Building on the outcomes of the first phase of UNDG consultations on Post-2015 development priorities, UNDP is convening a global meeting between 29 and 31 January in New York focused on data and accountability in the new development framework. The meeting will bring together various initiatives and key stakeholders active in the field, from governments, parliaments, international organizations, bilateral and multilateral development agencies, civil society and academia.

Participants will discuss topics including lessons learned from the experience of the UN system and other stakeholders in monitoring the MDGs at the national and global levels, a conceptual framework for development data, open data, innovation and new technologies for participation, institutional capacity and infrastructure requirements for improved data collection and the use of data in evidence-based policy-making, national and international legislative frameworks for monitoring and accountability of development delivery, the role of data journalism and media in fostering transparency and participation.

There is need to take note of the fact that data is required as evidence of progress i.e. monitoring but accountability goes beyond just knowing progress. The other essential aspects of an accountability framework is using this evidence to advocate for change as well as taking action. So one would need to look at the 3 main aspects which occur in a cycle; the last leading back to the first:

-       Data to monitor progress and influence policy making

-       Data to inform and empower stakeholders for evidence based advocacy

-       Data as a basis for reform/taking action

The 3-day event will take place at the United Nations Headquarters from 29 to 31 January 2014, in conjunction with the eighth session of the Open Working Group on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Objective: The event will aim to foster a common understanding of the concept of a “data revolution” and the potential roles of various stakeholders, and contribute to building a global partnership for development data and accountability for the Post-2015 development agenda.

Outcomes: The event will feed into the inter-governmental and broader discussions on sustainable development goals and Post-2015, and lead to a common roadmap for coherent follow-up actions and advocacy to integrate data and accountability in the Post-2015 development agenda.