A poster for the 2025 UN Datathon China Competition. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_f2e80943d807]

A high-level expert symposium on the future development of the UN Global Hub on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UNBDC) was convened in Hangzhou on Dec 8, bringing together representatives from the United Nations, China's National Bureau of Statistics, Zhejiang province, academia, and industry.

Under the theme Data Intelligence for Sustainable Development, participants explored new pathways for global statistical cooperation and innovation.

Established in 2020 by the UN, China's National Bureau of Statistics, and the Zhejiang Provincial Government, the hub aims to serve as a globally recognized center for knowledge, technology, and innovation.

Over the past five years, it has led China's contribution to the UN Handbook on Remote Sensing for Agricultural Statistics, trained international statistical talent through five editions of its big-data seminar series, and hosted the UN Datathon China competitions. It has also advanced research in data-driven statistical applications, including developing a vertical large language model for the statistics sector.

The center's work has earned strong recognition from the international community. UN Statistics Division Director Shantanu Mukherjee praised its role in narrowing the global digital divide and building statistical capacity.

During the meeting, the hub, Zhejiang Gongshang University, and Zhijiang Lab launched a joint laboratory for data science to strengthen collaborative research. The hub also appointed experts including Lorenzo De Simone from Food and Agriculture Organization and leading domestic scholars, adding new talent to support its future development.

The UN Handbook on Remote Sensing for Agricultural Statistics is published on Dec 9. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_f2e80943d807]