We are excited to have signed a letter to world leaders, calling on them to harness the power of data and unlock the data dividend, which we firmly believe is pivotal in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The letter will be highlighted in the High Impact Initiative ‘Power of Data: Unlocking the Data Dividend for the SDGs’ at the SDG Summit on September 17th, and thereafter, it will be dispatched to critical ministers in the Member States, urging them to act swiftly and decisively in this crucial endeavour.
The letter, drafted by the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, accentuates the necessity of fostering stronger data systems that are capable of revolutionizing decision-making processes and accelerating digital transformations across various nations. By tapping into the vast economic opportunities that data can provide, we aim to pave the way for a more equal and sustainable world.
“Good data is at the heart of good decision-making.. it’s been underfunded for decades. Progress has been slower in the places its needed the most”
Dr. Claire Melamed, CEO, GPSDD
As we stand at the crossroads of mounting climate, security, and health challenges, the urgency to harness the power of data where it can have the most profound impact is evident. We represent a coalition of organizations that fervently believe in the transformative role of data in cultivating a future that is fair, inclusive, and democratic. Through our collective voice, we ardently urge you to undertake significant strides in the following areas:
- Demonstrate Political Leadership: Spearhead the creation of new national data partnerships that unify public and private stakeholders, fostering a culture of timely, ethical, and efficient data utilization, thereby catalyzing progress towards the SDGs.
- Investment in Data Systems: Adopt a clear and strategic approach to financing data and statistical systems by committing to more substantial and improved investment efforts. The ultimate goal is to create robust data infrastructure that can steer nations towards sustainable progress.
- Measurable Progress: Undertake firm commitments to boost the availability of SDG data within countries to an ambitious 90% by the year 2027. This initiative will serve as a testament to the progressive strides being made in achieving the SDGs.
“We signed this letter because we believe that we can catch up on the progress of the SDGs if we all pull together to invest in data in a more coordinated fashion – especially at the local level.”
Al Kags, Executive Director, Open Institute
By uniting to establish transformational national data partnerships, we are on the brink of unlocking a monumental data dividend, promising a staggering $32 return for every $1 invested. Such robust data systems stand as the bedrock of realizing significant advancements towards the SDGs, fostering a global community that embodies resilience, accountability, and sustainability. We firmly contend that the moment to unlock the potential of this data dividend is now, and through our collective efforts, we can propel our society into a future that harmonizes progress with sustainability.
The letter will be highlighted in the High Impact Initiative ‘Power of Data: Unlocking the Data Dividend for the SDGs’ at the SDG Summit on September 17th, and thereafter, it will be dispatched to critical ministers in the Member States, urging them to act swiftly and decisively in this crucial endeavour.
