A Capacity Building Workshop for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) took place in Beijing, China, from 31 August to 9 September 2025. The event was organized by a consortium of international organizations, including the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (AIR, CAS), and other key partners. The workshop brought together experts, policymakers, and scientists to explore how Big Earth Data and geospatial technologies can accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

IRDR played a pivotal role in this event. IRDR Executive Director Prof. Saini Yang attended one of the major highlights of the event was Session 6: Digital Earth Technologies for Promoting Sustainable Development in SIDS and South Pacific Island Countries (SPIC). This session specifically focused on how digital platforms and geospatial innovations can enhance disaster resilience, support climate action, and improve the tracking of SDG progress in vulnerable island nations. At her presentation and interventions in the high-level panel discussion, Prof. Yang addressed IRDR efforts on promoting DRR capacity building for SIDS.

IRDR also support the Session 1: SDGSAT-1 for SIDS: Monitoring Sustainable Development from Space. This session provided cases that how SDGSAT-1 was applied in monitoring SDG indicators and practical trainings on data and methodologies.

Through its active participation, IRDR demonstrated its steadfast commitment to enhancing resilience in SIDS by applying science, technology, and partnerships to deliver practical, innovative solutions. These efforts ensure that island nations receive vital support in their pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development.