On the sidelines of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), this event brings together Power of Data countries and partners to reflect on progress made and share insights on how aligning efforts to strengthen data systems is accelerating SDG progress. This comes on the heels of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which recognized in its outcome document the foundational role of data in driving financing goals and mobilizing action for data systems strengthening.
This event is open to all attendees of the HLFP; no additional registration required.
Background
With just five years left until the SDG deadline, too many countries are lagging behind as they contend with multiple compounding crises and challenges. Robust national data systems that produce high-quality, timely data are essential to effectively target scarce resources and design policies to accelerate progress on the goals. Moreover, in today’s digital world, stronger data systems are essential to revolutionize decision making, accelerate countries’ digital transformation agendas, and open up economic opportunities.
Evidence shows that unlocking the potential of data is often limited by a lack of political prioritization, insufficient investment, and fragmented efforts. Recognizing the urgent need to address these challenges, the High Impact Initiative on the Power of Data was launched at the SDG Summit (September 2023) as a new coalition to facilitate cutting-edge national data partnerships leveraging commitment at the highest level of political leadership and to promote strategic investments in data. The expanding initiative currently includes 16 committed countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, supported by the UK, and facilitated by co-leads including UNDP, UNFPA, UNDESA, UNICEF, CCS-UN, the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data.
