One year ago, we announced a collaboration between Google’s Data Commons and the Statistics Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). The goal of our work is to connect data from across the UN system and make it more accessible and easier to use. Previously, the data was fragmented and difficult to access, making it challenging for groups like policymakers, NGOs and citizens to make fully informed decisions.
In response, Google’s Data Commons team and the UN, with funding from Google.org, co-developed the UN Data Commons for the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). It’s a one-stop hub that uses digital and AI capabilities to help implement the SDGs, fostering a collaborative data culture across agencies by providing relevant insights and powering data-driven decisionmaking.
In line with this year’s UNGA theme of “Accelerating Solutions and Creating a Resilient Digital Future,” the UN is now expanding Data Commons into many additional agencies. Our recent work with the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) will allow our initial work with UN DESA to scale across all UN agencies, including the World Health Organization, the International Labour Organization and UNICEF. The initiative directly supports the UN Secretary-General’s data strategy, which aims to deliver data-driven solutions across areas like climate, health and agriculture.
“UN Data Commons for the SDGs doesn’t just provide access to crucial information; it democratizes insights,” says Stefan Schweinfest, director of the United Nations Statistics Division. “Through an interactive AI interface, unified access and clear visualization, the platform aims to empower users to explore trends, make comparisons, and ultimately make more informed decisions for a better world. It’s a testament to the power of open data to drive understanding, innovation, and, ultimately, progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.”
With just six years remaining to the UN’s ambitious 2030 target, the latest SDG report illustrates that more than 80% of the SDGs are still off track. While commendable progress has been made, there is a need for stronger and more effective action to address critical global issues such as poverty, hunger, clean energy and gender equity. With its expansion into additional agencies, we hope that the UN Data Commons for the SDGs will continue to lower data barriers and chart the path to 2030.