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Building back better through smart investments in development data
Thursday, 15 July 2021
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Virtual (NY Time)
Side Event
PARIS21 with The Government of Switzerland, United Nations Statistics Division, Open Data Watch and HLG-PCCB

The world needs accurate, timely, and reliable data to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Without them, we simply do not have the necessary evidence to develop, implement and monitor policies that leave no one behind. Currently, many poor and fragile countries face severe data gaps, or are relying on data that are too old to design the necessary policies and programmes to deliver a life of dignity for all. This situation has been exacerbated by the pandemic, which has increased the need for more and better data for effective crisis management and recovery, while also sharpening data inequalities. In order to build strong statistical systems that can meet this demand, smarter investments in development data are essential. But how can we get there?

This event will explore the new needs, opportunities and innovations linked to smart data investments that can enable us to harness the full potential of data for sustainable development and a resilient recovery. Participants will consider the latest developments and efforts relating to the operationalization of the Cape Town Global Action Plan for Sustainable Development Data (CTGAP), which was adopted in 2017 by the UN Statistical Commission and welcomed by the UN General Assembly as a roadmap for international and national efforts to strengthen and invest in statistical systems. These include refining our understanding of the particular resourcing challenges and opportunities faced by national statistical offices (NSOs) in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of data financing to achieve the SDGs on gender equality and health, and the development of a new solution by the Bern Network on Financing Data for Development and its partners to make smarter financing for data a reality.

The session will provide participants with:

  • A better understanding of the needs, opportunities and business case for financing data for the SDGs, with a particular focus on smarter investments in developing countries’ data systems, and thematic entry points such as gender equality and health;
  • Exclusive preview of the Bern Network’s Clearinghouse for Financing Development Data – a new online mechanism to support smarter data financing; and
  • A discussion to generate recommendations for the way forward to better define the implementation of the CTGAP and pave the road to the UN World Data Forum co-hosted by Switzerland and UNSD in October 2021.

    This is an official Road to Bern event leading up to the United Nations World Data Forum 2021.

    • United Nations