For the development data community, 2025 was a defining year, marked by disruption and reinvention, major funding cuts, political shifts, and unprecedented strains on data systems just when demand for data reached all-time highs.

In the fast changing global data environment, the need to integrate and provide access to official and new data sources makes open data principles and practices more important than ever. Modules from recent expert workshops provide practical guidance on how to strengthen national statistical systems through openness.

A new PRESS report lands at a critical moment, shining light on who finances data and statistics, on dangerous concentrations and promising opportunities, on gaps between commitments and disbursements, and on ways to bolster evidence-based advocacy for sustainable financing.

Sparking conversations about how to make gender data a stronger part of national planning and decision-making, BRIDGE helps Sri Lanka measure the maturity of gender data, not just in numbers, but also in terms of coordination, policy support, data use, and capacity.

The 4th Global CRVS and Gender Symposium discussed how inclusive and gender-responsive CRVS systems can drive equitable development outcomes. In light of country experiences, participants underscored the importance of continued collaboration to secure long-term, gender-responsive financing for CRVS.