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IGF 2025 Open Forum #21 Internet powered citizen data for inclusive public services

    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 60
    Format description: A roundtable allows for greater interaction between speakers and participants, ensuring a dynamic, solutions-oriented conversation. Given that universal access and digital rights require multi-stakeholder collaboration, this format encourages peer learning, knowledge-sharing, and joint problem-solving

    Description

    The United Nations Statistics Commission is the highest body of the global statistical system, bringing together Chief Statisticians from member states around the world, as well as international organizations working on statistics. The 56th Session of the Commission that took place in March this year endorsed the Copenhagen Framework on Citizen Data—a major step forward in strengthening partnerships between National Statistical Offices and communities. This milestone in creating a more inclusive statistical system highlights the need to elevate standards for data production while reinforcing statistical systems as instruments of tolerance and diversity.

    By engaging citizens, data production can be more than just numbers—it can provide the infrastructure for freedom of expression by establishing connections with population groups that are often left out or underrepresented when assessing societal needs and concerns. What information should be collected? How should it be collected? How should it be used? What does the information mean? These are just a few questions that the population itself can answer, as they are the ultimate beneficiaries of service delivery.

    This session focuses on the pioneering experience of Ghana exploring the potential of citizen-generated data in improving the engagement of citizens in the measurement and assessment of public service delivery. By engaging citizens in data collection and sharing the insights derived, National Statistical Offices can foster a participatory approach that strengthens the connection between data provision and active involvement in decision-making processes. The expansion of internet coverage and the rise in technological literacy enable the use of ‘apps’ to collect information from specific population groups.

    The session aims to:

    • Enhance understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with integrating citizen data into public service assessments.
    • Identify best practices for non-extractive, people centred data engagement models.
    • Develop actionable strategies to leverage internet connectivity for inclusive data collection.
    • Explore how the Collaborative on Citizen Data could support citizen data on effectiveness of service delivery
    Organizers

    Ghana Statistical Service, United Nations Development Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, United Nations Statistics Division. 

    Speakers
    • Prof. Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Acting Government Statistician, Ghana Statistical Service
    • Omar Seidu, Social Statistician, Ghana Statistical Service
    • Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística, Colombia
    • Sarah Lister, Co-Director, Governance, Rule of Law and Peacebuilding (GRP) Hub
    • Crisis Bureau / Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, United Nations Development Programme 
    • Haoyi Chen, Coordinator, Inter-Secretariat Working Group on Household Surveys, United Nations Statistics Division
    • Dilek Fraisl, Senior Research Scholar, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
    Onsite Moderator
    Alexandra Wilde, Team lead on Governance Data and Analytics, UNDP Global Policy Centre for Governance
    Online Moderator
    Mariana Neves, Governance Statistics Specialist, UNDP Global Policy Centre for Governance
    Rapporteur
    Fatma Usheva, Governance Data Specialist, UNDP Global Policy Centre for Governance
    SDGs

    16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
    9. Industry, Innvation, and Infrastructure
    17. Partnerships for the Goals


    Targets:

    SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
    This proposal directly supports SDG 16 by promoting transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance through citizen data engagement.

    Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels

    The session advocates for the integration of citizen-generated data into national statistics to assess service delivery effectively. It ensures citizens are not just data providers but also beneficiaries of the insights derived, thereby fostering accountability and transparency in governance.
    The case study that will presented is on measurement of indicator 16.6.2 - Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.

    Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making

    Engaging citizens in data collection and decision-making strengthens participation in governance, ensuring their voices shape policies and services.
    Digital tools and internet coverage extend participation to hard-to-reach populations, ensuring inclusivity in decision-making.
    Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms

    The session promotes open data practices, where citizens receive feedback on the data they contribute, fostering trust in public institutions.
    It encourages governments to develop data-sharing mechanisms that enable citizens to use and interpret information for informed decision-making.

    2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    This session underscores the importance of internet coverage and digital infrastructure in reaching populations excluded from traditional data collection methods.

    Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable internet access
    The session highlights how expanding internet access can improve citizen engagement in data collection, particularly for remote and underserved communities.
    It aligns with efforts to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equal opportunities for citizens to contribute data and benefit from public service improvements.

    SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
    Collaboration between governments, civil society, and technology providers is central to the the successful implementation of citizen data approaches.

    Target 17.18: Enhance capacity-building support to increase the availability of high-quality, timely, and reliable data
    Training and capacity-building initiatives are required to improve citizen data quality and integration into national statistical systems.
    It promotes data governance frameworks that ensure ethical, secure, and effective data collection from citizens.
    Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on science, technology, and innovation

    The proposal encourages cross-sector partnerships between governments, international organizations, and tech companies to develop innovative data solutions for public service delivery.
    It fosters knowledge-sharing between countries to scale successful citizen data initiatives globally.