Opening Remarks by Mr James George at the "Innovating the Skies" Dialogue on Sustainable Development and the Low-Altitude Economy

November 11, 2025

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in China, James George, delivered remarks at the 2025 "Innovating the Skies" INSPIRO Dialogue on Sustainable Development and the Low-Altitude Economy in Chengdu, China.

SPARK UNDP SDG Innovation Lab

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning!

On behalf of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to the "Innovating the Skies" Dialogue on Sustainable Development and the Low-Altitude Economy, organized by SPARK Lab here in Chengdu.

I am thrilled to have this opportunity meet with our long-standing partners in this dynamic, and culturally vibrant city — a hub of innovation, creativity, and sustainable urban development in China.

Today’s event is part of the INSPIRO Young Entrepreneurs Network for Sustainable Development, a platform launched by SPARK Lab in 2021 to connect young innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders around the world to explore how frontier technologies can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As one of China’s national pioneers in low-altitude airspace reform, Chengdu stands at the forefront of an emerging industry that is redefining the future of mobility, logistics, and green innovation.

But the low-altitude economy doesn’t only represent a new frontier for productivity, but also a new horizon for sustainability. Innovation in the low-altitude economy creates new opportunities to directly contribute to multiple SDGs — including

building resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
ensuring cities and human settlements are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable
addressing climate change and its impacts

From integrating low-carbon technologies and optimizing logistics, to enhancing disaster response capabilities, the low-altitude economy has important potential to make our cities, and skies – safer, smarter, and more sustainable.

But realizing this vision requires more than technology. It requires collaboration — across governments, industries, academia, and development partners — to ensure that innovation serves people and the planet alike.

"If innovative solutions are harnessed responsibly, and inclusively, the low-altitude economy can serve as a powerful example of how emerging industries can drive structural transformation, create new jobs, and help societies transition toward greener, more resilient futures."

Low altitude economy continue to be explored and pilot globally. Some of the lessons and key challenges faced are as follows:

Lack of comprehensive regulations and fragmented airspace management including complex, multi-departmental flight approval processes that hinder efficiency;
Inadequate infrastructure including shortage of takeoff/landing sites and supporting facilities;
Technological constraints such as battery limitations and reliance on imported core components;
Other significant challenges include a shortage of skilled talent (including pilots, drone operators, and management personnel) and concerns of public safety and accident risks.

This is where INSPIRO plays a critical role.

Since its establishment, the network has become a bridge between young entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors, helping them co-design and pilot solutions that link innovation to development impact.

Through dialogues like this one, INSPIRO inspires creative thinking and collective action, providing a platform to transform ideas into real-world outcomes that can advance sustainable development progress.

Moving forward, over the next decade, if innovative solutions are harnessed responsibly, and inclusively, the low-altitude economy can serve as a powerful example of how emerging industries can drive structural transformation, create new jobs, and help societies transition toward greener, more resilient futures.

So, through today’s discussions, let us explore how this dynamic ecosystem can contribute to national and global sustainability agendas, and how cities like Chengdu can lead the way in charting pathways for responsible, innovative growth.

In closing, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to SPARK Lab and all our partners and participants for bringing this dialogue to life.

Together — we can realize a vision for a better and brighter future that is more sustainable, green, and inclusive, not only here on the ground — but also in the sky above.

Thank you.