Creating a fair data future is a mission many can get behind, but a question that frequently arises is “how?”

It undoubtedly requires action by a wide range of actors, but what actions and by whom? How does the Data Values Manifesto translate into actionable principles that organizations can use to create a fairer data future? What steps can organizations take to move forward?

The Data Values Starter Pack is here to help.

Welcome to the Data Values Starter Pack

Data and technology hold enormous potential to benefit people, yet barriers and entrenched inequalities continue to hinder data’s potential to improve lives. Far too many people remain excluded from data, while others are harmed by their inclusion in it. Existing data is left unused or underused by policymakers. Top-down data governance solutions do not allow space for
people to hold those in power accountable. Development agencies collect and use data primarily at the behest of donors, who are often out of touch with events on the ground. Data and automated decision-making reinforce structural inequalities—largely behind the scenes.

Who is the Data Values Project for?

The Data Values Project is for anyone who is passionate about creating a fair data future. This includes people in civil society organizations, nongovernmental organizations, government, and the private sector who have an interest in changing how data is collected, managed, stored, and used to ensure fairness, equity, and inclusivity.

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An introduction to the Data Values Project

The Data Values Project is about taking action to protect against these risks, create change, strengthen agency, and shift power. The project was designed to enable individuals and organizations to be agents of change and to take individual and collective control of their data and how it is governed for more equitable outcomes. The Data Values Project is founded on the belief that data still can be a huge force for good. The project’s principles and recommendations were developed to ensure that everyone in the global community can take advantage of the opportunities data offers.

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Understanding the Starter Pack

As a follow-up to the Manifesto and white paper, the Starter Pack provides actionable steps to guide stakeholders as they implement Data Values in their work, organization, or sector. 

It is designed to be adaptable to different types of partners carrying out different types of work. The goal is to help more partners in the wider data for development community implement Data Values. 

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Data Values discussions and training sessions

Creating space to discuss the Manifesto is the fastest way to spark ideas on how to live the principles and implement them in your own work. 

Along with other assets, training and discussion sessions can form the basis of your journey to implementing Data Values and achieving a fairer data future. 

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Case studies and best practices

This document is full of examples of people from across the data for development network who are implementing the ideas and values highlighted in the Data Values Manifesto. The hope is that they will provide inspiration for you and your organization. 

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Free e-learning course

This course aims to inspire individuals and organizations to engage with and implement the principles of the Data Values Manifesto to create a fair data future for all. It was developed by Data for Social Impact (DSI), an initiative of the Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis, and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data.

This work would not have been possible without a huge amount of work from colleagues at the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data and across the Data Values community.

The Starter Pack was developed with insights gathered from interviews with partners from the Data Values community, carried out by Lydia Rollinson and Fatuma Faarah in 2024. With huge thanks to:

  • Data4Change - Bronwen Robertson
  • Code for Africa - Emma Laura Kisa, Eric Wamugu, and Nduku Kiteng'e
  • DANE - Julieth Alejandra Solano Villa
  • IREX - Philip Davidovich
  • Development Gateway - Annie Kilroy
  • D-Tree - Tracey Li
  • Data for Social Impact, Washington University at St Louis - Dan Ferris and Jenrose Fitzgerald
  • Global Data Barometer - Amy Johnson
  • CSEI - Aditi Anand and Annie Namala
  • Restless Development - Caleb Masusu and Juliet Nakazibwe 

This work was informed and shaped by their experiences, expertise, and insights shared in these interviews and their continued support and engagement with the Data Values Project. 

The Starter Pack was drafted by Lydia Rollinson with rigorous review and input from Fatuma Faarah, Ruby Richardson, Janet McLaren, Karen Bett, Karen Chavez, Fredy Rodriguez Galvis, Victor Ohuruogu, and Jenna Slotin. 

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