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Frequently Asked Questions

“Commit to Data” builds on the legacy of previous UN World Data Forums (UNWDF), including the Cape Town Global Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap for advancing sustainable development data initiatives through 2030. By mobilizing global commitments, this campaign aims to strengthen data systems worldwide, driving sustainable development and ensuring that the period between the 2024 UNWDF in Medellín to the 2026 UNWDF in Riyadh accelerates progress and delivers tangible, positive impacts worldwide.

 

What is the campaign?

"Commit to Data"  is a global initiative led by Open Data Watch and PARIS21 on behalf of the UNWDF Programme Committee to advance sustainable development through improved data systems. It encourages governments, civil society organizations, and individuals to make commitments that strengthen data collection, use, transparency, and/or accessibility. By aligning data-driven efforts with other development frameworks the campaign aims to create inclusive, equitable, and robust data systems.

 

Who can make a commitment?

Commitments are open to all organizations and can be made by:

  • Governments
  • Private Sector
  • International or regional organizations (including UN agencies and other multilaterals)
  • Civil Society
  • Philanthropy
  • Academia and research associations
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What types of commitments are there?

The campaign encourages commitments that focus on strengthening data systems at all geographical levels, from local to global. Commitments extend beyond financial contributions and can include in-kind support such as establishing new partnerships or collaborations, strengthening and scaling up existing programs, reaffirming work programs to close data gaps, and more.

 

What makes a strong commitment?

Strong commitments are voluntary, time-bound, and include measurable intended impacts and outcomes. They should support the Cape Town Global Action Plan’s mission to leverage data for sustainable development, ensuring no one is left behind in the pursuit of the SDGs. Specifically, strong commitments should:

  • Be actionable and impactful
  • Have clear, measurable outcomes
  • Contribute to the achievement of the SDGs
  • Be time-bound
  •  

Is there a specific time-range for commitments?

The length of commitments will vary based on their nature but should ideally run through 2030 to align with the SDGs timeline.

 

What is the deadline for submitting a commitment?

We encourage commitments to be submitted as soon as possible, as this will ensure greater opportunities for collaboration and visibility. Submitting your commitment now allows us to feature it across various media outlets and provide ongoing recognition. Although the 2024 UN World Data Forum in Medellín has passed, the campaign continues as we bridge one forum to the next. By submitting a commitment today, you will be part of a global effort to drive sustainable development through data, with opportunities to be highlighted in future sessions and events across 2025 and 2026.

 

Do commitments need to be brand new initiatives or beyond what is already planned by an institution?

Commitments can build on existing initiatives or be entirely new. The key is that they are actionable, measurable, and contribute towards the SDGs.

 

Can a commitment be made by one organization or does it need to be in partnership with others?

Commitments can be made by a single organization or in partnership with others. Submitted commitments should include contact information to allow for potential collaborations.

 

Is there a maximum number of commitments an organization can make or be involved in?

No, there is no maximum. Organizations can make and be involved in as many commitments as they would like.

 

How will commitments be measured and monitored?

Commitments are voluntary and self-led by the organization. The approach will be light touch, serving as a bridge between the 2024 UN World Data Forum (UNWDF) in Colombia and the 2026 Forum in Saudi Arabia. PARIS21 and Open Data Watch, in collaboration with UNSD, will act as the secretariat to reach out to commitment makers for voluntary updates and progress reports between the two forums. The platform will be the primary communication channel, where commitment profiles will feature a section for updates since UNWDF 2024. Additionally, we plan to leverage the UNWDF network through newsletters, blogs, and webinars to share these updates more widely.

 

What is the commitment making process?

To make a commitment, an organization can fill out the commitment form on our website using the “Commit” tab. Following the review of the submission, the Secretariat will reach out to the main point of contact with confirmation and content to promote the commitment in their network.

 

My organization has made progress on my commitment. How can I update the text on the Commit to Data website?

Organizations can sign in to the platform to update the text about their commitments, highlighting any progress made using this form. 

 

What is the difference between a sponsoring and supporting organization?

A sponsoring organization(s) is the organization or organizations responsible for initiating and driving the commitment. This organization leads the planning, building an agreed work program and deliverables, implementation of deliverables, and overall management, convening, and promoting the commitment. Sponsoring organizations are accountable for delivering the agreed results and communicating the impact of the commitment and are expected to mobilize resources, whether financial, human, or technical, to ensure the successful execution of the commitment.

 

A supporting organization(s) plays a complementary role by providing additional expertise to assist the sponsoring organization in fulfilling the commitment. They must stay proactive and contribute through technical assistance, advocacy, research, or other collaborative efforts that strengthen the commitment’s reach or impact. The supporting organization will help the sponsoring organization and if needed take the lead as needed in areas of its core competency based on upfront agreements.

 

What happens after the 2024 UNWDF?

The Commit to Data campaign is designed to bridge the 2024 UN World Data Forum (UNWDF) in Colombia with the upcoming sixth UNWDF in Saudi Arabia in 2026. Over the next two years, the campaign secretariat will regularly provide the UNWDF community with updates and progress reports on existing commitments while continuing to gather new pledges from stakeholders. These commitments, showcasing tangible actions, will serve as a key mechanism to track and monitor the implementation of the Cape Town Global Action Plan and its forthcoming update.