SDSN Thematic Network (TN) on Data for Sustainable Development

GEO-XII Plenary & Ministerial SummitMexico City, November 2015

SDGs: 17 goals, 169 targets

UNDERPIN

NED BY

DATA!

From the MDGs to the SDGs

• To support data-driven SDG implementation by acting as the "connective tissue" between the scientific (and technical) data communities and policymakers.

• This group organizes its work around two pillars: – Analytic and visionary work on new data infrastructures;– Piloting practical data-related projects and applications

(under the banner of SDSN “Solutions Initiatives”)

Thematic Network on Data: Mission

• Convene data experts from across disparate communities

• Serve as an information and education hub• Identify opportunities for cross-sectoral and multi-

scalar data analysis• Review and look to address gaps in data and

information systems in support of the SDGs• Provide policy and technical support for data-driven

SDG implementation

Thematic Network on Data: Key Objectives

• Serve as a technical advisory committee• Review project ideas and proposals• Ensure careful alignment between data investments

and priority data gaps• Assess the quality and rigor of new innovations and

ensure alignment with National Statistical Offices (NSOs)

Plus, the Global Partnership

• 3 Co-Chairs, responsible of overseeing the work of the TN– Enrico Giovanni, University of Rome Tor Vergata– Shaida Baidee, Open Data Watch– Robert Chen, CIESIN/Columbia University

• Co-Chairs are nominated by the SDSN Secretariat and confirmed by the SDSN Leadership Council

• Serve for 2-year terms, renewable by the SDSN Leadership Council

• Co-Chairs are responsible for constituting the membership of their networks

Thematic Network on Data: Governance

• Members are respected scientists and scholars• Mostly from SDSN member institutions • Small core expert group of 15-20 members • Potential roles as:– Leads on or providing support to specific projects– Support to the Global Partnership

• Extended membership of up to 100 members

Thematic Network on Data: Membership

• Majority of TN meetings are virtual• Face-to-face meetings happen at least once per year,

often with a specific project focus • Core expert group plus Co-Chairs expected to be

actively engaged in the TN’s activities• Potential initial support from Hewlett Foundation• http://unsdsn.org/what-we-do/thematic-networks/

data-for-sustainable-development/

Thematic Network on Data: Work Modalities

• Approaches that promote new technologies, business models, institutional mechanisms, policies, …

• Potentially can accelerate progress towards sustainable development

• Address 3 common barriers inhibiting the deployment of such solutions:

1. Lack of awareness outside a narrow technical community2. High transaction costs3. Long decision times

SDSN “Solutions Initiatives”

• Increase the quality and quantity of data for development, making it more relevant and usable for policymakers

• Two proposed SIs currently in the pipeline:1. New Data Infrastructures for Sustainable Development: Technical

Tools for National Policy Makers (partners: CIESIN)2. A technological solution to reconciling data (partners: SDSN

Secretariat, Amida Technology Solutions, CIESIN)

Thematic Network on Data: “Solutions Initiatives” pipeline

Common Cause with GEO

• How can we leverage substantial data investment and expertise represented by the EO and geospatial communities in monitoring SDGs and supporting sustainable development more generally?

• How can we facilitate improved collaboration between the statistics and EO/geospatial communities?

• What targeted efforts and resources could lead to significant improvements in capacity and actual data use, especially in developing countries?