The International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals has released a new report showcasing China's noteworthy advancements in relation to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Titled "Big Earth Data in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals Report-2024," the findings were unveiled to global representatives at the recent UN Summit of the Future. This report utilizes satellite data and artificial intelligence to evaluate the progress made not just in China but also around the globe.

Over the past eight years, global progress toward the 2030 SDG targets has been relatively modest, with only 17 percent of the goals met. In contrast, the report highlights that China has successfully achieved 55.5 percent of the indicators assessed. Notably, from 2017 to 2021, there was a 9.05 percent reduction in global industrial heat sources, with China contributing significantly at 33.61 percent of that decrease. Additionally, offshore wind power deployment has seen remarkable growth worldwide from 2000 to 2023, with China alone accounting for about half of the total global installed capacity by the end of this period.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development encompasses 17 SDGs along with 248 associated indicators, a framework adopted by 193 UN member states in September 2015. Guo Huadong, the director-general of the research center and a distinguished academician, emphasized the importance of data in measuring progress toward the SDGs. He mentioned that China's big data reports have been recognized and accessed by decision-makers and have appeared on the UN's official website for six consecutive years.

Csaba Korosi, the president of the 77th UN General Assembly, stated that the findings serve as a valuable resource for both scientists and policymakers, providing clear guidance on promoting the 2030 Agenda. As the deadline approaches, Guo underscored that 2024 is a pivotal year for the international community to quicken their efforts towards fulfilling the SDGs. He highlighted that advancements in technology, alongside international collaboration and policy reforms, will be crucial in this endeavor. Guo expressed optimism that utilizing scientific and technological progress will facilitate the timely achievement of the SDGs.