UN World Data Forum 19-21 October 2020
Come join the first virtual UN World Data Forum to identify innovative solutions for better data, 19-21 October 2020 Who: Over 5,000 data experts from more than 100 countries, including from national statistical offices, the private sector, international organizations, the scientific and academic communities, media and civil society organizations, as well as political leaders and sustainable development advocates. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General will open the virtual Forum followed by pre-recorded remarks from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO Director General), Mark Suzman (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation CEO) and Alain Berset (Swiss Federal Councillor for Home Affairs). Then three interactive high-level plenary sessions taking place over 3 days will feature speakers such as Keith Claudius Mitchell (Prime Minister Grenada), David Nabarro (WHO Director-General’s Special Envoys on COVID-19 Preparedness and Response), Tim Harford (author and Financial Times Columnist) and Raj Kumar (President of Devex). When: 19-21 October 2020 Where: Virtual, find more information at UNDataForum.org What: At the virtual UN World Data Forum, several outcomes are expected, including: Launch of the Global Data Community’s response to COVID-19 – Data for a changing World; Increased support for data use during COVID-19 and the recovery;Progress on initiatives and solutions to harness the power of data for the public good and to get back on track to implement the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind; Growing consensus on strategies to address trust in data, privacy and governance. Why: The purpose of the United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) is to intensify cooperation on data for sustainable development between various professional groups in Governments, academia and professional bodies, the geospatial community, international agencies, donor and philanthropic bodies, the private sector, civil society and the media. Following the restrictions put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual Forum will be held from 19 to 21 October 2020 to satisfy demand for the latest data solutions and thinking to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and for the monitoring and recovery from the pandemic. How: Participants wishing to register, can find information at UNDataForum.org, or follow on Twitter @UNDataForum. Background: The UNWDF was previously hosted from 15 to 18 January 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa by Statistics South Africa, and 22 to 24 October 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, resulting in the Cape Town Global Action Plan for Sustainable Development Data and the Dubai Declaration. The next physical meeting is postponed to 3 to 6 October 2021, and will take place in Bern, Switzerland, hosted by the Federal Statistical Office. Media contacts: Daniella Sussman| E: daniellacitizenglobal@gmail.com | T: +1 347-395-0345 UN World Data Forum | UNDataForum.org | @UNDataForum See the media contacts for partner organizations: https://unstats.un.org/unsd/undataforum/media |