They welcomed more international organizations, research institutions, and other partners to join the DSP network and jointly develop more inclusive global public goods powered by digital technologies.
Roundtable discussion.
Expanding the DSP's Global Reach
The DSP was jointly initiated by CBAS and more than 100 scientists from 35 countries and regions, together with 59 international organizations and research institutions. In February 2025, UNESCO officially endorsed it as an international scientific programme under the IDSSD.
As Leading Scientist of the DSP, Guo was also invited to attend the IDSSD plenary session on July 16, which marked the release of the IDSSD Global Report.
During a high-level panel discussion, Guo addressed the report's central message of moving from scientific mobilization to knowledge transformation and real-world impact. He explained how the DSP integrates monitoring, diagnosis, scenario analysis, and decision support through open digital evidence, mission-oriented research, and sustained international cooperation.
He also called for the Global Report to evolve from a periodic assessment into a platform for continuous action and international collaboration.
Guo Huadong speaks at the IDSSD plenary session.
During the conference, CBAS also organized a special exhibition on the DSP at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The exhibition presented the Programme's applications and achievements in using Earth observation, artificial intelligence, and big data to support sustainable development. It attracted wide attention from government representatives, international organizations, experts, scholars, and other conference participants.