It is an honour to join you all today.  

We gather at a moment when data has become one of the most powerful drivers of sustainable development. From responding to climate shocks and public health emergencies, to improving access to education, finance, and social protection – data, when used responsibly, enables governments and communities to act with speed, precision, and purpose.  

However, this potential comes with a challenge: without strong governance, we risk deepening inequalities, amplifying misinformation, and reinforcing exclusion. This is especially pressing to address in light of the unprecedented speed of AI development and adoption that we see around the world today. The AI equity gap is a serious development challenge that must be tackled urgently.  

We are not here to only talk about data and emerging technologies – we are here to have a conversation about trust, inclusion, and shared responsibility.  

At UNDP, we work in over 170 countries and territories, supporting governments to build the core foundations needed to make data serve the public interest. For instance, we are providing policy and technical support to implement secure digital ID systems and national data strategies, and build institutional capacity and digital infrastructure. These are not just technical investments, but also critical enablers of inclusive growth and democratic governance.  

We must also ensure that the rules governing data are fair, transparent, and rooted in human rights.  Global frameworks—like the Global Digital Compact—can help us move in this direction, by setting standards for openness, accountability, and interoperability that enable countries to lead with confidence and engage on equal footing.  

At the same time, local innovation is critical, as it helps to ensure that governance frameworks enable accessibility and usability, particularly for low- and middle-income countries. For example, the Power of Data Initiative, co-led by UNDP, is working with leaders in 16 countries to set up national data partnerships – making sure their systems are locally led, while also supported by global expertise.  

Indeed, the most fundamental building block for equitable data systems is people – not technology.  It is the policymakers, analysts, and community leaders who turn data into decisions, and systems into services. That’s why UNDP puts people at the center. Through our Digital Capacity Lab and the Data to Policy Initiative, we’ve trained more than 1,500 policymakers across 20 countries to design citizen-centered data and digital solutions that deliver real impact. 

No one actor can do this alone. Public-private partnerships are essential in order to scale data solutions and promote inclusive and responsible use of data. We must invest in building trusted partnerships – grounded in clarity, mutual accountability, and shared impact and recognition.  

In order to facilitate private sector investment into countries, UNDP is supporting governments to identify impactful, investable data use cases that align with national priorities. For example, we support de-risking mechanisms, from flexible financing models to public data infrastructure, and we co-create pilot projects that demonstrate measurable results. In doing so, we help translate ambition into action – at scale, and with equity. 

As we look ahead, let us remember: data is not just a tool for economic growth. It is a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and inclusion. 

By building data systems that are fair and accountable, fostering local talent, and strengthening public-private collaboration, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s breakthroughs. And together, ensure that data becomes a true force for sustainable development—one that leaves no one behind. 

Thank you.