Data that is accurate, inclusive, and timely is not only critical for keeping the promises of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, but for developing rapid, evidence-based interventions to mitigate the impacts of ongoing complex global crises happing worldwide.
Therefore, it is essential that producers and users of data, especially policymakers, work more closely together. Users should engage in the data production process from the start, and policymakers need to increase their capacity for effective use of data as well as political commitment to prioritize data as a strategic decision-making asset. On the other hand, data producers should ensure the relevance of data to users’ needs and use resources effectively to address those priorities.
There is growing awareness across countries on the need for data to be fully relevant and inclusive, and greater understanding of the complex intersectionalities that need to be reflected in data sources and methods to engage with different parts of society. This is supported by various global initiatives. For example, the Data For Now initiative aimed at building capacity in countries to leverage new data sources and methods, is based on the principle, among others, that “All partners are committed to first and foremost address the needs of the users of the data, adhering to national priorities and decision-making needs.”
In a newly- launched project under this initiative, funded by Italy and Norway, national statistical offices are encouraged to engage with policymakers to identify priority policy areas where the project can support in filling urgent data gaps. The Data Values Project seeks to influence decisionmakers to build data systems that are more inclusive and accountable so that data will be used for policies that promote greater equity and opportunity for all. Additionally, The United Nations World Data Forum in Bern also emphasized the need for better engagement with policy and decision-makers, at international, national, and sub-national levels.
This session will provide a forum for users and producers of data to:
- Share country experiences and insights on how producers and users of data can work effectively together.
- Demonstrate how engagement with producers of data has helped policymakers design effective policy interventions.
- Discuss challenges and lessons learnt when communicating data needs, understanding country policy priorities and responding to associated policy data needs
Organiser(s): United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD-DESA); Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD); Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN); World Bank (WB).
Speakers: Charles Lebon Mberi Kimpolo; Hugo Ruiz; Jenna Slotin; Nguyen Thi Huong; Osman Sankoh; Vibeke Oestreich Nielsen; Zuena Aziz
