Statistics lies at the core of the SDGs. The United Nation understands the importance of statistics to monitor the progress and further manage the SDGs. Development is not by segments and areas and for this the role of statistics is important especially in relation to the achievement of the SDGs. Most importantly, it is being largely understood that an integration of statistical data and geospatial data is needed for SDGs. This integration of the two data sets will help set priorities and help identify the pressing needs of a country and help to monitor and manage the actions undertaken in this regard.

The second goal of the 17 SDGs focusses on the challenge of providing nutritious food to the people. To feed the 9.5 billion people in 2050, the food production needs to increase by 60 percent globally and to nearly double in developing countries. The need, therefore, is to work towards putting an end to hunger which shall further guarantee food security, address rural poverty and ensure the sustainable use of biodiversity and genetic resources. A formidable ambition, this vision can only be achieved through a defined commitment to revolutionise the food systems through sustainable agriculture. The panel at this discussion shall focus on the evolving technologies that promote sustainable agriculture to end hunger and achieve food security.

Land and Property matter is critical for the development of communities and for achieving sustainable development. Catering to many goals at a time, focus on land and property matter can accelerate poverty reduction, empower women, reduce conflicts, strengthen food security and encourage the responsible use of natural resources. Focussing on land and property matter ensures social inclusion and environmental protection which are at the crux of the sustainable development goals. The panel discussion at this session shall discuss the need for countries to focus on ensuring land rights and property matter in their countries for a sustainable livelihood and survival.

The countries at global stage are transitioning towards zero-carbon and climate resilience. Climate action and Sustainable Development is intrinsically linked and the challenges of the same need to be recognized as early as possible to achieve the SDGs. A growing number of countries have already begun implementing national plans to address climate change. Foreseeing that climate change is the main accelerator of all other factors, scaling up climate action is imperative to operationalise the SDGs. The panel discussion in this session will be centered around the need for countries to step up their efforts in managing climate change through use of technology so as to address the SDGs.

To drive the SDGs efforts around the globe will require data – and lots and lots of it! In such a scenario, the SDGs community is exploring Big Data to meet the needs of the data revolution that shall drive the achievement of the SDGs. In times like today, Big Data is of strategic importance to the decision makers for it fulfils the mandate of a quantum of data with respect to economy, society and environment for decision making and initiating public debates and discussions. The panel at this session shall discuss the importance of Big Data to achieve the SDGs and its role in fostering decision making and accountability

Sustainable Development Goals are data-driven and data lies at the core of monitoring SDGs. 'Data' may be both statistical and geographical in nature, continues to play an important role in monitoring and managing the progress on the SDGs at all levels for action and data-driven SDGs monitoring and decision making. The panel discussion in this session will highlight the importance of data for all to support and monitor the SDG implementation and how this data can be used further draw strategic frameworks.

The adoption of the SDGs has brought a significant relationship shift between corporations for economic and social development. Corporations can now outline and align their respective business goals so as to contribute to the achievement of SDGs in a more meaningful manner. The panel discussion in this session shall focus primarily on the need for creating a sustainable impact strategy for contributing to the SDGs and how organizations can leverage global partnerships for the same.

The focal point of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development continues to remain the legal and policy framework. It is important that the policy makers of each country define strong mandates – drawing clear lines of accountability for the achievement of the SDGs. The need to mainstream SDGs in national policies, plans and strategies is, therefore, an important point of debate. A coherent legal and policy framework is thus an enabler and facilitator of geoinformation for SDGs. The panel discussions in this session will highlight the importance of a well-established legal and policy framework that will integrate economic, social and governance dimensions to support long term sustainability