The DBAR Science Team Meeting 2025
June 8, 2025
The DBAR Science Program held its 9th DBAR Science Team Meeting (STM) from 13:30 – 17:30 on June 8, 2025. It was organized in the Houde Room 2nd Floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Chengdu Xinglong Lake at Chengdu.
Prof. Huadong Guo, DBAR Chair, inaugurated the meeting, greeted and appreciated participation of all DBAR members. He highlighted that DBAR has grown considerably as an international initiative to leverage big Earth data for sustainable development in the Belt and Road region. He also emphasized the need to prepare for a new wave of digital transformations being brough about by AI, big data and cloud computing. He highlighted that CBAS has initiated the Digital Sustainable Development Program (DSP) which has been approved by UNESCO under the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD). He expressed that DBAR’s regional partnership and digital expertise can make important contributions to DSP and UNESCO efforts, and provides a global platform for scientists, policy makers and partners to develop data driven solutions for critical sustainability challenges.
Prof. Yubao Qiu, Secretary General of DBAR, presented key highlights of DBAR Program over the past 10 years. He highlighted that the program is now transitioning into a new phase. He introduced the DBAR 10-years Executive Report, and the 10-year anniversary video compiled to celebrate the DBAR 10-year anniversary. He informed the participants about the arrangements for the 2025 DBAR Conference to be inaugurated on June 9, 2025. He highlighted that DBAR 2025 have organized a total of 9 parallel sessions, 2 special sessions, 4 side events and a special Forum on June 12, 2025, during the 2nd Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange. He also informed the participants that DBAR will sign 6 MoUs during the opening ceremony of DBAR 2025 with different partner organizations to facilitate cooperation on DBAR ICoEs, the new DSP program and broader collaborations on earth observations, big Earth Data and capacity development activities for the next five years. He also expressed strong support for the DBAR for the DSP program.
The meeting also featured presentations from all DBAR working groups and ICoE where they presented their engagements and achievements in the past year which included: Research, Capacity Development, Meetings, Conferences, Session and Workshops, Joint programs and collaboration.
The DBAR STM Meeting also featured an open discussion with active participation by all participants with the following key outcomes from discussion:
The DBAR Science Program held its 9th DBAR Science Team Meeting (STM) from 13:30 – 17:30 on June 8, 2025. It was organized in the Houde Room 2nd Floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Chengdu Xinglong Lake at Chengdu.
Prof. Huadong Guo, DBAR Chair, inaugurated the meeting, greeted and appreciated participation of all DBAR members. He highlighted that DBAR has grown considerably as an international initiative to leverage big Earth data for sustainable development in the Belt and Road region. He also emphasized the need to prepare for a new wave of digital transformations being brough about by AI, big data and cloud computing. He highlighted that CBAS has initiated the Digital Sustainable Development Program (DSP) which has been approved by UNESCO under the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD). He expressed that DBAR’s regional partnership and digital expertise can make important contributions to DSP and UNESCO efforts, and provides a global platform for scientists, policy makers and partners to develop data driven solutions for critical sustainability challenges.
Prof. Yubao Qiu, Secretary General of DBAR, presented key highlights of DBAR Program over the past 10 years. He highlighted that the program is now transitioning into a new phase. He introduced the DBAR 10-years Executive Report, and the 10-year anniversary video compiled to celebrate the DBAR 10-year anniversary. He informed the participants about the arrangements for the 2025 DBAR Conference to be inaugurated on June 9, 2025. He highlighted that DBAR 2025 have organized a total of 9 parallel sessions, 2 special sessions, 4 side events and a special Forum on June 12, 2025, during the 2nd Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange. He also informed the participants that DBAR will sign 6 MoUs during the opening ceremony of DBAR 2025 with different partner organizations to facilitate cooperation on DBAR ICoEs, the new DSP program and broader collaborations on earth observations, big Earth Data and capacity development activities for the next five years. He also expressed strong support for the DBAR for the DSP program.
The meeting also featured presentations from all DBAR working groups and ICoE where they presented their engagements and achievements in the past year which included: Research, Capacity Development, Meetings, Conferences, Session and Workshops, Joint programs and collaboration.
The DBAR STM Meeting also featured an open discussion with active participation by all participants with the following key outcomes from discussion:
- Challenges in Digital SDG Evaluation: Data mismatches due to varying formats, lack of skilled personnel, overly complex tools, weak local engagement, and poor scalability hinder effective SDG evaluation.
- Barriers & Lessons Learned: Tools often fail without user co-design; technical gaps require training. Key lessons: user collaboration, simplicity, cross-regional platforms, and capacity building are vital.
- Contributions to DSP: DBAR, ICoEs, and CBAS can enhance DSP with local data, digital platforms, and open tools, supported by training and government collaboration.
- Future Goals: Focus on simple, scalable tools for real-world issues like disasters and climate change, with shared platforms and stakeholder involvement for actionable results.
On sidelines of DBAR STM, The DBAR Science Committee, the highest governing body of DBAR also held a closed-door meeting. The DBAR Science Committee made important decision on various actions items, including approval of the DBAR Executive report, proposed amendments to the DBAR Rules of Procedure, list of awardees for their support to DBAR program. They also approved important appointments, and resolved challenges related to DBAR ICoE operations. DBAR Science Committee also approved Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan as the Venue for DBAR 2026 Science. The DBAR Science Committee also awarded DBAR Water Working Group and DBAR ICoE Bangkok the recognition of best performing Working Group and ICoE for 2024 – 2025.
During the closing of the DBAR STM, Prof. Guo Huadong, Chair of DBAR Program, ceremoniously distributed certificates to DBAR Co-Chairs and ICoE Directors. In his concluding remarks he appreciated the hard work that has gone into preparation for the STM meeting and for the 9th DBAR Conference to be organized from June 9 - 11, 2025 and the Forum on Building the Pathway to Innovation Supported by Space Information Technology during the 2nd Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange. He expressed his appreciation for the contributions and support by all DBAR Working Groups and ICoEs and hoped that they will also facilitate his efforts towards launch of the new DSP program which has been approved by UNESCO under the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD). He also expressed his hope that all participants would benefit from the deliberation of the DBAR Conference and enjoy the facilities, weather, and the wonderful food in Chengdu.
During the closing of the DBAR STM, Prof. Guo Huadong, Chair of DBAR Program, ceremoniously distributed certificates to DBAR Co-Chairs and ICoE Directors. In his concluding remarks he appreciated the hard work that has gone into preparation for the STM meeting and for the 9th DBAR Conference to be organized from June 9 - 11, 2025 and the Forum on Building the Pathway to Innovation Supported by Space Information Technology during the 2nd Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange. He expressed his appreciation for the contributions and support by all DBAR Working Groups and ICoEs and hoped that they will also facilitate his efforts towards launch of the new DSP program which has been approved by UNESCO under the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD). He also expressed his hope that all participants would benefit from the deliberation of the DBAR Conference and enjoy the facilities, weather, and the wonderful food in Chengdu.