Citizen Data’s Significance for Sustainable Development

Data is often seen as the future – a powerful tool that unlocks new possibilities. When you hear the word “data,” what comes to mind? Cold, rational, maybe even a bit dehumanised?

Find out in The International Civil Society Centre’s recent podcast 

Data doesn’t have to be just numbers on a screen. Have you ever thought of data as something citizen-centric? It can foster inclusion and even tell a human story. Tune in to our latest podcast episode, where we explore the world of citizen data.

Citizen data is all about groups of citizens coming together to monitor, analyse, and address issues they collectively deem relevant in their daily lives. It’s about challenging the status quo, whether it’s improving accessibility for people with disabilities in public spaces or tackling any other local concern. This isn’t about big corporations analysing customer behaviour or governments predicting nationwide trends. It’s about communities using data to drive change where it matters most to them.

In this episode, we’re joined by distinguished guests – leaders from civil society, donor organisations, and the world of statistics. Together, we’ll explore what citizen data truly means, how it’s used in practice, and what its potential is for making public decision-making more participatory and inclusive. We’ll also discuss its limitations and where it can take us in the future. If you’re curious about how data can be more than just numbers and how it can tell the story of a community, you’re in the right place.

Interviewees:
Annie Namala: Executive Director of the Centre for Social Equity and Inclusion (CSEI) and the National Convener of the Wada Na Todo Abhiyan (WNTA – Do Not Break Your Promises) campaign.

Haoyi Chen: Coordinator of the Inter-Secretariat Working Group on Household Surveys, UNSD.

Ousseynou Ngom: Program Officer, Gender Equity and Governance Program, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Moderator:
Miriam Niehaus: Director of Programmes, International Civil Society Centre.

Tune in to understand how citizen data can drive accountability, foster inclusivity, and spearhead sustainable development initiatives worldwide.