San José, Costa Rica – May 31, 2024
The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC), the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, and the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy (MIDEPLAN) are pleased to announce the successful launch of the "The Power of Data" initiative in Costa Rica. This groundbreaking initiative has harnessed data's potential to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event occurred at Hotel Radisson in Barrio Tournon, San José, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on May 30th. It convened diverse stakeholders, including government officials, UN agencies, private sector leaders, civil society representatives, and academic experts. Together, they explored ways to strengthen Costa Rica's data systems and promote sustainable development.
The event featured keynote addresses by Laura Fernández Delgado, Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy, and Floribel Mendez Fonseca, General Manager of the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. Allegra Baiocchi, Resident Representative of the United Nations, and Jenna Slotin, Senior Director of Policy at Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, shared their insights.
The launch of 'The Power of Data' initiative in Costa Rica marks a significant step towards harnessing data to drive sustainable development. By strengthening our data systems, we can make informed decisions that benefit all sectors of society, ensuring no one is left behind. Costa Rica's commitment to this initiative exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Claire Melamed, CEO of GPSDD
Discussions focused on implementing the high-impact initiative, addressing information gaps, and improving data access for SDG measurement. Participants delved into strategies for data disaggregation and developed actionable plans to advance Costa Rica’s data and technology agenda.
We worked on statistical production planning, which is defined in the National Statistical Development Strategy 2023-2032 and the National Statistical Plan 2023-2027, which is a clear and ambitious framework for strengthening the statistical capacities of Costa Rica, and with which the monitoring of the 2030 Agenda is effectively supported. In addition, there is an indicator monitoring protocol, which has allowed the SDG indicator system to be updated, and a constant continuous improvement in the calculation thereof, which contributes to increasing the list of national SDG indicators in which the country is making progress.
Floribel Méndez, General Manager of National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC)
Highlights of the day included:
Reflections on accelerating SDG monitoring from experts like Carine Clert, World Bank Country Manager for El Salvador and Costa Rica, and Juan Luis Bermúdez, Head of Office, UNFPA Costa Rica.
Insights on the national vision for SDG progress from INEC and MIDEPLAN.
Panels on interoperability in information systems and local data disaggregation, featuring contributions from various ministries and organizations.
Sessions on fostering multi-actor collaboration and enhancing the open data ecosystem.
Our recent work, such as updating the Systematic Country Diagnostic and the Partnership Strategy with Costa Rica, highlights some limitations in the data that hinder a deeper analysis of Costa Rica’s challenges. And precisely this Power of Data Initiative that brings us together today will support Costa Rica in addressing the country's data needs.
Carine Clert, World Bank Country Manager for El Salvador and Costa Rica
Today, we know that 55% of satisfactory or substantial progress in the 130 indicators analyzed, and we know where we need to accelerate to achieve the ambition of sustainable development by 2030; and this was only possible through a statistical capacity that provides high-quality information, in short, with the power of data we can achieve real transformations to leverage sustainable development.
Allegra Baiocchi, Resident Representative of the United Nations
Analysis by Dalberg has shown an average return of US$32 for every dollar invested in data systems, underscoring that data is the fuel powering progress across all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Power of Data initiative, launched at the SDG Action Weekend in New York in September 2023, positions Costa Rica among 15 countries committed to leveraging data for sustainable development. Co-led by UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDESA, the World Bank, and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data and supported by an initial investment from the United Kingdom, "The Power of Data" aims to create strategic alliances and drive progress on the SDGs.
Data is a source of visibility, localization, and precision in accomplishing the SDGs. Its power goes beyond efficiency to become a tool and a vehicle of dignity and rights for diverse and multicultural societies.
Juan Luis Bermúdez, Head of Office, UNFPA Costa Rica
We thank all participants for joining us in this important dialogue. Together, we can unlock the power of data to create a more sustainable and equitable future. For more information, please visit here.
