From Local to Global: What We Are Learning About the 2024 Commitments and the Path Forward

The Commit to Data (C2D) initiative was launched in 2024 to accelerate sustainable development and create inclusive, equitable, and robust data systems worldwide. Within less than six months, we received over 72 commitments from civil society and international organizations, governments, academia, and the private sector. Together, these commitments are more than isolated pledges–they represent a collective effort to make data systems support everyone.

As we look ahead to 2030, the C2D Secretariat, made up of Open Data Watch (ODW) and PARIS21, have mapped out the commitments submitted to gain insights into their scope, goals, and potential impact. Our analysis covers focus areas, timelines, organization types, and alignment with global goals such as the Cape Town Global Action Plan and the Medellín Framework for Action.

Understanding where we stand is just the beginning. We invite you to learn about the diversity of commitments that help us build better data systems and join the initiative through your own commitment.

What We Mapped

The mapping illustrates a pathway of action that spans from local (13), to regional (10), and global (49) efforts. This trajectory demonstrates the importance of commitments at different levels and how they support each other. While local and regional work informs global policy, global efforts offer a framework for regional and locally led initiatives.

Other key insights include:

• Focus Areas: From official statistics to SGD monitoring, the commitments define where organizations put their energy and where gaps still exist. Commitments cross-cutting and encompass a variety of focus areas. The overarching areas below give us a snapshot of the priorities shaping the data space at this moment:
  • Official Statistics (38)
  • Multi-dimensional (33)
  • SDG Monitoring (28)
  • Survey Data (27)
  • Administrative Data (24)
  • Geospatial Data (21)

• Sectors: From governments to grassroots groups, commitments come from a wide variety of organizations. What makes the initiative particularly special is the high level of collaboration–almost 100% of commitments have one or more supporting organizations.
  • 31% Civil Society
  • 25% Other (academia, collaborative groups, etc.)
  • 24% Multilateral
  • 11% Government
  • 9% Private Sector

• Timelines: Most commitments are set to be achieved within 1-2 years, while others are part of long-term strategies. Our work will help keep track of how commitments evolve over time. Here is the breakdown of their timelines:
  • 39% will be developed in 1-2 years
  • 25% will be developed in 3 years
  • 17% will be developed in 4-6 years
  • 19% did not specify the duration

Alignment with Global Frameworks

Commitments made through Commit to Data also align with important frameworks that guide data for development efforts: the Cape Town Global Action Plan and the Medellín Framework for Action. The Cape Town Action Plan was introduced at the first UN World Data Forum (UNWDF) in 2017, serving as a global roadmap for strengthening data systems for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following the roadmap, the Medellin Framework was launched after the 2024 UNWDF to guide statistical capacity for measuring progress towards the SDGs.

Based on the goals, focus areas, and intended impacts of each commitment, we have mapped their alignment with each core area outlined by the Cape Town Action Plan and the Medellín Framework. This alignment allows engaged organizations to track progress using globally recognized frameworks that establish standards for trust, accessibility, and transparency.

• Cape Town Action Plan:
  • Innovation for better and more inclusive data systems (24)
  • Effective partnerships for better data and equitable data ecosystems (23)
  • Maximizing use and value of data (22)
  • Building trust protection and ethics in data (3)

• Medellín Framework:
  • Innovation for inclusive data (24)
  • Partnerships to mobilize resources (23)
  • Use and value of data for decision-making (22)
  • Institutional leadership for trust and ethics (3)

What’s Next

In 2025, we are focusing on tracking progress, building a vibrant community, and gathering new commitments for Commit to Data. With our “Road to Riyadh,” we will be connecting the 2024 and 2026 UNWDF to accelerate progress toward building sustainable data systems–a critical goal now more than ever.

Whether your organization has already committed or is interested in submitting one, we encourage you to engage actively with Commit to Data. You can sign up for our newsletter, get to know existing commitments, and read our blog for recent developments.

Let’s keep this momentum going by strengthening efforts, building connections, and committing to real change.