SG/SM/20880

United Nations Committed to Making Most of Big Data in Serving Humanity, Says Secretary-General in Message for International Research Centre Inauguration

(Delayed for technical reasons)

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the inauguration of the International Research Centre of Big Data for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in Beijing on 6 September:

Congratulations to the Chinese Academy of Sciences on the new International Research Centre of Big Data for the Sustainable Development Goals.

The information you harness has enormous potential to help address climate change, advance the SDGs and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This Research Centre will work side by side with the Regional Hub for Big Data to support the UN Global Platform.  Together, we can do more to end poverty, protect the planet and promote peace.

Big data is a powerful tool.  Everyone using it has a solemn responsibility to ensure equitable access, individuals’ privacy, ethics, security and respect for human rights.  Your new Research Centre can build on the momentum that’s being generated by the UN Technology Facilitation Mechanism — for innovation, solutions and better results where policy meets science.

Together, we can mobilize scientific and technological communities to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  The United Nations remains committed to making the most of big data in the service of humanity.  Thank you.

For information media. Not an official record.