Absent that, we risk, like our fictional character, misdirecting time, effort and resources toward problems that may not exist, simply because we misunderstood the data. 

Why data matters

As Libya continues to navigate a range of complex and interconnected development challenges, the need for reliable and comprehensive data cannot be overstated.  

Experiences from around the world show that perceptions of inequality and/or injustice can strongly shape how people view institutions and policies, a situation that could breed grievances and popular discontent   

Such grievances are present in many societies. In the best cases, they are expressed in public debate and peaceful processes.  In more difficult circumstances, they can manifest in social tension, division or conflict.   

Addressing such challenges begins with understanding them.  

Evidence, in the form of reliable data, provides that starting point. Data can help build a shared understanding of development challenges, defining their scope, identifying who is affected, and helping policymakers design more effective responses. 

Putting people at the centre of data

Effective data systems place people’s lived experiences at the centre of data collection and analysis. 

This is not only valuable in its own right; it is also necessary for building public confidence in reform efforts. Policies aimed at reform often involve trade-offs, and evidence can help make these trade-offs clearer to policymakers and citizens alike. 

Whether the challenge involves subsidy reform, sustainable natural resource management, or improving public services, reliable data is indispensable. When evidence reflects the interconnected realities of people’s lives, there is a greater chance that reforms will be effective and sustainable. 

Supporting data-driven development in Libya

Strengthening evidence-based policymaking is an important part of UNDP’s work with national institutions. 

Through initiatives such as the cooperation to strengthen national efforts in the preparation of Libya’s seventh National Human Development Report, initiatives to strengthen analysis of multidimensional poverty, and work on understanding environmental sustainability through the Water-Energy-Food nexus, or developing water strategy based on credible situation analysis, UNDP supports national partners in generating evidence that can inform development policies. 

Encouragingly, many national institutions are increasingly recognising the value of data and digital technologies in strengthening policy analysis and service delivery. 

UNDP stands ready to continue partnering with Libyan institutions to build on these efforts, drawing on the organisations global and regional experience and innovative approaches. 

When combined with digital tools and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data systems can become even more effective, helping policymakers respond more quickly and design development initiatives that are better targeted and more impactful. 

The importance of disaggregated and local data

For data to be truly useful, it must be disaggregated and localised. 

This means accounting for differences across regions, between women and men, across age groups including youth and other demographic characteristics. 

The national average alone often masks important variations. Local municipalities, for example, need access to data that reflects their specific realities in order to design appropriate solutions. 

Data must also be dynamic, regularly updated to reflect the changing economic, social and environmental conditions that shape people’s lives. 

Most importantly, data should reflect people’s lived experiences, aspirations and needs. Standardised indicators are valuable, but they must be complemented by context-specific insights that capture the realities of individual communities. 

Building a culture of data

Strengthening the use of data also requires a broader culture of evidence across society. 

While government institutions play a central role, academia, civil society, the private sector and the wider public also contribute to a stronger data ecosystem. Researchers, students, entrepreneurs and civil society organisations all benefit from the ability to collect, interpret and apply data to real-world challenges. 

Fostering this culture can support more informed public dialogue and stronger decision-making, while helping institutions monitor progress and improve policies over time.  

Reliable, high-quality data is a starting point for addressing complex development challenges.

From poverty reduction and employment to sustainable resource management, evidence helps clarify priorities and identify solutions. It can also provide insights into less visible dimensions of development — including people’s aspirations, expectations and perceptions of opportunity. 

For Libya, investing in strong data systems is therefore not only a technical exercise but a strategic development priority.  

In the face of complex challenges, data can help build a clearer understanding of what works, what needs improvement, and where resources can have the greatest impact. 
And as Ali Misrati’s story reminds us, understanding and awareness how we measure things can make all the difference between fruitlessly chasing the wrong problem and finding the right solution and explanation.