Why is it important to make data available in the Arab Region?
Data are everywhere. And this is even more true in the digital world. The pledge that no one should be left behind is a core principle behind the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Implementing the 2030 Agenda will not be achieved unless those who are excluded and marginalized can be reached. Data aggregates with full coverage and data disaggregation ensure that scarce resources are well-utilized to ensure fairness and equity.
The data ecosystem and monitoring system governing the SDGs include governments, the private sector, civil society organizations and citizens. Each plays an important role to ensure that policies are designed to cater to the needs of those who are vulnerable or should be targeted and that the social, economic and environmental costs are well accounted for. By having access to data and effectively using knowledge resources, governments can make informed decisions; and individuals, firms, and communities can better advocate for their individual and collective well-being.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which are integrated, indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental.
Each SDG is tracked and monitored with a set of indicators that are common across countries according to the global indicator framework. Methodology and standards to collect the data for all indicators are now available.
Tracking progress towards implementing the 17 SDGs should go hand in hand with measuring the statistical capacity of countries. Data availability at the indicator level helps us understand which dimensions of the three economic, social and environmental are least reported on, and which communities are left out when reporting on the efforts to implement the SDGs at the national, regional and global levels.
Some countries don’t collect enough data about the environment and the sustainable development of their cities and specific communities.
Other countries fail in reporting on social inequalities in rural areas and the gender disparity across many levels.
By monitoring data availability and identifying data gaps, we put a spotlight on issues that are usually underreported or receive little coverage.
Explore the interactive visualization to learn about the ability of Arab countries to report on the SDGs and data availability at the goal level.