Official side event at the UN High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation, 22nd Session
In a time of intensifying global challenges and constrained resources, the promise of international collaboration on data and technology has never been more urgent or more powerful. At this official side event on South-South Cooperation, the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data and APC Colombia bring together a global coalition to spotlight how inclusive data systems can unlock progress on climate, health, and equity.
Why now?
Evidence shows that every $1 invested in data systems generates an average return of $32. Yet, many countries in the Global South face challenges in realizing this “data dividend,” including fragmented investments, limited infrastructure, and few opportunities for peer learning. However, some countries are leading the way in innovation and inclusive data practices.
South-South and triangular cooperation presents a unique opportunity to share solutions across borders, enabling mutual learning, capacity strengthening, and progress aligned with emerging technologies and global priorities.
Since 2024, APC Colombia and the Global Partnership have been piloting a new model for South-South data collaboration through the Make Inclusive Data the Norm initiative. This initiative fosters peer exchange across Colombia, Ghana, and Kenya, helping countries learn from each other’s best practices:
- Ghana is adapting Colombia’s approach to recording gender-based violence to inform national policy.
- Colombia is applying Kenya’s standards for citizen-generated data to enhance data quality and inclusion, and learning from Ghana’s use of digital tools for data collection.
- Kenya is drawing from Colombia’s experience with gender mainstreaming to promote equity in data systems.
A global moment for cooperation
The event convenes leaders from cooperation agencies, national governments, and multilateral organizations to explore how investments in data systems can fuel development outcomes. Discussions will emphasize:
- There is a need for new partnerships that go beyond funding, focusing instead on shared knowledge, capacity building, and mutual respect.
- This is an opportunity for both the Global South and the Global North cooperation agencies to jointly lead efforts that strengthen data use across sectors.
This collaboration is aligned with the UN Power of Data initiative, with Colombia as a committed member.
