This time last year, we launched the Inclusive Data Charter (IDC) on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum in New York. A task team, facilitated by the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, came up with the idea of the Charter as a political tool to spur countries and organisations to take action to strengthen data disaggregation as we work towards the Sustainable Development Goals. To ensure we collect and use data on all populations, and live up to the promise to leave no one behind.
The idea of the Charter is simple but effective – those that sign up to the IDC’s vision and five principles, also develop an action plan. This is tailored to the particular government or organisation and outlines the steps they are taking to accelerate progress on inclusive data.
We now have 15 IDC Champions* made up of a mix of governments, multilaterals, and civil society organisations. To mark the first anniversary of the Charter, IDC Champions were asked to report on the progress they had made on their action plans since signing up. The reporting outlines detailed examples of what Champions are doing to collect more disaggregated data in censuses, surveys, and administrative systems; how this is then being used to start bringing about change in policy and programs; and how more staff are being trained in the importance of inclusive data.
The past year has also seen the IDC showcased at a number of global events including the World Data Forum; the UN Statistical Commission; ASEAN Heads of Statistics meeting, and the Commonwealth Heads of Statistics meeting. There has also been collaboration amongst Champions in common areas of work; and progress made by Champions to influence other governments and organisations to take action on data disaggregation. An IDC One Year On summary is available, which outlines key highlights. Read the full monitoring reports here.
The year ahead looks exciting with more countries and organisations signing up and making wide-reaching commitments around collecting, using, and sharing disaggregated data. The IDC Secretariat team will also be growing with two new roles – one focused on offering new and existing Champions technical advice to support implementing their action plans; and the other focused on engaging more governments and organisations in the work of the IDC and encouraging them to sign up.
We are delighted to be working with a dedicated and diverse group of IDC Champions on this initiative and very proud of the work that is being done to better understand the experiences of the world’s poorest and most marginalised. This will allow us to make better decisions that positively impact all people’s lives, and ensure no one is left behind.
*IDC Champions include the Ghana Statistical Service, Colombia's National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), Philippine Statistics Authority, the UK's Department for International Development, UK Office for National Statistics, Government of Kenya, Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education in Sierra Leone, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank, Data2X, Development Initiatives, Sightsavers, HelpAge International; and the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre.
