Alexander De Croo announces accession to Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data

Belgium is playing a leading role in the field of digitisation for development at an international level. Spurred on by Minister of Development Cooperation Alexander De Croo, also responsible for the Digital Agenda, Belgium is actively engaged in increasing the impact of the international development policy, by focusing more on digital technologies and big data. Because of its leading role, Belgium was invited to join the GPSDD.

Within the GPSDD, Belgium has committed itself to supporting its partner countries in the collection and analysis of relevant data in collaboration with the private sector and civil society, developing the right infrastructure and skills in order for policy for sustainable development to be effective, whilst protecting the privacy of citizens. On a national, European and multilateral level, Belgium will also continue to promote the integration of digitisation in the development policy and the correct monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Role of data for effective climate policy

On Thursday 22 September, Minister De Croo will deliver the opening address at the High-Level Event Harnessing the Data Revolution for Climate Resilience, focusing on the role of data for an effective climate policy. During this High-Level Event, the participants will issue a joint statement emphasizing the importance of data for better climate policy.

Relevant data for climate policy are often unavailable, not detailed enough or of poor quality. Nonetheless, the use of (digital) data could be of added value in different ways: climate change and related phenomena can be monitored better; digital data can be used to better control machines and installations for renewable energy, making them more efficient and more environmentally-friendly; the population can be informed better and faster in the event of extreme weather and help can be mobilised more quickly in the event of a major disaster.

For more information on GPSDD: http://belgium.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bb5815b475de861b33d34f6fe&id=f688ffcfa3&e=4878979865.