The Fifth International Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (FBAS 2025) opened in Beijing, China, Sept 6, 2025. [Photo courtesy of AIR]

On Sept. 6, the Fifth International Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (FBAS 2025) opened in Beijing. The world's first large-scale artificial intelligence model designed to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was unveiled.

The landmark model, named LingXi SDGs Large Models, is an advanced AI system. Developed by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), it integrates massive Earth observation and socioeconomic datasets. LingXi then monitors, conducts analysis and simulates progress across all 17 SDGs. Featuring five intelligent modules, it can generate literature reviews, indicator analyses, comprehensive reports, 3D interactive visualizations and narrative insights. This is a great enabler that allows researchers and policymakers to turn complex data into actionable solutions more efficiently.

The launch ceremony for LingXi SDGs Large Models, Beijing, China, Sept 6, 2025. [Photo courtesy of AIR]

The three-day forum brought together more than 700 participants from nearly 50 countries and 17 major international organizations, all aiming to accelerate global cooperation on sustainable development through digital innovation. The event also marked the fifth anniversary of China's announcement to establish CBAS at the UN General Assembly.

Alongside the AI model, CBAS released the Big Earth Data Science and Engineering Series, a 23-volume collection that systematically summarizes global advances in Big Earth Data research. The series covers theories, technologies, and applications, with case studies spanning biodiversity conservation to sustainable cities.

Csaba K?r?si, president of the 77th UN General Assembly, delivers a keynote speech at the event, Beijing, China, Sept 6, 2025. [Photo courtesy of AIR]

In keynote speeches, Csaba K?r?si, president of the 77th UN General Assembly, highlighted AI's potential for trend analysis and policy support; CBAS Director-General Guo Huadong introduced the UNESCO-endorsed Digital Sustainable Development Goals Programme (DSP) to enhance worldwide collaboration; and TWAS President Quarraisha Abdool Karim emphasized the need to bridge digital divides to ensure inclusive technological benefits.

The opening ceremony featured addresses from He Hongping, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Li Junhua, UN under-secretary-general; Liu Zhenmin, China's special envoy for climate change; Bai Chunli, founding president of the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO); Danilo Türk, former president of Slovenia; Dai Gang from China's Ministry of Science and Technology; Lidia Brito, UNESCO assistant director-general for Natural Sciences; and Li Lifeng from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Guo Huadong delivers a keynote speech at the event, Beijing, China, Sept 6, 2025. [Photo courtesy of AIR]

The forum also announced five new CBAS Fellows, including Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former president of Mauritius, and Wang Jian, founder of Alibaba Cloud.

Hosted by CAS and co-organized by CBAS and the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), CAS, the forum features six special sessions and 39 parallel sessions on topics such as AI for SDGs, global monitoring, and youth action. Supported by multiple UN agencies and over 30 universities worldwide, FBAS 2025 reveals the growing role of big data and digital intelligence in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.