The Global Data Festival is the Global Partnership’s flagship event, bringing together the international data for development community to connect, prototype, and share ideas on how data can help tackle pressing challenges and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. 

It’s designed to strengthen partnerships, surface practical solutions, and build momentum across diverse data communities, from practitioners and researchers to funders and policymakers.

After previous editions in Bristol (2018) and Uruguay (2023), the Festival comes to Nairobi in June 2026, creating a space to learn from each other, align ambitions for the future, and turn collaboration into action.

Kenya 2026

Global Data Festival and Kenya Space Expo & Conference 2026 | Nairobi, Kenya 
Nairobi landscape with text about the event in June

From 2-5 June 2026, Nairobi transformed into a global stage for shared missions in Kenya, as the Government of Kenya hosted two complementary events side by side: the Global Data Festival and the Kenya Space Expo & Conference (KSEC).

The event welcome 1,376 participants from 65 countries. Energy was high, with ideas and conversations spilling out from session rooms into hallways and coffee breaks. From data science students and community advocates, to national statisticians, cabinet ministers, space scientists, and international policymakers, there was a genuine sense of enthusiasm and opportunity for the future of data. 

Four days in Nairobi

Immerse yourself in the experience in the multimedia Festival story, with captivating videos, photos, quotes, and inspiring reflections from attendees.
Explore the 2026 Festival experience

Previous events

Festival de Datos | Data for Development Festival 2023 | Punta del Este, Uruguay

555 attendees from 62 countries, representing 274 organizations gathered in Punta del Este, Uruguay, November 2023 for the Festival de Datos. The event successfully brought together the data communities and fostered new collaborations, innovations, and opportunities for learning and exchange. 

Read stories from session hosts, attendees, and partners here. 

 

Data for Development Festival 2018 | Bristol, UK

The Global Partnership’s first Data for Development Festival brought together 400 delegates in Bristol in March, 2018. The event provided an opportunity for the attendees to participate in numerous thematic events, network with the global data for development community, meet representatives of the Global Partnership’s new Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Group, and shape the partnership’s future. 

Read more here.

Festival highlights

Want to know more? Get in touch

Lucy Pearson Headshot

Lucy Pearson

Associate Director of Strategy and Development
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Lizzy Hvide profile

Lizzy Hvide

Associate Director of Communications
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