27 June 2023, Beijing, China - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and The International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This framework agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between CBAS and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) in utilizing geographic information technologies (GIT) and Big Earth Data, especially Earth Observation data for advancing sustainable development globally. 

The partnership between CBAS and UNOSAT comes at a crucial time when the world faces complex challenges that require innovative and data-driven solutions.  

The MoU signifies a commitment to work together in several key areas such as: 

• Early warning, emergency response, monitoring, and recovery of natural hazard-induced and manmade disasters. 

• Monitoring of SDG processes and pathways to achieve them. 

• Strengthening disaster risk reduction and climate resilience 

• Preserving natural and cultural heritage 

• Other potential areas of future collaboration between both parties 

CBAS and UNOSAT will collaborate on applied research, capacity development, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. It represents a step forward in the shared vision of leveraging GIT and Earth Observation data for sustainable development. At the signing ceremony, Dr Einar Bjørgo, Director of UNOSAT and UNITAR’ Agenda 2030 Programme commended the synergies between CBAS' cutting-edge research capabilities and data, together with UNOSAT's advanced geospatial technology and training expertise: “I have high confidence that our partnership will make important contribution towards the achievement of the SDGs and in particular to the increased access and effective use of the SDGSAT-1 satellite by the United Nations and its Member States”, he said. While Prof. Huadong Guo, the Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Director General of CBAS stressed that “The meeting with UNOSAT is a great success that contributes at least two concrete achievements. The first one is the MoU document signed. And the second one is the future action plan we discussed, including data sharing, personnel training, and collaboration projects. International and domestic Earth Observation partners are most welcome to cooperate with CBAS to achieve SDGs worldwide.”