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Cross-cutting Themes

In this second edition, the GDB addresses relevant cross-cutting themes, providing a broad perspective on the societal implications of data practices. These themes integrate various sub-questions and supporting questions, often spanning multiple indicators or subgroups, to reassemble survey components in innovative ways and uncover deeper insights.

The GDB integrates data use, inclusion, and data foundations for AI throughout its framework to reflect the interconnected dynamics of data governance and availability.

Data use is considered beyond isolated case studies, offering a more holistic view of how information is translated into action across sectors—though findings reveal persistent fragmentation, uneven capacity, and gaps in incentives. Inclusion deepens the analysis by examining whether data ecosystems serve diverse populations equitably, with new questions highlighting barriers faced by people with disabilities and speakers of underrepresented languages. Meanwhile, the growing influence of artificial intelligence brings urgency to assessing whether national data systems are equipped for AI, with relevant elements incorporated across areas such as data literacy, protection, sharing, and reuse.

Taken together, these lenses offer a richer understanding of not only what data is available, but how it is governed, applied, and experienced by different communities.

Findings

Data Use Gaps

No thematic area demonstrates full data use, highlighting widespread underutilization and untapped potential across sectors.  

Government as Data Steward

Governments function both as providers and users of data, reinforcing the role of open data in strengthening institutional capacity.

Key Users

Civil society organisations and the media consistently appear as key users across action areas.  

Accountability & Transparency

Accountability and transparency dominate reported use cases.