UNDESA–CBAS SIDS Knowledge-sharing and Briefing Event On Big Data and Digital Tools for Sustainable Development in SIDS

Background
Documentation

Background

As the 2030 Agenda enters its final stretch, accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires more effective use of science, technology, and innovation (STI). In response, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in partnership with the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), has deepened collaboration through a series of strategic engagements, including the follow-ups of the 2024 STI Forum’s session on building ecosystems for science, technology and innovation to drive economic growth and sustainable development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), a capacity building workshop for SIDS in Beijing on utilizing Big Earth Data for the SDGs, and recent technical discussions on building capacity and exploring resources for implementing STI4SDGs roadmaps held at UN ECA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which explores remote sensing technologies for the SDGs and closing STI financing gaps.

Building on these key moments, this dedicated Knowledge-sharing and Briefing Event aims to share practical experiences, technical contributions, and lessons learned from joint UN DESA–CBAS efforts, particularly regarding the use of Big Earth Data, and capacity development in Africa and SIDS, and to facilitate discussions and exchanges with SIDS representatives in New York. It will also preview upcoming capacity development opportunities, including a 2025 Beijing workshop on using Big Data and digital tools for sustainable development in SIDS.

The event will aim to leverage the presence of CBAS partners who will participate in the 2025 HLPF, offering an opportunity for timely, in-person engagement with SIDS stakeholders, particularly as a bridge between past and upcoming activities. It will respond directly to SIDS requests by sharing progress on how these priorities are being addressed through UN DESA–CBAS collaboration. And it will also provide an informal space for knowledge-sharing on how Big Data, remote sensing, and digital tools can help meet SDG priorities, especially in data-scarce island contexts.