More and better data can support efforts to eradicate poverty, fight inequality, and promote inclusive, sustainable growth. But to achieve these impacts, the world needs strong institutions and coordination at both the international and national level.
Open Data Watch provides a leading voice for policy initiatives to build strong data governance processes. We advocate for more data investment to close gaps and put data at the heart of sustainable development.
Advocating for increased investments in data and statistics
Investments in people, technologies, and processes are necessary conditions for sustained production and use of development data. Open Data Watch works with partners such as PARIS21 to analyze official development assistance flows for data at the donor and country level and Data2X on gender data financing.
The State of Gender Data Financing 2021 report defines a core gender data ecosystem and estimates a funding gap based on the costs to produce the gender data needed to leave no one behind and current financing flows.
Open Data Watch applies its financing expertise in the advising and construction of the Clearinghouse for Financing Development Data, including its gender data channel.
Building strong data governance practices
Strong data governance practices are critical in ensuring data are collected, produced and used ethically for inclusive and sustainable development.
Open Data Watch works closely with the United Nations Statistics Division to help define the processes and procedures that guide the work of national statistical offices.
By advocating for the open by default principle at the United Nations Statistical Commission, co-chairing a workstream of the United Nations Data Stewardship Working Group, and co-chairing the United Nations World Data Forum Programme Committee, Open Data Watch is a leading voice for policy initiatives the data for development field.
Identifying solutions to close gender data gaps
Open Data Watch not only identifies gender data gaps but also maps the solutions to close them. In partnership with Data2X, Open Data Watch recently published Transforming the Data Landscape: Solutions to Close Gender Data Gaps, which documents nearly 150 solutions that have emerged in the last five years across areas of development such as economic opportunities, education, environment, health, human security, and public participation. Open Data Watch has also partnered with the Centre of Excellence for CRVS Systems publishing the Compendium of Good Practices: Harnessing Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in Conflict, Emergencies and Fragile Settings that highlights successful experiences in building effective CRVS systems to ensure those most in need are counted and can access services
WHAT’S NEW?
Data that Deters Corruption
With the estimated global cost of corruption now reaching $3.6 billion annually, a new transparency tool shows how data can shine a light on corruption and promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Data: The Missing Link to Food Security
Reliable agricultural data is the cornerstone of food security and productivity, leading to smarter investments and strengthening decision-making at both the farm and the policy level.
Insights from the Data Festival 2026
The 2026 Global Data Festival examines the need to rethink data systems in response to rapid technological change, to recognize that data systems must become more inclusive, and to understand that no single actor can address today’s data challenges alone.