FBAS 2026 Concludes with Beijing Initiative on Digital Science and AI for Global Sustainable Development
16 Sep 2026
The 6th International Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development (FBAS 2026) concluded in Beijing on September 8 with the adoption of the Beijing Initiative on Digital Science and AI for Global Sustainable Development. The initiative sets out 12 priorities for using big data, Earth observation and artificial intelligence to advance the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Held from September 6 to 8, the forum was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and co-organized by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS) and the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIRCAS). Marking the fifth anniversary of CBAS, it brought together nearly 700 participants from 50 countries and 19 international organizations under the theme "Inheriting the Future: Innovations in Digital Intelligence for Global Sustainable Development".
Presented at the closing session by Csaba Kőrösi, Chair of the FBAS 2026 Scientific Committee and a CBAS Fellow, the initiative builds on the 2024 Beijing Declaration on digital technology cooperation. The initiative sets out 12 priorities across five areas and calls on governments, UN agencies, research institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen open, inclusive and science-driven cooperation for sustainable development..
In his opening keynote report, GUO Huadong, Forum Chairman and Director-General of CBAS, reviewed the center's progress over the past five years. He highlighted its work on data products for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), monitoring and assessment methods, international think tank platforms, and capacity building for African countries and small island developing states. He also introduced the CBAS-initiated Digital Sustainable Development Science Programme (DSP), whose network connects 59 institutions across 35 countries to advance the use of big Earth data and AI for sustainable development.
Opening speakers emphasized the importance of scientific cooperation, equitable access to digital technologies and the practical use of data in decision-making. Their remarks addressed support for developing countries, stronger risk early warning, and ways to translate research into solutions for vulnerable communities.
The forum featured eight keynote sessions, four special sessions and 32 parallel sessions. Topics included international partnerships for digital sustainable development, AI-enabled technological innovation, Earth observation for water security, and youth participation.
Two books on big data-based SDG monitoring and assessment and regional applications were also launched, sharing methods and case studies to support sustainable development efforts.
At the 2026 CBAS Fellow Investiture Ceremony, three international scholars were recognized for their contributions to big data research and technological innovation for sustainable development. Their appointment brings the total number of CBAS Fellows to 19, strengthening the center's international research network.
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FBAS 2026 Concludes with Beijing Initiative on Digital Science and AI for Global Sustainable Development
The 6th International Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development (FBAS 2026) concluded in Beijing on September 8 with the adoption of the Beijing Initiative on Digital Science and AI for Global Sustainable Development. The initiative sets out 12 priorities for using big data, Earth observation and artificial intelligence to advance the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Held from September 6 to 8, the forum was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and co-organized by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS) and the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIRCAS). Marking the fifth anniversary of CBAS, it brought together nearly 700 participants from 50 countries and 19 international organizations under the theme "Inheriting the Future: Innovations in Digital Intelligence for Global Sustainable Development".
Presented at the closing session by Csaba Kőrösi, Chair of the FBAS 2026 Scientific Committee and a CBAS Fellow, the initiative builds on the 2024 Beijing Declaration on digital technology cooperation. The initiative sets out 12 priorities across five areas and calls on governments, UN agencies, research institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen open, inclusive and science-driven cooperation for sustainable development..
In his opening keynote report, GUO Huadong, Forum Chairman and Director-General of CBAS, reviewed the center's progress over the past five years. He highlighted its work on data products for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), monitoring and assessment methods, international think tank platforms, and capacity building for African countries and small island developing states. He also introduced the CBAS-initiated Digital Sustainable Development Science Programme (DSP), whose network connects 59 institutions across 35 countries to advance the use of big Earth data and AI for sustainable development.
Opening speakers emphasized the importance of scientific cooperation, equitable access to digital technologies and the practical use of data in decision-making. Their remarks addressed support for developing countries, stronger risk early warning, and ways to translate research into solutions for vulnerable communities.
The forum featured eight keynote sessions, four special sessions and 32 parallel sessions. Topics included international partnerships for digital sustainable development, AI-enabled technological innovation, Earth observation for water security, and youth participation.
Two books on big data-based SDG monitoring and assessment and regional applications were also launched, sharing methods and case studies to support sustainable development efforts.
At the 2026 CBAS Fellow Investiture Ceremony, three international scholars were recognized for their contributions to big data research and technological innovation for sustainable development. Their appointment brings the total number of CBAS Fellows to 19, strengthening the center's international research network.
A scene of the forum. (Image by AIRCAS)