As part of the preparations for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in June 2025, a Multi-Stakeholder Hearing will take place in New York. On the sidelines of the hearing, the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, in collaboration with UNDESA, the Governments of Canada, Norway, Sierra Leone, and the UK, hosts an event on the power of data in the financing for development (FFD) agenda.  

The event will unpack how strong data and statistical systems are critical to mobilizing domestic resources and private finance, making aid more effective, managing debt, addressing systemic issues, and leveraging technology and innovation to deliver better policy outcomes for citizens. 

In previous FFD deliberations, data and statistics have been discussed predominantly in terms of monitoring rather than as an essential means of implementation for the Sustainable Development Goals. However strong data and statistical systems are essential for advancing the financing for development agenda. This event explores how FFD4 can incorporate commitments on data and statistics across the agenda, and what mechanisms exist to implement and follow-up on those commitments. The discussion will also share examples of how strong systems that produce high-quality accessible data lead to more informed decisions, on policymaking and delivery for citizens, supported by sustainable financing. It will also highlight what the risks are when the relevant data and statistics are not available. 

Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm ET
Join in person: 2 United Nations Plaza, Floor 23, New York
Or listen online.

Organizers: Canada, Norway, Sierra Leone, UK, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (UN DESA)

Speakers

Barbara Curran

Director General, Social and Economic Development
Global Affairs Canada

Tara Soomro

Ambassador to the Economic and Social Council
UK Mission to the United Nations

Saviour Simwanza

Assistant Director for the Mineral Value Chain Data Unit
Zambia

Prof. Samuel Annim

Government Statistician
Ghana Statistical Services

Elizabeth Lockwood

Representative at the United Nations
CBM Global Disability Inclusion and Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities

Craig Hammer

Manager, Development Data Group
World Bank

Toril I. Pedersen

Co-Chair
Addis Tax Initiative

Lisa K. Sivertsen

Director of Human Development
NORAD
Moderators

Jenna Slotin

Senior Director of Policy
The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data