The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UN DESA, will be hosting the first-ever fully virtual UN World Data Forum which will bring together data experts from all parts of the world to discuss some of the greatest data challenges in our changing world.
The three day virtual event which will hold from 19 to 21 October, will feature conversations that will identify innovative solutions for data in a changing world, intensify cooperation on data for sustainable development, and renew the urgent call for more and better funding for data.
“In a world wracked by COVID-19, we need data-based solutions to guide our way to a sustainable future,” said Francesca Perucci Assistant Director of UN DESA’s Statistics Division.
“We need data for a changing world, and we need data for a better world,” she added.
Claire Melamed, CEO the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data said, “This year has shown us that good data is essential to keep us safe and that data is everyone’s business.
“The 2020 virtual World Data Forum will be the place where data experts from around the world come together to build the systems that can protect us.”
Also, Shaida Badiee, Managing Director of Open Data Watch, speaking on the importance of data said, “If COVID-19 pandemic has shown us anything, it’s that quick decisions based on solid data and statistics can save lives.”
The Forum participants will draw lessons from the pandemic to discuss ways of putting data to a better use for policymaking and response to COVID-19. The experts will also consider how to improve data availability and use in order to leave no one behind.