The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the global sustainability agendas are two powerful movements that are shaping our future concurrently. 4IR is characterized by the digitalization of our world, predicated on the exponential growth in the use of digital technologies, such as AI, cloud computing, and IoT. Alongside, the global sustainability agendas are raising awareness about the widespread collapse of the systems in our physical world and calling for radically different approaches to economic development that would take us off the course of collision with nature.
Tech, data access for sustainable development For humanity to succeed in achieving sustainability, 4IR and sustainable development must unfold on the path of convergence. Divergence of these movements will deepen the existing digital divide, exacerbating socioeconomic inequalities. This is particularly critical for the least developed countries, which stand most vulnerable in the face of environmental change. Data-driven solutions and smart technologies are essential for their sustainable development.
Access to technologies in the least developed countries is hampered by the existing limitations in the physical infrastructure, including lack of electricity, highspeed Internet and mobile broadband. To avail opportunities offered by 4IR, leaders from the government, industry and civil society must act consciously to advance access to technologies and skills.
“It is important that we openly share the knowledge gained through the application of the latest innovations in decision-making.”
Multisectoral communication and coordination
It is equally important that we openly share the knowledge gained through the application of the latest innovations and information in decision-making. At the core of this lies collaboration through communication that builds trust and equity. Even more crucial are transdisciplinary and multisectoral communication and coordination — bringing together communities that do not often appear in the same room around the same table. Partners from across the information value chain need a safe and open space to mobilize action that will deliver value and advance solutions. The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) serves as such a space.
We convene and facilitate strategic partnerships and promote communication among innovators, developers, scientists, practitioners and policymakers to put Earth Observation data into action. Over 60 multilateral projects leverage billions of dollars of investments in latest technologies and the best of international Earth Science. Under these projects, products and services are developed for application in areas like disaster risk management, Climate Change adaptation and mitigation, land use and water resource management, protection of biodiversity, among others.
Targeted engagements with right stakeholders
Setting a global agenda based on globally accepted principles must be accompanied by more targeted engagements with the right stakeholders on regional and national scales. This is particularly essential for advancing utilization in the least developed countries. Communication must be inclusive and involve national government agencies, technology firms, regional networks, development banks, policy forums, philanthropists, non-governmental and civil society organizations, and UN agencies. Trust will build. Action will follow. Partnerships will endure. And “the Fourth” will be with us.
Gevorgyan will take charge as the Director of GEO Secretariat from July 1, 2021.
