Citizen Data Takes Centre Stage at the Fifth UN World Data Forum

In mid-November 2024, Medellín, Colombia, played host to the fifth United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF). Themed “Datutopia,” the Centre’s Leave No One Behind Partnership attended the Forum alongside over 2,000 participants, including representatives from national statistical offices (NSOs), academia, civil society, and global data partnerships. Over the course of four days, the forum tackled pressing questions about how to create an innovative and inclusive data ecosystem to support sustainable development.

Citizen Data: A Cornerstone of Sustainable Development

One of the event’s standout themes was the transformative potential of citizen data in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Citizen data, a form of crowdsourced information often contributed by individuals through community initiatives, digital platforms, and mobile devices, has proven to be an indispensable complement to traditional statistics. It has become particularly effective in shedding light on the realities of marginalised and underrepresented communities.

Examples of its impact abounded. From mapping pollution in urban areas to capturing the social dynamics of hard-to-reach populations, citizen science projects were lauded for addressing gaps where official data sources falter. Crucially, the forum highlighted how such initiatives empower communities to shape their narratives and reclaim agency over how their realities are represented.

Integrating citizen data into official statistics, panellists argued, could revolutionise decision-making and contribute to a broader “data commons,” a shared and open-access repository that fosters greater inclusivity.

A Pivotal Role for the Collaborative on Citizen Data

Among the key players at UNWDF 2024 was the Collaborative on Citizen Data, a coalition dedicated to advancing the role of citizen-generated data in achieving the SDGs. The Collaborative, co-chaired by the Centre’s Leave No One Behind Partnership, was instrumental in guiding discussions on how citizen data could be effectively harnessed.

Through its presentations, the Collaborative showcased the Copenhagen Framework on Citizen Data, which serves as a roadmap for implementing such initiatives. Practical examples came from country coalitions of the Centre’s Leave No One Behind Partnership, which illustrated how citizen contributions to the data value chain—from collection to analysis—can address challenges and ensure data reflects society’s diversity.

Speakers emphasised that mainstreaming citizen data into global and national practices is essential for inclusive development. Their message was clear: sustainable development cannot succeed if it leaves marginalised voices unheard or unrepresented.

Innovation and Inclusivity in the Data Landscape

UNWDF 2024 was not short on forward-looking ideas. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and geospatial data into the broader data ecosystem took centre stage too, with examples of how these technologies can accelerate analysis and reveal actionable insights. Yet, caution was urged. With AI’s rapid proliferation, participants stressed the importance of adhering to strict ethical standards to ensure transparency and fairness.

Building a universally accessible data commons also garnered significant attention. Panellists underscored that bridging the gap between technical experts and local communities requires a shared and inclusive language. This vision, though ambitious, is pivotal for ensuring that data-driven decisions genuinely reflect the lived realities of people worldwide.

Trust, Ethics, and the Role of Partnerships

The forum grappled with the thorny issues of data ethics and trust. As citizen data becomes integral to global development strategies, safeguarding privacy and maintaining ethical standards are paramount. Stakeholders debated the responsibilities of governments, private sector, and civil society in ensuring transparency and accountability within this burgeoning ecosystem.

Equally, many participants rightly championed partnerships as the backbone of a robust data system. Successful collaboration between governments, academia, and grassroots organisations can help avoid duplication, maximise impact, and ultimately build a more equitable data ecosystem. Calls to involve youth more actively in data initiatives reflected a broader ambition to future-proof this movement.

Shaping the Global Data Ecosystem: The Road Ahead

The Medellín Framework for Action, UNWDF 2024’s key outcome document, sets a course for adapting the Cape Town Global Action Plan to the realities of an evolving data landscape. It envisions a future where citizen data, geospatial intelligence, and traditional statistics work in tandem to address global challenges effectively.

The next forum, scheduled for April 2026 in Saudi Arabia, promises to continue this momentum. With a focus on improving data quality and accessibility, it will include training sessions and competitions for small and medium-sized enterprises to develop innovative data solutions.

As the curtains closed in Medellín, one lesson stood out: citizen data is no longer a peripheral consideration. It is a cornerstone of modern development strategies, bridging the divide between abstract statistics and the lived realities of individuals. In doing so, it ensures that the often-repeated mantra of the SDGs— “leave no one behind”—becomes a promise fulfilled.

: LNOB partners at the World Data Forum 2024

: LNOB partnership meeting at the World Data Forum 2024

: World Data Forum side event ‘Learning Exchange on Citizen Data’

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