Commit to Data Spotlighted in Global Push for Smarter Development Financing

At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Sevilla, data was recognized as a critical driver of sustainable development. The newly launched Sevilla Platform for Action includes the "FfD4 and the Future of Data: Strengthening Systems for Sustainable Financing" initiative—led by the U.K., Norway, and Colombia and backed by a coalition of partners from countries, civil society organizations, and UN agencies—highlights Commit to Data as a key tool for tracking progress and accountability. 

Shifting Data from “Nice-to-Have” to “Must-Have” 

Historically, investments in data systems were often seen as optional or secondary—important for reporting but disconnected from core development strategies. The Compromiso de Sevilla, the landmark outcome document of FfD4, flips that paradigm. It recognizes data as a strategic asset—essential for: 

• Boosting domestic revenue through improved tax administration 
• Supporting debt sustainability through early warning systems 
• Attracting private investment with reliable and open data 
• Improving aid effectiveness with stronger targeting and impact tracking 

Operationalizing Commitments through the Sevilla Platform for Action 

To deliver on the ambitions of the Compromiso, the Sevilla Platform for Action (SPA) was launched. The SPA is a multi-stakeholder mechanism designed to translate more than 130 global initiatives into tangible progress. 

Among those initiatives, FfD4 and the Future of Data initiative stand out for their call to align national priorities, coordinate data support efforts, and make long-term, smarter investments in national data ecosystems. These goals align directly with the vision of Commit to Data. 

“Data is a central driver of informed financing for development. Strengthening national systems is critical for implementation of the global development agenda and key to mobilize access to additional financial resources. We commit to collective action, progressing the Medellín Framework for Action on Data and its commitment platform, and delivering data priorities to drive the global FfD agenda.” 

Why Commit to Data Matters for Financing Development 

1. A Platform for Collective Investment 
   Commit to Data provides a clear, accessible way to see what governments, donors, and organizations are doing to strengthen data systems—and where further investment is needed. 
    
2. A Tool to Encourage New Commitments 
   The platform remains open for new partners to join and share their ongoing or planned commitments. This keeps momentum alive and encourages peer learning and collaboration. 
    
3. A Mechanism to Track and Monitor Impact 
   Backed by Open Data Watch, PARIS21, and past and future UN World Data Forum hosts, Commit to Data is already functioning—providing regular updates on progress and helping ensure accountability. The commitments part of C2D also help close persistent data gaps, bringing attention and even leveraging political will to support areas lacking funding. 

Looking Ahead 

As the development community turns its attention toward implementing the Sevilla Platform for Action, Commit to Data will serve as a key mechanism to keep partners focused on the delivery of results, maintaining accountability, and building a community of practice. It will continue to elevate good practices, track results, and support coordination among partners working to strengthen national data systems. 

This is just the beginning. With your continued engagement, we can transform high-level ambition into lasting impact—making data work for everyone, everywhere. 

Explore the platform and see how you can contribute: commit-2-data.com