The Scattered puzzle�

Open Data for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Presented by: Hafisat Ige

(Data Scientist )

Email: igeharphyzar@gmail.com

LinkedIn: Hafisat Ige

​

�� ��Imagine a world where every decision you make, from the mundane to the monumental, is guided by a hidden force - an unseen hand that shapes your choices, your actions, and your very future. This force is data, the lifeblood of our modern society. From the moment we wake to the time we rest our heads at night, data surrounds us, informing our every move. ��But here's the catch: data, in its raw form, is like scattered puzzle pieces, waiting to be assembled into a meaningful picture. It's through processing, analysis, and interpretation that these disparate fragments coalesce into actionable insights - into information that guides our decisions and shapes our world.��Think about it: whether it's choosing the best route to work based on traffic data, making financial decisions based on market trends, or even deciding what to have for dinner based on dietary preferences, data plays a central role.

Introduction

Overview of the SDGs

​

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. Adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, the SDGs build upon the successes of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) while addressing their shortcomings and expanding the scope of global development efforts.

​

There are 17 SDGs in total, each encompassing specific targets aimed at addressing critical global challenges across three dimensions of sustainable development: social, economic, and environmental. The goals are interconnected and holistic, recognizing that progress in one area often depends on progress in others. They cover a wide range of issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, and biodiversity conservation, among others.

​

Why are the SDGs Important

​

• The SDGs address some of the most pressing global challenges facing humanity, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and conflict.

​

• The SDGs apply to all countries, regardless of their level of development, and require collective action at the global, regional, national, and local levels. They provide a common framework for countries to work together towards shared objectives.

​

• The SDGs recognize the interconnectedness between different aspects of sustainable development, such as social, economic, and environmental factors. Progress in one area often depends on progress in others, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to development.

​

• Leaving No One Behind: A core principle of the SDGs is to leave no one behind. They prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations, including women and girls, children, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and those living in poverty or conflict-affected areas.

​

• 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: The SDGs are part of the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which provides a comprehensive roadmap for building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world for current and future generations.

​

​

​

What is open data

​

• Open data refers to data that is freely available to access, use, and share by anyone, without restrictions such as copyrights or patents. It is characterized by its transparency, accessibility, and reusability, which make it valuable for various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, researchers, and the general public.
• Open data can encompass a wide range of information, including government data, scientific research findings, environmental data, economic indicators, and social data. It is typically made available in digital formats and often published on online platforms or repositories, where it can be easily accessed, downloaded, and analyzed.

​

• The key features of open data include:
• Accessibility: Open data is freely accessible to anyone, without barriers such as registration requirements or fees.

​

• Reuse: Open data can be reused and repurposed for different purposes, including analysis, research, innovation, and the development of new products and services.
• Transparency: Open data is transparent in its origin, methodology, and usage, allowing users to understand how the data was collected, processed, and analyzed.
• Interoperability: Open data is often published in standardized formats that enable interoperability and compatibility with other datasets, facilitating integration and analysis across different sources.
• Licensing: Open data is typically released under open licenses that permit its reuse and redistribution, with only minimal restrictions, such as attribution or share-alike requirements.

​

Examples of open data source

​

• Wikidata: A free knowledge base with structured data on people, places, and concepts, supporting Wikimedia projects.
• Data.gov: U.S. government datasets on topics like climate, education, and health.
• European Data Portal: European Union datasets on demographics, economics, and governance.
• World Bank Open Data: Development data from countries worldwide, covering poverty, education, and health.
• OpenStreetMap: Collaborative mapping data, including roads, buildings, and landmarks.
• UNICEF Data: Child well-being indicators from countries globally, such as health and education.
• Gapminder: Socio-economic datasets tracking global trends like income and life expectancy.

Why Do We Need Open Data For Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

​

• Monitoring Progress: Open data allows stakeholders to monitor progress towards the SDGs by providing access to timely and reliable information on key indicators. This data enables tracking of trends, identification of gaps, and assessment of the effectiveness of interventions.

​

• Policy Formulation: Open data informs evidence-based policy formulation by providing policymakers with insights into development challenges and priorities. Data analysis helps identify areas of need, target interventions, and allocate resources more effectively to achieve SDG targets.

​

• Resource Allocation: Open data helps optimize resource allocation by providing information on where resources are most needed and where they can have the greatest impact. This ensures that limited resources are directed towards priority areas, maximizing their effectiveness in achieving the SDGs.

​

​

• Accountability and Transparency: Open data promotes accountability and transparency by making information on government activities, expenditures, and outcomes publicly available. This enables citizens to hold governments and other stakeholders accountable for their commitments and actions related to the SDGs.

​

• Innovation and Collaboration: Open data fosters innovation and collaboration by providing a platform for stakeholders to access, analyze, and share information. This collaboration leads to the development of innovative solutions, partnerships, and initiatives that accelerate progress towards the SDGs.

​

• Community Empowerment: Open data empowers communities by giving them access to information about their local context and development challenges. This enables communities to participate in decision-making processes, advocate for their needs, and hold stakeholders accountable for delivering on their commitments related to the SDGs.

How do we Use Open Data to Advance SDGs

​

Using open data to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) involves several key steps and strategies:

​

• Identifying Relevant Data
• Accessing Open Data Sources
• Analyzing and Visualizing Data
• Monitoring Progress.
• Informing Decision-Making.
• Promoting Accountability
• Facilitating Collaboration
• Engaging Communities.

Significance of The Use of Open Data on SDGs

​

With all these aforementioned benefits in mind, These proposed actions would create a potential for advancing the use of open data in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a global scale:

​

• Reaching Global Consensus and Standards: Establishing principles and standards for open data, such as "open by default," provides a clear framework for governments, organizations, and stakeholders to follow. This fosters transparency, accountability, and collaboration, which are essential for achieving the SDGs.
• Using platforms like the Wikidata Open Data as a global forum for discussion allows for the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas. It facilitates collaboration and consensus-building among countries and stakeholders, ensuring that open data initiatives align with global goals and priorities.

​

• Embedding Open Data into Funding Agreements: Embedding open data requirements into funding agreements ensures that data collected and produced as a result of funded activities are made openly available. This promotes transparency and accountability in the use of public funds and enhances the quality and accessibility of data for monitoring progress towards the SDGs.
• Mandating the release of data relating to the performance of services ensures that stakeholders have access to information necessary for assessing the effectiveness and impact of development interventions. This enables evidence-based decision-making and fosters greater accountability among service providers.
• Building a Global Partnership for Sustainable Open Data: Establishing a global partnership for sustainable open data brings together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to collaborate on building and maintaining a sustainable ecosystem for open data.

Conclusion

As we conclude, I’d like us to reflect on the boundless possibilities that open data unveils for our journey toward sustainable development. Like a compass guiding us through uncharted territories, open data illuminates pathways to progress, enabling us to navigate complex challenges with clarity and conviction.

​

In this age of information abundance, we stand at the brink of transformation, where data becomes the currency of change and innovation our greatest asset. Through open data, we will witness the convergence of minds, ideas, and aspirations, igniting a spark of creativity that transcends borders and boundaries.

​

As we embark on this collective quest for a better tomorrow, let us seize the opportunity to harness the power of open data to its fullest potential. Let us embrace transparency as a beacon of accountability, collaboration as a catalyst for innovation, and empowerment as a force for change.

​