Big progress made in achieving UN's Sustainable Development Goals

A recent report released by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals has revealed that China has made significant strides toward achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

The report, titled "Big Earth Data in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals Report-2024," was presented to global representatives at the UN Summit of the Future last weekend. It uses satellite data and artificial intelligence to assess progress on the SDGs in China and worldwide.

Progress toward the 2030 goals has been modest, with only 17 percent of targets met over the past eight years. In contrast, China has achieved 55.5 percent of the assessed indicators. The report reveals that from 2017 to 2021, global industrial heat sources decreased by 9.05 percent, with China contributing 33.61 percent of this reduction.

Additionally, from 2000 to 2023, offshore wind power deployment surged globally, largely driven by China, which accounted for approximately half of the world's cumulative installed capacity by the end of that period.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by 193 UN member states in September 2015, outlines 17 SDGs and 248 associated indicators.

"Measurement is only possible with data, and it is essential to achieving the SDGs," said Guo Huadong, director-general of the research center and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

He noted that decision-makers highly value the big data reports from China, which have been published on the UN's official website for six consecutive years.

Csaba Korosi, president of the 77th UN General Assembly, said the report provides clear and practical information for scientists and policymakers, guiding efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda.

"With only six years left until the UN's 2030 deadline, 2024 is a critical period for the international community to accelerate progress. This can be achieved through technological innovation, international cooperation and policy reforms," Guo said.

He expressed confidence that leveraging technological advancements, particularly in science and technology, will expedite the achievement of the SDGs.