Bai Chunli, the President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), emphasized the critical importance of scientific innovation and cooperation in the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He pointed out that, in an era where the global scientific innovation landscape is being reshaped, the BRI faces new requirements and challenges. In this context, scientific innovation and cooperation serve as a fundamental bridge and driving force, strengthening connections between countries and regions, deepening technological collaboration, and advancing the high-quality development of the initiative. Bai Chunli also noted that this approach represents a collective solution to the challenges posed by new technological revolutions.
In his speech, he highlighted the supportive role of digital technology in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Digital technologies such as the internet, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cloud computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence have become key drivers of urban development. Bai Chunli stated that within the Belt and Road framework, digital technologies have continuously expanded their boundaries, integrating into various sectors and making significant contributions to economic growth. He also emphasized that promoting the integration of green technology and digital technologies through international cooperation can accelerate the transition of urban management and key industries within the Belt and Road framework toward greener and smarter transformations.
Bai Chunli described China’s leading role in promoting high-quality development through digital technology within the Belt and Road Initiative and the significant achievements made in this regard. He mentioned the “Digital Silk Road International Science Plan” initiated by Chinese scientists in 2016, which aims to apply big data in sustainable development scientific services. Under this plan, international scientific groups have been established with the participation of 59 countries and organizations, excellence centers have been set up in several countries, and international scientific cooperation meetings have been organized.
Bai Chunli noted that the importance of digital technology in contributing to the sustainable development of Belt and Road countries has gained wide acceptance. He also underscored China’s leadership role in this initiative and called for more open and pragmatic cooperation with other countries. Additionally, he stressed that to further deepen the Belt and Road Initiative and inject new dynamism into the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, all parties must collaborate.