Digital Belt and Road Conference

A recording of these remarks can be found on YouTube and Tencent

Distinguished Guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour to address you today at the 7th Digital Belt and Road Conference. The Digital Belt and Road Program stands as an important mechanism of international cooperation that renders earth observation science, data, technology, and applications to address the challenges posed by climate variability, intensified use of land and marine resources, and the fragility of many ecosystems in the Belt and Road region. Its mission, rooted in harnessing the power of big earth data for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), resonates with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As we convene under this year’s theme, “Digital Technology Facilitates Sustainable Development,” we are reminded of the critical juncture we find ourselves in. This moment, at the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, calls for collective action, innovation, and renewed partnerships. This conference serves as a vital platform to leverage digital technology to assess our progress, recalibrate our strategies, and forge new partnerships that will guide our collective journey towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

Since its inception, the Digital Belt and Road Program has embodied the essence of global cooperation. Its commitment to address knowledge gaps, promote advanced science and decision support services, enhance capacity building, and facilitating technology transfer aligns with the principles of the SDGs. By nurturing research, fostering partnerships, and driving innovation in the utilization of big earth data, the program exemplifies how modern technology can catalyze solutions to complex challenges.

This year marks the mid-point of the 2030 Agenda and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Over the past decade, the BRI has not only fostered economic growth, but also paved the way for enhanced regional integration and cultural exchange. It is a testament to its far-reaching impact along the Belt and Road that more than 140 countries and international organizations have joined this initiative. 

The Belt and Road region spans diverse landscapes, from delicate coral reefs to soaring high-elevation glaciers. It encompasses countries with varying levels of development, confronting a multitude of challenges, including imbalances, limited data, and inadequate resources. 

In discussing the BRI, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, said, “Countries today not only require the physical roads and bridges to connect people and markets; they need roads and bridges from the unsustainable fossil-fueled grey economy to a clean green, low-carbon energy future.”

In our response to global challenges such as the climate crisis, the collaborative spirit of the Digital Belt and Road Program is deeply relevant. By uniting earth observation scientific knowledge, technology, and data, and bringing together academia, government bodies, civil society, private sectors, and international organizations, the program empowers participating countries to chart a trajectory for sustainable development. It enables these nations to leverage their existing infrastructure, economies, natural resources, and cultural heritage in achieving the SDGs.

Nonetheless, our journey is not without obstacles. The complexities of merging data from diverse sources, developing precise data products, and enhancing information and communications technology infrastructure all demand concerted and sustained efforts. Yet, the opportunity to harness the potential of the BRI, to convert data into action for the common good, is one we can seize.

As we convene here in Beijing, we stand at a crossroads of potential. The projects, research, and initiatives undertaken by the Digital Belt and Road Program have the ability to transform earth system science, to guide our understanding of the complex interactions shaping our planet. By better aligning such efforts with the SDGs, these endeavours can carry us closer to a future where technology serves as an enabler of progress.

The commitment to advancing earth observation science and fostering collaborative partnerships is commendable. 

As we embark on this journey of discovery, the UN in China stands ready to work with partners such as yourselves, hand in hand, to help rescue the SDGs and shape a better trajectory for our planet’s future. 

Thank you for your attention, and I wish you all a successful conference ahead.