Data Innovations for a Sustainable Future
Groundbreaking Tools, Initiatives and Reports from the 2023 UN World Data Forum
The Sustainable Development Goals may be facing setbacks in acheiving the 2030 Agenda, but innovative and creative solutions are emerging at breakneck speed. This is especially true in the realm of data and statistics, which are crucial not just for tracking progress but also for implementing the 2023 Agenda.
The recently concluded 2023 UN World Data Forum served as a platform to showcase these groundbreaking technologies and approaches and in this article we will delve into ten of the most exciting new tools, resources and reports discussed at UNWDF.
From novel uses for emerging AI and Machine Learning technology (AIDA, MALENA), to innovations around using Big Data (Global Platform, Global Pulse), we break down what is new and exciting. We also explore the ways data is being used (Data2Policy Navigator, Global Data Barometer, Data Futures Platform) and trends improving data quality (Data For Now, Open Data). We conclude with an example demonstrating the power and challenges of large scale data analysis (World Population).
1. AIDA — Artificial Intelligence for Development Analytics
With all the attention artificial intelligence has received in the last six months, it is no surprise that a UNDP initiative for using AI to understand development data tops our list.
AIDA — or Artificial Intelligence for Development Analytics — is a powerful set of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, creating a tool at the cutting edge of technology for development. What is truly groundbreaking about AIDA is its capacity to intelligently search and make sense of unstructured data from over 6,000 UNDP evaluation reports.
Try it for yourself: https://aida.undp.org/landing
Watch the presentation:
2. MALENA Machine Learning ESG Analyst
Investors are increasingly considering Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) metrics when determining where to put their money. But, with widely varying standards and countless pages of corporate documents, determining impact can be difficult. That is where MALENA — a machine learning analyst from the International Finance Corporation — steps in to help.
IFC’s Machine Learning ESG Analyst (MALENA) is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered platform that extracts meaningful insights from unstructured ESG data at scale, enabling rapid analysis, increasing productivity and building investor confidence.
Watch the session:
Our colleagues at StartingUpGood have an excellent article outlining its use for corporations:
3. UN Global Platform for Big Data
Big Data has the potential to unlock knowledge never before available; but accessing this information requires specific tools. This is where the UN’s Global Platform steps in. This platform empowers data scientists and policymakers to harness Big Data through the use of cutting-edge algorithms, machine learning models, and innovative statistical methods. By leveraging these tools, stakeholders can gain more nuanced insights into the progress being made towards the SDGs, enabling more informed decision-making and ultimately accelerating the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Under the governance of the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD) the Global Platform has built a cloud-service ecosystem to support international collaboration in the development of Official Statistics using new data sources and innovative methods and to help countries measure the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to deliver the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
The United Nations Global Platform was established as a collaborative environment to work together as a global statistical community and to learn together sharing knowledge, data and methods for all countries in the world.
Watch the related session:
4. UN Global Pulse
The UN’s expansive operations across the globe give it an unmatched breadth of information. Unfortunately, this massive mechanism can often be slow moving. Global Pulse seeks to remedy this by through innovation labs specifically designed to explore cutting edge solutions related to emerging technologies such as Big Data and AI.
UN Global Pulse was established based on a recognition that digital data offer opportunities to gain a better understanding of changes in human well-being, and to get real-time feedback on how well policy responses are working.
We work through a network of innovation labs which operate in Finland, Indonesia, Uganda, and in New York at the UN Headquarters.
Watch the related session:
5. Data2Policy Navigator
The value of data lies in its ability to be useful. This tool, also from UNDP, focuses on how the vast quantity of information available in international develop can be leveraged to improve policy.
Read more about the session:
6. Global Data Barometer
The Global Data Barometer is a project of D4D.net and ILDA with funding from Canada’s International Development Research Centre. It provides nuanced insights into how data is being used for development in 109 countries.
The Barometer is a multi-dimensional and multi-layered study that assessed the state of data for public good in 109 countries. An expert survey was conducted from May 2019 — May 2021 to create a new global benchmark that looks at data governance, capability, availability, and use and impact of data for public good. You may explore and view the data, through its core (e.g. governance and capability) or thematic modules (e.g. climate action, land, public procurement) as well as on a country-level.
Watch the Session:
7. Data Futures Platform
The Data Futures Platform is a valuable resource created by UNDP for tracking SDGs as it aggregates and translates multidimensional data into actionable insights, fostering system thinking and co-creation of policy initiatives. By supporting governments and decision-makers with analyses, visualizations, and simulations, the platform aids in understanding and addressing critical challenges.
The Data Futures Platform brings together data from the UN system and partners to advance integrated development solutions in support of the 2030 Agenda. The platform includes raw data sets, simulators and actionable insights, allowing users to both run their own estimation and access relevant analyses to inform policies, programmes and advocacy efforts. Powered by UNDP, this one-stop shop for multidimensional analyses features unique opportunities for collaboration around strategies and solutions that seek to build back better.
8. Data For Now Initiative
While not a new project, the Data For Now Initiative by the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data is growing in relevance as stakeholders see the importance of quality international data.
Data For Now aims to increase the use of robust methods and tools that improve the timeliness, coverage, and quality of SDG data
Watch the related session:
9. Open Data
Next on our list is a broad concept that received significant attention during the UNWDF. Open Data is crucial for tracking the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as it facilitates transparency, accountability, and collaboration among different stakeholders.
Two specific resources mentioned at the UN World Data Forum, and worth paying attention to, are the Open SDG Data Hub by UNDESA and Open Data Inventory by Open Data Watch
Open SDG Data Hub
The Open SDG Data Hub promotes the exploration, analysis, and use of authoritative SDG data sources for evidence-based decision-making and advocacy. Its goal is to enable data providers, managers and users to discover, understand, and communicate patterns and interrelationships in the wealth of SDG data and statistics that are now available.
Open Data Inventory (ODIN)
The Open Data Inventory (ODIN) assesses the coverage and openness of official statistics to identify gaps, promote open data policies, improve access, and encourage dialogue between national statistical offices (NSOs) and data users..
The ODIN 2022/23 Biennial Report covers 192 countries and reports on the strength of their open data programs. This, along with other resources can be found on the ODIN website:
Be sure to also read about the managing director of Open Data Watch, Shaida Badiee in this article by StartingUpGood.
There were 13 sessions at this year’s World Data Forum related to Open Data covering everything from human rights and gender issues to data quality and ethics. If you are going to only watch one, we recommend this:
10. State of World Population 2023
We conclude our list with a recently released report from UNFPA on the population of the world. This resources provides insights into all of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and also highlights the importance of global data and the challenges associated with accurately reporting on such a large scale.
This State of World Population report, produced by a group of external advisers, researchers and writers, working alongside UNFPA technical staff and editors, explores how broadening our understanding of population can lead to new solutions that build demographic resilience and help shape a more equitable and prosperous future.
Watch the session:
Conclusion
The UN World Data Forum has once again provided a platform for data experts and on-the-ground implementers to showcase their innovative work. The 10 items outlined above are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how data is being used to not only track the SDGs, but also acheive them.
Be sure to check out our other coverage of UNWDF such as our review of the Hangzhou Declaration released at this year’s event.
SDGCounting is a program of StartingUpGood and tracks the progress of counting and measuring the success of the SDGs. Check us out on Twitter.
DISCLOSURE: Machine Learning tools were used in the creation of this article, specifically for analyzing transcripts, session descriptions, and social media posts. The final selection of topics, individual research and write ups, and structure is solely the work of the author.
