About the initiative

Visit the dedicated Data Values website

The Data Values Project is a global movement to challenge power structures in data to ensure that we all share in the benefits from its collection and use. We’re a community of hundreds of people from more than 60 countries working to create a fairer data future. The Data Values Manifesto calls for change in how we design, collect, fund, manage, and use data. Organizations, governments, and people must act now and together to create this change.

The Data Values Project was a response to calls from the network to understand what principles should underpin the future of data for development and what actions would be required to get there. More than 300 people from 63 countries weighed in during a year-long consultation to surface a collective vision for a fair data future. Through the consultation, consensus emerged on the need to critically examine the ways that power is distributed in the production, sharing, and use of data, and in how data use and governance can challenge or exacerbate existing power imbalances. The findings of the consultation can be read in our Whitepaper. 

 

The Data Values Manifesto

The Data Values Manifesto is the foundation of the project, highlighting the 5 areas of action required to achieve a fairer data future. 

The Data Values Manifesto calls on governments, companies, civil society organizations, donors, and others to make positive changes in how data is funded, designed, managed, and used. 

Read the Manifesto here. 

Building a community of Data Values Advocates

As societies grapple with the transformative effects of data and data-driven technology, the need to challenge underlying power structures in data systems has never been more crucial. Community-led action is the key to creating data systems that empower rather than harm—and across the globe, young grassroots activists and community leaders are recognizing the potential of data to bring about positive change.

In response to this urgent need, we launched the Data Values Advocates program in late 2022. This program is a core part of the Data Values Project, a global movement working to create a fairer data future and to ensure that those most affected by today's unequal data processes are at the forefront of shaping a more equitable world. 

Read more about our community and meet our Data Value Advocates here.

Impact

Since its launch in 2022 the Data Values Project has undertaken a wide range of community-building and advocacy activities, including:

  • Building a community of over 800 individuals and organizations in over 100 countries that remain engaged with our events and communications
  • Created the Data Values Advocates program supporting 13 youth and community activists in 13 countries
  • Engaged with and influenced government policy in Botswana, Costa Rica, Kenya and Colombia
  • Hosted sessions at a wide range of global events including World Data Forum, Festival de Datos, DRIG, Rightscon, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Stats Cafe
  • Informed data training such as Joint Identity Profiling Service (JIPs) collaborative leadership training program 
  • Distributed five micro grants to further fairer data practices
  • Developed learning products on the implementation of fairer data practices 

Voices of the Data Values movement

Gwen Phillips

Indigenous Data Governance Expert
Ktunaxa Nation

Don't think you're powerless. It's people who change policy.
The power to shape how Indigenous peoples are measured in data is essential to self-governance and community healing.

Eric Ndawula

Lifeline Youth Empowerment Center

When we come out and tell our stories, we're not doing it for ourselves, we're inspiring others.

Rubina Adhikari

Data Values Advocate

Before joining the Data Values Advocate program, I was just another person saying, “Climate change is here.” But now, I don’t just acknowledge it—I understand it.

Ghislain Irakoze

Data Values Advocate

As we all continue to rethink community-led efforts in data equity advocacy, it’s vital to recognize the influence and resourcefulness of programs like Data Values Advocates have on innovators and defenders who are yearning for a supportive ecosystem.

Resources

News and Updates

Want to be part of this global movement?

We have resources that empower you to dig deeper into Data Values, to share and promote the Data Values Manifesto and to engage with others on these issues.
Check out the resources here

Read the Data Values Digest

Thought-provoking posts from the data for development community to unlock the value of data for all.
Read here

Events