On June 1, 2024, the 3rd China Digital Earth Conference commenced at Nanjing University’s Suzhou campus, marking the beginning of the “Suzhou Event Week: Digital Technology for Sustainable Development.” Hosted by the International Society for Digital Earth (SDG) and Nanjing University, the conference drew over 1,200 participants, including government officials, experts, scholars, and representatives from international organizations.

This year's conference theme, "Digital Technology Supporting Earth's Sustainable Development," focused on theoretical and technological innovations in digital earth, exemplary applications, and industry development. It provided a platform for experts, decision-makers, and industry professionals to discuss the role of digital earth in achieving sustainable development goals. The opening ceremony was presided over by Guo Huadong, President of the Conference, Academician of CAS, and Director of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals.

In his opening remarks, Tan Tieniu, the Secretary of the CPC NJU committee and Academician of the CAS, introduced that the geosciences discipline at NJU has continuously innovated and made significant contributions to the development of geosciences. NJU Suzhou campus targets the development of "new engineering." Tan stressed that this conference accurately addresses global concerns. He expressed NJU's eagerness to collaborate with other universities, research institutions, and government agencies to deepen cooperation and advance the integration of earth sciences and digital technology. The university will continually explore the forefront of digital earth technology and promote innovative applications of earth big data for sustainable development.

During the conference, the "Suzhou Event Week" was launched to showcase research outcomes and successful cases in digital technology for sustainable development. The launch was attended by Jiangsu Province leaders and prominent figures in the scientific community.

The conference also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the SDG. Guo Huadong introduced the society's history and the SDG Center's application cases in digital earth technology. Alessandro Annoni, President of the Society, and Michael Meadows, President of the International Geographical Union, praised the contributions of Chinese researchers. Several international and national organizations, including UN-GGIM and ISPRS, sent congratulatory messages.

Keynote speakers including CAS and CAE academicians discussed topics like intelligent remote sensing satellites, new software technologies, digital earth’s impact on research paradigms, and environmental satellite applications.

The conference featured a tour of the Nanjing University Suzhou campus and a tree-planting event in the "Academician Garden." Several CAS and CAE academicians planted ginkgo trees in the garden. More than 50 academicians have planted trees there since its establishment.

This conference included four themed sub-forums: the "Frontiers of Digital Earth Science," the "Digital Earth Application and Innovation," the "Digital Earth Technology Service," and the "Digital Earth Youth Development."