About the D4D Network

A global alliance working to advance new strategies on the use of data to address development challenges around the world

It starts with a simple premise:

The responsible use of data can help us to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), understand the impact of a global crisis like the COVID pandemic, or identify critical areas for development programming that still need to be addressed. However, we need to know more, share what we know, and be willing to work together for the public good.

The Data for Development Network

The global Data for Development (D4D) agenda is moving into a new phase. Advances in the broad field of data science can increase the abilities of organisations across all sectors. AI in particular, powered by data, is spurring new innovations and transformative social change, both positive and negative.

The Data for Development Network (D4D.net) is a global alliance of Global South-based research organisations established with the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) that works to develop and mobilise the knowledge needed to advance the use of data to address critical development challenges. The Network seeks to shape a more inclusive response to development challenges by bringing southern perspectives on the use and impact of data to the forefront. The roughly 40 projects currently underway build on the activities of our organisational partners across the Global South to advance research and policy in critical areas such as responsible AI, open data, big data, privacy and human rights, misinformation, cybersecurity, data justice, and much more.

Our Mission

The Data for Development Network seeks to advance the governance and use of data for democratic, inclusive, and equitable development.

To this end, member organisations of the Data for Development Network collaborate extensively to maximise funding opportunities and to leverage skills and competencies to increase our collective impact on research and policy development at all levels.

Objectives

Advance Policy and Practice - Advance the development of inclusive, equitable, and rights preserving digital policy, data governance, and data systems by governments and institutions.
Scale Innovation - Support the innovative use/reuse of data and data systems to address key development challenges, promote inclusiveness, and uphold respect for and access to human rights.
Strengthen Capacity - Strengthen the capacity of governments, civil society, and research organisations to use data and effective data governance to address development challenges and support transparent and accountable decision-making.
Enhance Southern Leadership - Position southern-led research and researchers to shape the global data agenda and drive improved national policies through support for South-South and South-North networks.
Build a Culture of Evidence - Strengthen a global community of researchers to support a global evidence-based agenda to advance the use of data for development.
Support Awareness and Resilience across the Global South of the changes to democratic principles, governance, and accountability as they are being reshaped and redefined by digital technologies driven by data and AI.

How We Work

Accelerate Research
Undertake an accelerated research agenda to address critical gaps in the evidence needed to support local, national, and global decision-making related to data for development strategies.
Catalyse Action
Share knowledge on the innovative use of data in priority development areas, such as gender equality, health, climate change, education, food security, and much much more.
Shape the Agenda
Support Southern-based organisations in shaping a global response to development challenges by bringing “use of data” lessons, capacity building, and community collaboration to the forefront.

Network Member Organizations

The D4D Network is made up of research organisations across the Global South working to advance research and the development of innovative policies and practices to address critical development challenges both globally and locally through the responsible use of data.

Birzeit University

CAFDO

Caribbean Open Institute - COI

Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law - CIPIT

Centro Latam Digital

Cepei

Data for Development Asia Hub

Derechos Digitales

ILDA

Learning Initiatives on Reforms for Network Economies Asia - LIRNEAsia

Local Development Research Institute - LDRI

Middle East and North Africa Data Network

Research ICT Africa - RIA

Governance: The Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is comprised of representatives of our member organisations, providing strategic direction and oversight in support of network activities with input from members organisations. Additional information is available via the Data for Development Network Charter.

Rachel Adams

D4D Network Chair & Lead, Global Index on Responsible AI

Pyrou Chung

Director of ODI (EWMI)

Gloria Guerrero

Executive Director, ILDA

Marwan Tarazi

Director, CCE, Birzeit University

Global and Regional Partners

The D4D Network develops a range of partnerships to support the implementation of work plans and projects and to enhance the impact of Network products and research results.

Organization of American States - OAS

Datasphere Initiative - DI

Open Government Partnership

Open Data Watch

Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data - GPSDD

Open Data Charter

Donor Organisations

IDRC is the founding donor organisation of the D4D Network and works with our other donors to facilitate data for development programming via our Network members.

International Development Research Centre - IDRC

William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

Global Affairs Canada

D4D Global Research Hub

A small team supports the Data for Development Network via four core activities that are intended to catalyse an ever-evolving global community of practice via and drive the innovative use of data to support sustainable development. The resources and information contained on this website all target the following 4 activities of the Hub:

Research

Global, regional, and local research, reports, data collection, position papers, and analysis.
Knowledge Mobilisation

Policies, guidance, best practices, use-cases, tools, and scalable solutions.
Capacity Building

Development of data-science skills, knowledge, and infrastructure.
Convening the Community

Events, webinars, and conferences to explore emerging issues within the global data agenda.

The resources available on the site represent a collective effort to address the global knowledge gap around the responsible use of data to address development challenges and advance democracy, while simultaneously addressing ethical and social concerns related to the misuse of data. The D4D Global Research Hub is hosted at Research ICT Africa.