In preparation of the UN World Data Forum 2021, that will take place in Bern – Switzerland in October 2021 (postponed by one year) and as a way to enhance the role of International Geneva in digital cooperation, a series of Cross-sectoral Dialogues on Digital Cooperation are being organized. By addressing data issues through different angles, such as their collection, protection, sharing and use and by matching it at the same time with key sectoral dimensions like health, science, technology, intellectual property, business, climate, humanitarian challenges, trade or environment, we aim at enhancing the added value of data to ultimately accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The Cross-sectoral Dialogues will pave the way of the Road to Bern via Geneva. These Dialogues are intended to deliver Geneva’s contributions to the UN World Data Forum and to foster valuable and beneficial participation. The cross-cutting and interactive discussions of the Dialogues allow to combine the experience of different sectors while enlarging the perspective on digital cooperation. The previous Dialogues held in 2020 were: #1. Data Collection, February;   #2. Data Protection, April;   #3. Data Sharing, May;   #4. Use of Data, October.

We are looking forward to your participation and contribution to the fifth leg of this policy and knowledge journey which should help all of us in Geneva and beyond to prepare Geneva’s contributions.

REGISTRATION:

You are kindly invited to register for Dialogue 5. on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cross-sectoral-dialogues-on-digital-cooperation-tickets-144606218091 no later than March 23, 2020.

The e-link to join Dialogue 5. will only be sent to registered participants. To foster interactive discussions and fruitful exchanges, the number of participants is limited. It is therefore recommended to register on time.

Data and Technology for Development

The implementation and monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has shown the critical role of data and technology to advance sustainable and inclusive development. The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of leveraging data and digital technologies to ensure a rapid, agile, and effective response to both the pandemic as it unfolds and the economic recovery in its aftermath. Data plays a catalytic role in informing targeted decision-making at the national and supranational levels while technology can be harnessed to realize new and innovative ways to implement tangible solutions on the ground.

Under the overarching theme of harnessing data and technology for development, this cross-sectorial dialogue will feature two complementary discussions. The first panel will focus on data for development, presenting the World Bank SDG Atlas and its innovative data visualizations, and discussing the role of data in leading a resilient recovery and achieving the SDGs. The second panel will focus on technology for development, presenting EPFL’s Tech4Dev initiative and showcasing best practices in technology transfer that can be adopted by multiple stakeholders in international development.

Programme

Thursday, 25 March 2021, 14:00 – 17:00 (Geneva time)