IGF 2025 Open Forum #42 Internet powered citizen data for inclusive public services

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.

The 2025 IGF will be a hybrid event. Your session should provide a rich, inclusive experience both for participants on-site and online. For information, the IGF Secretariat and the Host Country will provide the technical tools and virtual link to support the hybrid component of your session. Planning for an interactive session engagement is an important criterion for your proposal’s acceptance. Please respond to the following questions: 1) How will you facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees? 2) How will you design the session to ensure the best possible experience for online and onsite participants? 3) Please note any complementary online tools/platforms you plan to use to increase participation and interaction during the session. The session will be fully hybrid, ensuring equal participation for both onsite and online attendees. Virtual connections will be facilitated through Zoom, with a dedicated online moderator overseeing the virtual audience, relaying questions, and encouraging active engagement. To promote interaction, live polling and a moderated Q&A session will be included, allowing both in-person and online participants to contribute equally. Virtual attendees will also be encouraged to use chat features to share insights, which the moderator will incorporate into the discussion. Panelists will engage directly with both onsite and virtual audiences, with clear visual and audio integration to ensure inclusive participation. To further enhance interactivity, digital engagement tools like Slido or Mentimeter will be used for live polls and Q&A. Additionally, a collaborative document (such as Google Docs or Padlet) may be utilized to capture key takeaways and reflections from participants in real-time, ensuring ongoing engagement even after the session concludes.