Global plan launched for better data to improve lives

A global plan for better data to improve people's lives has been launched at the UN World Data Forum in South Africa.

The Cape Town Global Action Plan for Sustainable Development Data will be officially adopted by countries in March, at a meeting of the UN Statistical Commission.

Over 1,400 data experts from more than 100 countries have been holding discussions, data labs and interactive presentations at the Forum.

"Accurate, reliable, timely and disaggregated" data is essential to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and building a better future for people everywhere. 

UN Under-Secretary-General for the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Wu Hongbo, made the remarks to the press on Wednesday. 

The Cape Town Global Action Plan for Sustainable Development Data sets out a global vision and provides a "to do" list for better data. 

"I think the Global Action Plan is truly important because it is the blueprint of what we all want to work towards. It has a very ambitious agenda. It talks a lot about cooperation and has very detailed proposals in areas where we need to do more work and how we can take this forward. It is by nature a long to-do list, so this is not yet action itself. We have to fill in the blanks now: who is going to do it, when are they going to do this, and who is going to watch over the shoulder of the people who are acting here. But I think this is exactly the train we set in motion and there is a process in place." Stefan Schweinfest the Director of the UN Statistics Division (DESA): 

The Action Plan calls for the innovation and modernization of national statistical systems, the dissemination of data on sustainable development, more partnerships and better mobilization of resources. 


SOURCE: Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations.