Power of Data: Unlocking the Data Dividend for the SDGs

About the initiative

The Power of Data accelerates progress on the SDGs by harnessing the incredible potential of data and technology. 

By providing a platform that puts national leadership at the center, the Power of Data harnesses the convening power of the UN to streamline international efforts and reduce fragmentation, and leverages the financial muscle of the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) lending to mobilize significant resources for system-wide change.

This innovative model represents a new approach to international cooperation in support of national data systems. It is based on a partnership of equals, a focus on system-wide change, linking political support with technical expertise, and the financing required for scale.

Accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

At the halfway point to the SDGs, we are on track to meet just 15% of targets by 2030.  Data is the fuel that powers progress across all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Analysis by Dalberg has shown an average return of US$32 for every dollar invested in data systems, spread across sectors. 

Strengthening data systems will revolutionize decision-making, accelerate countries' digital transformation agendas, and open up economic opportunities for a more equal and sustainable world. However, unlocking the potential of data is often limited by a lack of political prioritization, insufficient funding, and fragmented efforts. 

Many of these challenges are political: getting political support for change, and convening partners behind a common strategy. As an integral part of the SDG acceleration agenda, the Power of Data initiative responds to this challenge.

Cutting-edge national data partnerships

At the heart of the Power of Data are cutting-edge national data partnerships in each committed country. National leadership is at the center of these partnerships, bringing political and technical leaders together to articulate a single set of priorities and engage with development partners in a coordinated way. 

These partnerships will act as the mechanism for unlocking the data dividend at the country level and overcoming historical barriers. Through this mechanism, national leaders will take stock of data and statistics priorities and clarify which priorities matter most right now. They will build on existing plans and convene relevant stakeholders from across sectors for more strategic and coordinated action in support of national priorities. 

Because the partnerships are country-led and context-specific, each country has its own path, which means the partnerships will be unique as they respond to country priorities, challenges, and plans. 

The countries establishing national data partnerships are: Bangladesh, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Paraguay, Rwanda, Somalia, Togo, and Uruguay with initial support from the UK. There are over 10 additional countries looking to launch the initiative in their own countries across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.  

The Power of Data provides an opportunity for strategic alliances among middle or lower-income countries - it’s the chance to take advantage of our collective experiences and avoid making the same mistakes twice. When we work together, we will unblock challenges and unlock solutions that will help those of us with fewer resources.

José Pablo Céspedes, Advisor at MIDEPLAN Costa Rica

The launch of Kenya's National Power of Data Initiative and National Data Partnership is about harnessing that power to build a brighter future for all Kenyans.

Mercy Wanjau, Secretary to Cabinet, Government of Kenya

A Powerful Coalition

The Power of Data is an opportunity for a wide range of actors to come together and for each country to demonstrate their leadership on data and digital transformation in their region and on the global stage. 

Building robust and modern national data systems that can leverage new technology requires inputs from across sectors and stakeholders. Financial support and technical assistance from donors, the UN system, multilateral development banks, and other development partners is critically needed. Working with civil society and academia is essential to leverage expertise, and knowledge, and to foster inclusion of children, women, and the most vulnerable communities. The private sector offers investment and is a critical holder and user of data. Historically, these diverse actors have operated in silos. The Power of Data creates a single umbrella to bring these actors together and align their support.

The initiative is underpinned by a powerful alliance of co-leads, including UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNSD, UN-CCS, the World Bank, Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, with support from the Resident Coordinator system. Each co-lead has specialist skills to offer the national data partnerships with the Resident Coordinator facilitating engagement from all UN system entities.

Sustained action

Since the launch of the Power of Data initiative, a series of launch events have sparked dynamic cross-sector conversations at a national level, quickly moving from words to action. In 2024, thirteen countries  hosted  national Power of Data convenings, and more are planned for 2025. These events  have strengthened political support for data and established a pathway for the national data partnership to begin aligning efforts, maximizing existing programs and mobilizing new investment. Convenings have taken place in Botswana, Capo Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Paraguay, Somalia, Togo and Uruguay, 

Get Involved

The Power of Data initiative is a collaborative effort with many opportunities to participate in: 

• Government Officials: If your government is interested in joining the Power of Data, contact Jenna Slotin ([email protected]) to find out more. 
• Civil Society Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations: Watch our introductory webinars on how civil society is playing a role in the initiative: African-focused (in English with French translation), Latin American, and Caribbean-focused (in Spanish with English translation). The National Data Partnerships are looking to engage communities and collaborate with local stakeholders involved in data activities. If your organization would like to find out more, contact Lydia Rollinson ([email protected]). 
• Private Sector and Funders: If your organization is interested in partnering with the Power of Data at the global or national level, contact Jenna Slotin ([email protected]).

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