On April 2, 2020, the United Nations published an article titled “Big Data Platforms for a Global Pandemic” on its official website. The article was written by Guo Huadong, the Director of SDIM and the member of 10-Member Group to Support the Technology Facilitation Mechanism (TFM). It was the first article from the members of 10-Member Group to Support the Technology Facilitation Mechanism (TFM) and the Independent Group of Scientists on Global Sustainable Development Report, after these experts were invited to write articles about certain topics.

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Guo Huadong made two suggestions: (1) Emphasize development of capacity in emergency management and practices in the global agenda (2030). COVID-19 has posed a great challenge to all countries around the globe and the whole human race in the concepts and capabilities of emergency management.  2. A new special Goal based on COVID-19 (i.e. “major epidemics”) needs to be introduced into the SDGs framework (the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development already includes 17 SDGs). The threats and impacts of COVID-19 on global sustainable development cannot be covered by SDG3 (Good Health and Well-Being), so the new Goal will be well beyond the scope of SDG 3 in its present form.