In this Open Data Day (ODD) 2024, we want to explore and harness the synergy between Open Data’s impact and its contribution to sustainable development. As we celebrate ODD one more year, it is crucial to acknowledge the transformative power of Open Data (and, particularly, Open Government Data- OGD) as a catalyst for creating a sustainable, transparent, and inclusive future.
The Global Data Barometer is a key instrument in understanding and leveraging the power of data for sustainable development. It measures the availability, governance, capability, and use of data across countries, providing critical insights into the state of data globally. By assessing data ecosystems, the Barometer helps identify gaps, opportunities, and best practices, guiding stakeholders in making informed decisions and strategies for open data implementation. The GDB can be used to assess key datasets that could be used to track commitment to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. Its importance in shaping policies and initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be overstated, making it an essential reference for Open Data Day discussions and beyond.
In this context, the Caribbean Open Institute developed a tool to analyze the connection between a country’s GDB score and its progress towards the SDGs. This analysis is presented through an insightful dashboard, which facilitates deeper research and exploration. This approach underscores the vital role of open and accessible data in the global effort towards sustainable development (check our previous post).
GDB data and SDGs
The SDGs provide a common point of reference for the GDB to identify a set of particular public goods that data might help deliver, and that we can provide some global assessment against: from good health for all, to climate action, and to just and strong institutions. There are several examples of these connections throughout the different modules of the Global Data Barometer.
For example, open data supports various SDGs, notably Goal 16, which emphasizes transparent and accountable institutions and inclusive decision-making, we can see this goal materialized in good transparent procurement portals, like the GDB shared in its report (p. 64), comparing some of the good practices in countries like Kosovo, Nepal, Italy, USA, Moldova, and others. Moreover, open data facilitates informed policy-making, aligning with goals such as Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, and Climate Action. In this last one, an example is Paraguay, where IDEA, the environmental NGO, used right to information requests to obtain land ownership data and combined this with satellite images and information on licenses to detect illegal deforestation, and to then file an official complaint. (check our report p. 68)
The GDB also contributed to the SDG 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutes” in its findings. In this case, we can mention the importance of having an open data platform to publish financial information and promote transparency. For example, France adapted its framework to establish a robust platform for publishing information about assets, incomes, and budgets in general. By making their datasets available, public institutions become more transparent and accountable to citizens. This fact highlights the importance of transparency and accountability, fundamental elements for SDG 16.
Also, open data fosters citizen participation, a critical component of Goal 17, which emphasizes partnerships and collaboration. Initiatives such as open data platforms and citizen participation forums are integral to fostering collaboration, innovation, and citizen-centric services, thereby promoting effective governance and achieving the objectives outlined in Goal 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Role of Data Capabilities
A key step in ensuring the availability of OGD, which can contribute to a large range of SDGs, is the implementation of reforms that enhance and improve public sector data capabilities. For example, countries that scored higher in the Barometer demonstrate key efforts to enhance data management and improve data literacy for public officials.
Globally and across different regions, governments with strong data management capabilities — including open data initiatives, institutional data frameworks, digital governance policies, and public officials skilled in data handling — generally show a higher level of data availability.
Training of public officials on data management and publication contributes to the achievement of SDG4 by promoting skills needed to achieve sustainable development. The GDB explores the extent to which there is evidence that governments are investing in capacity building through providing training programmes to public officials. In this regard, although over 90 countries have evidence of training being available, under 25% of countries appear to have widespread ongoing and sustainable capacity building programmes for public servants on data literacy and data skills. (P.39)
A Collective Call to Action
Overall, achieving the SDGs through open data needs a collaborative and innovative approach. Workshops and debates during Open Data Day 2024 will be critical for devising these strategies, inviting a diverse array of stakeholders to contribute their expertise and perspectives. Let’s embrace the opportunity to deepen our commitment to open data as a cornerstone of sustainable development. This day should serve as a platform for action, collaboration, and innovation, drawing together diverse stakeholders to explore government data’s vast potential. By integrating tools like the Global Data Barometer into data strategies, we can pave the way for a more transparent, accountable, and sustainable future.