The Fourth United Nations World Data Forum has kicked off in eastern China's Hangzhou City. The event includes discussions on how data can be better used to help achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. CGTN's Chen Yilin has more.

"Towards Data That Empowers Our World" – this is the theme of 2023 United Nations World Data Forum. Thousands of professionals from government, private sector and academia have gathered both online and in person. Organisers say they want the forum to spur data innovation and foster partnerships.

LI JUNHUA UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs "We all know, data partnerships and innovation are key to ensure that no one is left behind. All data and statistic communities represented in this forum find ways to work together to create a new partnership and strengthen the existing ones."

This is the first time that China hosted the forum, as well as the first in the Asia-Pacific region. Organizer hope countries in this region can share their experiences with the world.

STEFAN SCHWEINFEST Director of the United Nations Statistics Division "I'm very glad that we can bring the world data forum closer to this part of the world. I saw some very impressive demonstrations of what Chinese companies have done in the area, for instance of satellite imagery and how we can use these satellite images for sustainable development. We can make these presentations here at the forum. Then other countries in the world can benefit from this experience."

The forum will last four days. Four main topics discussed include data innovation and cooperation, exploring data's value for better decision-making, improving data credibility and building a sound data ecology. The forum is expected to be concluded with the Hangzhou Declaration to call for accelerated actions by the data community.

CHEN YILIN Hangzhou "A key message from the forum is that good data is important. Amid the fast-changing data landscape, the forum is calling for robust partnerships and bold innovation in order to promote sustainable development and ensure that no one is left behind. CYL, CGTN, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province."