On September 7, 2026, the session "Digital Intelligence Driving Sustainable Development—Youth Action" was held from 13:30 to 17:00 at Beijing International Convention Center during the 6th International Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (FBAS 2026). The session brought together more than 200 young scholars from over 30 countries. Attendees included Quarraisha Abdool Karim, President of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), and Seng-Chuan Tan, President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), alongside representatives from universities and research institutions around the world. The program featured eight presentations highlighting advances in Earth observation, climate science, ecosystem monitoring, health geography, disaster risk assessment and agricultural change.

The session was organized by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), the CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence on Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation (CAS-TWAS SDIM), the TWAS Young Affiliates Network (TWAS TYAN) and partner institutions. It was co-chaired by CHEN Fang (CBAS, CAS-TWAS SDIM and TWAS TYAN), CHEN Min (Nanjing Normal University), REN Huazhong (Peking University) and YU Bo (CBAS).

Opening remarks were delivered by GUO Huadong, Director of CBAS, and Quarraisha Abdool Karim, President of TWAS, who underscored the importance of international scientific collaboration in advancing sustainable development.

Opening remarks by GUO Huadong and Quarraisha Abdool Karim

Eight young researchers from leading universities and research institutions delivered presentations on a range of topics. ZHANG Yongguang of Nanjing University discussed the use of Chinese satellite data to monitor plant photosynthesis, while MIU Chiyuan of Beijing Normal University explored methods for improving regional precipitation estimates. LI Wei of Tsinghua University examined the climate impacts of forest disturbances, and JIA Peng of Wuhan University presented the role of health geography in supporting sustainable development. REN Huazhong of Peking University introduced high-resolution remote sensing techniques for monitoring deserts and desert vegetation, while ZHANG Hongsheng of The University of Hong Kong addressed coastal flood exposure and socioeconomic risks under climate change. WANG Jian of the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, explained how particulate air pollution reduces plant water-use efficiency by inhibiting photosynthesis. PENG Dailiang of CBAS presented an analysis of changes in African cropland over the 21st century.

Research presentations by scholars from leading universities and research institutions

Together, the presentations illustrated how digital technologies, Earth observation and data-driven scientific research can contribute to a better understanding of climate change, ecosystem dynamics, public health, disaster risks and agricultural change. By bringing together young researchers from diverse disciplines and countries, the session provided a valuable platform for sharing research findings, exchanging ideas and fostering international scientific collaboration. It also encouraged participants to explore how advances in digital intelligence and interdisciplinary research can support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Photos of participants at the session