One of the key challenges in using data for decision-making is the lack of quality data, often due to incomplete or untimely data, which can stem from factors such as inadequate legal frameworks, poor data infrastructure, and limited technical capacity. By strengthening data capacity, we can address these barriers, enhancing the quality and availability of data. This, in turn, ensures more informed, efficient, and accountable actions throughout the data cycle, leading to better developmental outcomes. Ultimately, strengthening data capacity improves decision-making and fosters a culture of evidence-based practices that can significantly impact communities and leave no-one behind.

Our commitment to strengthening data capacity within government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) is critical to advancing evidence-based decision-making, effective policy formulation, and efficient resource allocation. By addressing gaps in data management, accessibility, and usage, we aim to ensure that policy decisions are based on accurate, relevant, and timely information, enabling MDAs to design impactful programs, allocate resources where they are needed, and measure outcomes effectively—all essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Leveraging insights from our ongoing work and evidence from initiatives like Digital Governance, the Global Index for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (GIRAI), the Global Data Barometer (GDB), and BRIDGE Assessments, our approach provides tailored support that meets each country’s specific development priorities by focusing on key thematic areas: Governance, AI, Gender, and Agriculture.

Strategic Approach and Key Activities

Develop Context-Specific Data Strategies

We work with select countries to co-create actionable data strategies that align with their unique challenges and developmental goals. These strategies are grounded in our ongoing evidence-based work and offer a roadmap for MDAs to strengthen data capacities across collection, management, and application, supporting informed, data-driven decision-making in governance, AI, gender equity, and agricultural development.

Establish a Community of Practice

To foster ongoing learning and the exchange of best practices, we commit to building a community of practice that brings together professionals from across the thematic areas. This network will facilitate peer learning, support knowledge transfer, and promote innovation, enabling MDAs to share challenges, solutions, and emerging trends in data capacity building.

Develop a  Digital Governance Framework

To enhance data security, streamline operational processes, and increase citizen engagement, we will create a Digital Governance Framework tailored to MDAs’ needs. This framework will provide guidance on data privacy, ethical data use, and citizen-centered data engagement, supporting governments in adopting secure, transparent, and inclusive digital practices.

Outcomes

Strengthened Data-Driven Decision-Making: MDAs will be equipped to make informed, evidence-based decisions, optimizing policy outcomes and resource allocation to address national and sectoral priorities effectively.

Accelerated Progress on SDGs: By enhancing data capacities across Governance, AI, Gender, and Agriculture, we enable countries to track and achieve SDG targets with greater precision, especially in areas most relevant to their development agendas.

Sustainable Community of Data Practice: The community of practice will serve as a continuous support network, promoting shared learning, collaborative problem-solving, and long-term sustainability in data governance.

We will monitor progress through tracking the MDAS adopting best data practices in policy and resource allocation.