• Discussion paper
  • 25 January 2017

Long-term investments in a short-term world: Arguments for sustainable data

This discussion paper makes the case for the acceptance of key issues that are paramount in the struggle for sustainable development data

This discussion paper makes the case for the acceptance of key issues that are paramount in the struggle for sustainable development data, looking in particular at civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) and community-based censuses.

Based on discussions that took place at the World Data Forum in January 2017 in Cape Town, this paper argues that the current focus on household surveys will not give developing countries the data they need to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. We must ensure we do not perpetuate a divide between the data systems of richer and poorer countries and ensure all countries are equipped with the data they need. Longer-term thinking is essential in our approach to sustainable development data.

Photo credit: IISD Reporting Services.

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