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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

Inclusion Gaps in Data Governance

Data governance systems are too often designed without the diversity of end users in mind.

Language Inclusivity in Data Accessibility

The exclusion of Indigenous languages from data systems reinforces structural inequities.

Uneven Implementation of Accessibility Policies

Disability-inclusive data practices rarely span the full data lifecycle and even where legal or policy frameworks exist, their implementation is uneven and oversight remains weak.

Disability-Inclusive Data Practices

Only a few countries legally require disability-inclusive data practices, leaving critical gaps in representation and equity.