Discover and learn from the Solidarity Playbook on cybersecurity

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. 

Related content

• Listen to our recent podcast on citizen data 
• Watch our discussion on citizen data at the International Civil Society Centre’s 2024 Global Perspectives 
• Leave No One Behind website: Making Voices Heard and Count 
• Commitment to data at the 2024 UN World Data Forum
• Data4SDGs

Ayman Akkad

Project Manager, Leave No One Behind

International Civil Society Centre

Ayman is the Project Manager for the Leave No One Behind partnership, at the International Civil Society Centre, joining the Centre in late 2024. With a multidisciplinary background in journalism, development, advocacy and strategic communications, he brings a wide range of experience to this role. He holds a master’s in Conflict Resolution from the Heller School at Brandeis University and a master’s degree in public policy from Princeton’ University’s School of Public and International Affairs. Ayman works towards democratizing policymaking by increasing citizen participation in decision-making and empowering communities to leverage technology for social change.

On November 26, 2024, the International Civil Society Centre held its annual Global Perspectives Conference, inviting experts and innovators to explore and discuss the theme “Truth, Trust, and Technology” and its significance for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). This virtual event featured sessions on fighting misinformation and disinformation, building narratives based on trust to uphold human rights, examining the impact of digital technologies on mental health, and leveraging digital technologies for citizen data to allow a voice for marginalised communities. Additionally, the conference addressed deconstructing colonial practices in donor-recipient relationships.  

The conference kicked off with an opening address from UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, who stated:

‘‘The use of words to deceive, confuse and provoke are not new. What is new is the sheer speed and intensity with which information, both true and false, now spreads across our digital landscape…in a world of splintering truth and diminishing trust, how can civil society, and by extension our global family, cooperate toward a sustainable and more just future for all?’’ 

This was followed by a compelling opening plenary on the pervasive issues of misinformation and disinformation. Expert leaders in the sector, underscored the indispensable role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in maintaining trustworthy information ecosystems. The discussions highlighted the necessity of responsible technology use, emphasising trust, accountability, and governance in the digital realm. The panel also explored intergenerational engagement and the potential of technology to foster human progress, stressing the importance of partnership and cooperation in building a hopeful future.

The second session focused on forging partnerships rooted in trust and solidarity to move forward localisation for ICSOs. Speakers shared insights on moving beyond colonial approaches and quantitative metrics, advocating for power shifts to local levels. The dialogue emphasised the importance of trust, vulnerability, and rethinking power dynamics to uplift communities effectively.

We were delighted to have a special addition to our monthly Digital Dialogue series as part of Global Perspectives. The panel discussed the impact digitalisation has on mental health, particularly in the context of work, and examined the ways in which digital technology could play a part in mental health support. The expert speakers highlighted the challenges and opportunities of digital technology in supporting mental health, advocating for comprehensive approaches to integrating digital tools, while maintaining privacy, into broader wellbeing strategies for CSOs.

The adverse effects of misinformation and disinformation are huge for CSOs and we need to mitigate its impact critically. Futures thinking is one method to do this. Futures thinking is a key area for the Centre and an approach and methodology we feel benefits CSOs greatly. Our session on futures thinking approaches, reflected on why CSOs should use strategic foresight in their work, showcasing some new strategic foresight resources we have developed on misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.

Currently we see civic space shrinking and an increase in anti-rights narratives. This session on building effective narratives, provided strategies for countering  these harmful narratives and promoting human rights. The discussion focused on the importance of framing messages that resonate with audience values and foster collaboration across organisations. The session concluded with the importance of building a global movement and how digital approaches can help foster trust, inclusion, and better human rights.

The last session of the day showcased the Leave No One Behind Initiative, who focus on leveraging citizen-generated data to empower marginalised communities. Panellists discussed challenges related to data quality, governance, and privacy, emphasising trust and community ownership. The role of philanthropy and the potential of AI in promoting social good were also highlighted.

The Global Perspectives Conference 2024 was a vibrant convergence of ideas and best practices, featuring diverse participants from international CSOs, politics, and beyond. The online format enabled broad participation, with over 1,000 registered participants, offering global perspectives and inclusive discussions.

The map below shows the diverse range of cities around the world participants joined us from:

This year’s conference not only underscored the importance of truth and trust but also provided actionable insights for CSOs to navigate today’s complex online information landscape. As we look towards 2025, it is crucial for CSOs to continue fostering trust, embracing innovative solutions, and collaborating across sectors to address global challenges.

You watch all the session recordings here 

We have put together a number of additional resources related to each session for you to delve into deeper.

Session 1 – Civil Society at a Crossroads

📹 Watch now

Session 2 – Risk-sharing and Accountability for the Future of the Sector: Beyond Theory 

📹 Watch now

📝 Resources:

• The Liberating Power of Equitable Partnerships 
• Abot-Kamay Community Solidarity Fund

Session 3 – Mental Health in the Digital Age: How are civil society organisations using technology to advocate for mental well-being? 

📹 Watch now

📝 Resources:

• Digital Economy Outlook 2024 (Volume 1) : Embracing the Technology Frontier (OECD)
• A New Benchmark for Mental Health Systems (OECD) 
• Mental Health – UN Today (page 18-19) 
• Promoting sustainable work at UNHCR and beyond (UN Today)
• How can workers stay safe and healthy in the digital age? (RoSPA) 
• Prioritising wellbeing in an ‘always on’ digital age (CIPD) 
• 4 digital wellness tips for the workplace (video via YouTube) 
• Overcoming the “Dark Side” of Technology—A Scoping Review on Preventing and Coping with Work-Related Technostress (PMC) 
• Stand out for Mental Health

Session 4 – Foresights and Insights on Misinformation, Disinformation and Malinformation: using Futures thinking approaches for CSOs

📹 Watch now

📝 Resources from the International Civil Society Centre

• Mis-,dis-, and malinformation explainer video
• A futures approach to tackle mis, dis, and malinformation 
• 4 x future scenarios. Mis-,dis-,and malinformation in 2030 
• Pioneering Approaches: Civil Society Organisations Tackling Misinformation and Disinformation
• Anticipating futures for civil society operating space
• Toolkit for Tomorrow: Anticipating Futures 

Session 5 – Building Effective Narratives to Counter Anti-Rights Groups and Foster Human Rights 

📹 Watch now

📝 Resources from ODI

• Facing the backlash: what is fuelling anti-feminist and anti-democratic forces? 
• ‘Feminist responses to ‘norm-spoiling’ at the United Nations
• Whose hands on our education? Identifying and countering gender-restrictive backlash
• Hostile landscapes: how do gender-restrictive actors contribute to violence against LGBTQI+ people?
• Where next for feminist foreign policy on countering anti-gender backlash? and Where next for feminist foreign policy on funding feminist movements?
• And see the International Civil Society Centre’s, Solidarity Action Network resource hub for lots more on this topic

Session 6 – Can Citizen Data and Digital Approaches Foster Trust and Inclusion?

📹 Watch now

📝 Resources:

• Partnering for Citizen Data (Collaborative on Citizen Data x The Danish Institute for Human Rights)
• SDG Human Rights Explorer (Danish Institute for Human Rights)
• Collaborative on Citizen Data (UNSD) For further information and to join as a member email: citizen.data@un.org
• SDG Kenya Forum 
• Google Philanthropy (Google.org)
• AI for social good (Google.org)
• Leave No One Behind partnership (International Civil Society Centre)

Rachel Wilkinson

Programme Manager – Futures and Innovation

International Civil Society Centre

Rachel leads the Futures and Innovation programme at the Centre. She is responsible for managing the portfolio of projects and events as well as leading and developing the Scanning the Horizon strategic peer learning platform. Rachel has more than 15 years of experience working in the third sector, on a national and international level, working for various ICSOs in international development and human rights in both London and Berlin.

In an era marked by rapid change and uncertainty, civil society organisations must proactively anticipate and prepare for diverse potential futures. Foresight practices help map these possibilities, allowing us to explore trends, opportunities, and risks. But how can we make this process not only effective but also engaging and accessible? The answer lies in gamification. 

What is Foresight Gamification?  

Gamification involves the integration of game elements and principles in non-game contexts. Within foresight, this means incorporating play into the typically strategic and analytical process of envisioning the future. This is achieved through structured, interactive games that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.   

Foresight gamification transforms abstract concepts of the future into comprehensible ideas, making them easier to grasp and explore. Through game mechanics such as role-playing, storytelling, and competition, participants can immerse themselves in complex future environments, learning through play how these futures could unfold.

How Foresight Gamification Works in Practice 

At our recent Scanning the Horizon community session, facilitated by Shiela R Castillo, a foresight practitioner with a passion for the transformative power of cultural creatives and civil society, participants engaged with two notable foresight games:  

• The Polak Game: This collaborative exercise invites participants to explore their beliefs about the future. Players position themselves on the game board based on whether they foresee a better or worse future than the present. They also reflect on their capacity to influence the future. This reflection prompts discussions about how personal assumptions about the future shape our current actions. 

• The Thing from the Future: In this imaginative game, participants envision future artefacts based on specific prompts. For instance, players might describe an object from a century in the future that embodies “resentment” linked to “cloning.” This creative process encourages thinking beyond conventional boundaries, helping participants “create out-of-the-box ideas that might help them generate innovative solutions to potential future challenges.

The Benefits of Foresight Gamification 

1. Enhanced engagement and participation
   

   While some individuals may feel hesitant to participate in serious games within a professional context, gamification invites active involvement. With an open mindset, participants often find themselves “in the flow,” gaining valuable insights from the experience. The dynamic and interactive nature of these games fosters an inclusive environment where individuals are more likely to engage deeply and collaboratively.

2. Safe space for exploration
   

   Gamification creates a safe, judgement-free space where participants feel comfortable sharing ideas, even if they seem absurd or laughable. This freedom encourages risk-taking and innovation, which are essential for imagining unconventional futures. In a foresight game, there are no wrong answers – just different perspectives to explore.

    

3. Making futures thinking accessible and inclusive
   

   By integrating gamified approaches, foresight practices become more accessible to diverse groups. Whether conducted online or in person, games like the Polak Game and The Thing from the Future, demonstrate that complex foresight concepts can be communicated in a simple and engaging way. Playing foresight games not only makes the experience of learning about futures more enjoyable but also helps participants think strategically about long-term challenges. For example, the Polak Game helps players position themselves on different future scenarios, while The Thing from the Future allows groups to brainstorm inventive possibilities based on prompts, such as “50 years from now” or “a century into the future”. Such games stimulate creativity and forward-thinking. Additionally, foresight games can be played by whole teams, with partners and diverse communities (such as children) that civil society organisations engage with.

    

4. Customisable and adaptable
   

   Foresight games are far from trivial and can yield profound insights when applied to civil society work. By linking game learnings to their day-to-day and longer-term responsibilities, players can glean valuable insights that could support their work in addressing the world’s wicked problems. Importantly, foresight games are not one-size-fits-all; they can be tailored to meet the specific needs of an organisation, or the issues being explored. As Shiela R Castillo notes, there are “no hard and fast rules” in gamification. Game elements can be adjusted or modified to align better with participants’ objectives, making these tools both versatile and impactful in addressing real-world challenges.

    

The Value of Foresight Gamification 

Foresight gamification is emerging as a valuable resource for fostering a culture of foresight, particularly within international civil society organisations where long-term, creative thinking is essential. As more organisations embrace these playful methodologies, they are likely to discover that foresight games not only enhance their capacity for future-oriented thinking but also enrich the journey, making it more engaging, participatory, and enjoyable. 

In the words of Shiela R Castillo: “We should definitely play more. If play is work for children, social development professionals can make playing serious games part of work too”. Foresight, after all, is about imagining the unimaginable, and what better way to do that than through the lens of a game? 

With this spirit, we would like to invite you to start using foresight games within your organisations and work.  

If you would like to learn more on how you can use foresight in your work, immerse yourself with the tools of foresight integrated into the Justice Based Approach in United Edge’s Strategic Foreisght Workshop for Social Justice Leaders, facilitated by Shiela R Castillo and Daniel Bevan in November. 

Alexandra Schlegel

Programme Officer

International Civil Society Centre

Alexandra is working as Programme Officer in the Solidarity Action Network and Scanning the Horizon projects of the Centre. She joined the Centre in January 2022 as the Executive Assistant and changed into the Programme Team in December 2023. Her role at the Centre involves addressing anti-rights actors, overseeing futures and foresight initiatives within the Scanning community, managing the SANE Resource Hub, and organising events. She is strongly engaged in voluntary work with different international as well as local organisations with a background in Political Science and International Relations. She holds a MA in International Relations from Leiden University next to her BA in Political Science and History from the University of Tübingen. She has lived in Germany, the UK, the Netherlands as well as Jordan and is currently living in Berlin.