Harnessing the full potential of data in informed decision-making is critical to accelerating sustainable development. The first session of a new cycle of the Community of Practice (CoP) on data-driven communication, created in 2022 by Cepei and PARIS21 (OECD), was held on August 28. This time, it will be located in Medellin (Colombia) and will be a prelude to the United Nations World Data Forum, which will be held in this city in November 2024.
The CoP promises to catalyze innovation and collaboration in data-driven communication in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its objective will be to foster knowledge sharing among local actors in Medellin and capacity building in data-driven communications.
The initiative is supported by Eafit University, the Antioquia Federation of NGOs, Comfenalco, the Latin American Initiative for Open Data (ILDA), the Center for Journalism Studies of the University of the Andes (CEPER), and the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) of Colombia.
Connecting the global with the local
Medellin, known for its innovation development, has been chosen for this CoP because, in addition to overcoming historical challenges, it has established itself as an economic and technological hub in Latin America. With its advanced infrastructure, startup culture, and government support, the city is a crucial location capable of connecting and intertwining global, regional, and local knowledge.
The CoP aims to make data accessible, engaging, and impactful through qualitative exploration and creating narratives accelerating sustainable development. This process will also be developed in collaboration with the National Statistical Offices (NSOs) of Latin America and the Caribbean and other local actors who are not necessarily part of the statistical field, such as public officials, media representatives, academia, policymakers, civil society, and technological innovators.
Knowledge sharing sessions:
In addition to the August 28 session, the agenda of this CoP will include a series of meetings and activities that will be held in the coming months and that aim to make a valuable contribution to the United Nations World Data Forum.
Session 2: Data Journalism and the use of new technologies (AI)
- Date: September 03, 2024
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. (GMT -5)
- Format: Virtual, registration link here
Session 3: Storytelling based on data and statistics
- Date: TBC
Session 4: Local media covering the UN World Data Forum (international experts, topics of interest for media initiatives, networking and connection to the World Data Forum)
- Date: TBC
Bootcamp during the World Data Forum:
This face-to-face event will bring together local and international media professionals, data experts, and communicators to share knowledge and develop skills.
- Date: TBC
A platform for ideas and best practices:
Space for participants to share tools, strategies, and experiences that improve data-driven communication.
The programmed events and activities ultimately seek to achieve connections between local and global actors and empower participants with skills and resources to effectively leverage data for informed decision-making and sustainable development.