Beyond 2030: From Measurements to Systems Transformation in Global Sustainable Development

Ranjula Bali Swain gave a talk on Beyond 2030: From Measurements to Systems Transformation in Global Sustainable Development at the GEO Symposium and GEO-21 Plenary, Investing in Earth’s Intelligence for Resilient Future, 26-28 May 2026, World Meteorological Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.  

In approaching 2030, countries and stakeholders have increased their use of Earth science information to inform development indicators; manage targets; prioritize sustainable development implementation programs; and evaluate outcomes. From measuring climate risks and urban growth, to monitoring biodiversity hotspots and sustainable forest management, Earth observation data and derived insights play a key role in sustainable solutions. There are now more examples of fit-for-purpose data, tools, and methodologies that advance integration of Earth observations in support of sustainable development applications. In addition, capacity development and resource mobilization efforts have been focusing on strengthening the ability of countries to integrate a range of new data sources into national statistical systems, and address data needs for the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

However, the effective implementation and monitoring of this ambitious agenda are fundamentally constrained by critical data deficiencies. A pervasive challenge is the severe inconsistency, incomparability, and often outright absence of timely, granular data for many SDG indicators, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and for cross-border phenomena. Traditional data collection methods, such as censuses and household surveys, are costly, infrequent, and vary significantly in methodology between nations. This “data desert” undermines the ability to conduct rigorous comparative analysis across regions, track consistent progress within countries over different time periods, and ensure that no one is left behind. It hampers evidence-based policymaking, resource allocation, and accountability. To bridge this gap and transform SDG monitoring into a truly global, comparable, and dynamic exercise, there is a proposal to develop and institutionalize of a complementary, standardized indicator framework derived from Satellite Earth Observation (EO). Satellite EO and AI offer a paradigm-shifting solution to these data challenges by providing synoptic, repetitive, and objective measurements of the Earth's environment and human activities.

Relevant Publications

Bali Swain, R., & Dobers, P. (Eds.). (2025). Routledge handbook of the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Research and policy. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Routledge-Handbook-of-the-UN-Sustainable-Development-Goals-Research-and-Policy/BaliSwain-Dobers/p/book/9781032257037

Bali Swain, R., & Min, Y. (Eds.). (2023). Interlinkages between the Sustainable Development Goals. Edward Elgar Publishing. https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/interlinkages-between-the-sustainable-development-goals-9781803924939.html

Forthcoming

Huang, L., Bali Swain, R., Chen, Y., Liu, J., Li, X., Sun, Z., Lu, S., Zuo, L., Wang, F., Wu, M., Wen, C., Wang, M., & Guo, H. (2026). Data scarcity to strategic insight: Monitoring global SDG progress using Big Earth Data and AI.

Zhou, X., Bali Swain, R., Moinuddin, M. (2026). Key SDG indicators to address data gaps, system issues and implementability challenges.