To achieve the SDGs, we need better data

A new global campaign illustrates the centrality of data to sustainable development 

The international data, statistics and development communities have united within the global campaign, Data for Change, to demonstrate how more and better data and statistics are an accelerator for sustainable development. 

The new campaign mobilises a broad coalition of partners to present stories about how timely, high-quality and disaggregated data and statistics are leading to life-changing policies and advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

For example, in Georgia, a study on violence against women has ushered in the country’s first sexual harassment law. In Madagascar, a data dashboard has helped to improve the learning environment and equipment in schools. In Togo, data from mobile phones, satellite imagery and traditional surveys are used to provide cash transfers for COVID-19 relief to those who need them the most. In Ghana, data has helped to bridge gaps between decision makers and the community to build trust to accelerate the population census, sustainable development projects and better understand the communities’ resource needs such as more job opportunities for the youth.

Many of the world’s poorest countries still lack the statistical capacity to capture even basic vital statistics such as births, marriages and deaths, seriously undermining the effectiveness and efficiency of national and international development interventions. To tap the full potential of data and statistics as core drivers of sustainable development, investment in statistical capacity needs to double. 

The campaign is coordinated by the Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century (PARIS21) and financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It aims to raise awareness in the run-up to the 2021 United Nations World Data Forum, taking place in Bern during 3-6 October 2021. The event brings together data experts and users who aim to spur data innovation, mobilise high-level political and financial support for data, and build a pathway to better data for sustainable development.

The Voices for Peace, NGO in Ghana, participated in the Data for Change project to highlight the importance of using data for social good under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) to ensure all community voices are heard, represented in decision-making and championing for future sustainable development.

Visit the campaign website and sign up for the newsletter to stay involved.  www.Dataforchange.net