World Data Forum Coverage: Opening Session

SDGCounting UN World Data Forum Session Notes

This post is part of a series highlighting sessions from the 2020 UN Data Forum. Watch every session or read our summary.

Summary: The opening session of the UN World Data Forum featured a powerhouse team of health and development experts from the most influential data organizations. Panelists discussed how data collection and utilization is changing in the face of COVID and the steps that are required to ensure continued positive developments.

Key Takeaways

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the lack of data as well as the importance of data. — Raj Kumar, Devex

This is the key moment for data [in the COVID pandemic] because we need it to make decisions on where to spend money as we recover. — Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN

With so many at home due to national and regional restrictions, and with travel being reduced, now is a unique time to gather data. We have new opportunities as well as new challenges.

The importance of disaggregated data, especially for young people and women, continues to be regarded as an area needing significant and rapid improvement.

To make progress, we must be able to measure progress. — Dr Tedros Adhonom Ghebreyesus

The COVID pandemic has shown the importance of administrative data (births, deaths, causes of death) not only for timely tracking of impact, but also because of its ability to inform models and projections.

The standard of living is set to decline across most countries for the first time since 1919 [due to the COVID-19 pandemic]. — Alain Berset, Federal Department of Home Affairs, Switzerland

While the virus may spread equally, the impact of COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting women. As a result of the pandemic, approximately 49 million women will go without contraceptives and 15 million will have unwanted pregnancies.

Without better data, countries will continue to make decisions that miss the needs of the most vulnerable.

9 out of 10 national statistics offices (NSOs) in low and middle income countries are not able to meet international data strategies.

Good data is the bedrock of effective policy making. That has been the approach of the Gates Foundation since it’s inception. — Mark Suzman, Gates Foundation

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