Alexander De Croo advocates better use of data in migration policy
Today, in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development Cooperation Alexander De Croo organised a meeting about an improved use of data in the international migration policy. The meeting was organised together with Mali's Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdoulaye Diop and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
During the meeting, William Swing (Director General of the International Organization for Migration), prof. Sanjeev Khagram (coordinator of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data) and dr. Lindsay Stark (professor Forced Migration and Health at Columbia University) also took the floor. They discussed the possibilities and limitations of data to improve the national, regional and global migration policy.
Enormous potential of data
Alexander De Croo: "Data from telephone traffic or social media for instance are an invaluable tool in developing an effective migration policy. Thanks to the digital revolution, policy-making should no longer be based on information which is several years old, but take into account real time data."
The use of digital data helps to better understand the complex causes of migration and the different migrant profiles, ensures a better understanding of the positive consequences and challenges for migrants, their families and the countries of origin and destination, and maps the needs and human rights situation of migrants. This information can be used to manage migrant flows and improve social integration.
Ethical standards
Alexander De Croo pointed out that information on the different aspects of migration is still too often incomplete, and that there are shortcomings in the exchange of information between the relevant actors. He calls for stronger partnerships between public authorities, the private sector and the civil society for the collection, exchange and analysis of the available data.
At the same time, Minister De Croo warned that the use of data does not only uncover unprecedented opportunities, but creates new responsibilities as well. Therefore strict ethical standards must be enforced for the processing and use of this information.
Belgium takes a leading role
An advanced use of digital technology is a focal point of both the Belgian development policy and of Minister De Croo himself, who is also responsible for the Digital Agenda. Due to our leading role, Belgium was invited earlier this week in New York to join the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, an alliance of public authorities, the private sector and NGOs promoting the improved availability, quality and analysis of data in a bid to enhance the international development policy.