Global forum urges fast action on UN's SDGs

Global leaders from engineering, economic and scientific organizations emphasized the importance of innovation and international collaboration in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 at the opening of the 2026 World Science and Technology Development Forum in Chongqing on Wednesday.

Li Junhua, UN under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs, stressed the urgency of accelerating progress toward the goals in a video address.

"As we approach the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The decisions we make today about technology, engineering, industry and innovation will determine our collective trajectory — whether we deliver on the promise of the SDGs for everyone, everywhere, or fall further behind," he said.

Wang Guangqian, president of the China Association for Science and Technology, highlighted global challenges, including climate change and imbalances in development, in his opening ceremony address.

He reaffirmed China's commitment to the Global Development Initiative and the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the country's focus on green development and ecological civilization.

"The Chinese scientific community is accelerating the development of low-carbon, recycling and ecological restoration technologies to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals," Wang said.

Themed "Co-evolution: Shaping the New Ecology of the Future Industry", the forum has attracted approximately 800 participants, including academicians, experts in science, education and economics, leaders of international scientific organizations, executives from high-tech companies and young scientific talent from around the world.

Running until Friday, the event focuses on key topics such as green energy, advanced manufacturing and global governance challenges. Its 12 parallel forums cover areas including smart manufacturing, green hydrogen energy and deep-space exploration.

Tan Seng Chuan, president of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, highlighted the forum's role in advancing engineering education and training and strengthening professional standards.

"These are the foundations upon which a resilient society, innovative economy and sustainable industry will be built," he said.

Aung Kyaw Myat, president of the Myanmar Engineering Council, said strengthening engineering capacity was essential to sustainability across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region.

He emphasized the importance of aligning technical education with industry needs and promoting international recognition of engineering standards.

A highlight of the forum was the unveiling of the "Top 10 Science and Technology Foresights of 2026". The list covers a range of fields including digital intelligence ecosystems, life and health, materials and manufacturing, energy, and deep-space and deep-sea exploration.

The top three foresights are autonomous research agents for original scientific discovery, strong AI safety and value alignment, and bidirectional brain-computer interfaces and closed-loop neuromodulation.

Initiated by CAST in 2019, the forum serves as an international platform for scientific and technological exchange.

On Wednesday, CAST and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations signed a memorandum of understanding, marking a further step in cooperation between the two organizations.

The forum is co-hosted by CAST and the Chongqing municipal government.

Contact the writers at dengrui@chinadaily.com.cn