Big Data for Better Lives: Mobile, Statistics & Insights Redefining how the world responds to those in need

This high-level side event demonstrating the power of big data for social good during the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. Co-hosted by the GSMA, Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Norway.

Member States, in collaboration with the private sector and the development community, are increasingly harnessing innovation and big data insights to improve the wellbeing of our planet and our society.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights a shared determination to take bold and transformative steps to ensure a healthy, peaceful world for present and future generations. Taking action on climate change, improving health and responding to natural disasters are key challenges that can’t be addressed without new, innovative approaches and dynamic multi-stakeholder partnerships.

This high-level event showcased countries’ approaches to integrating new sources of data to mitigate climate change, boost economies, and improve livelihoods. Practical examples from CEOs of major telecommunications and data-led companies, heads of state, and policymakers. The discussions illustrate the untapped potential of technology, innovation and big data, and demonstrate how to implement these techniques while respecting and protecting the right to privacy.

Click here for coverage of the event.

Speakers
Mona Chalabi, Moderator
Sigve Brekke, President and CEO, Telenor Group
Shanelle Hall, Deputy Executive Director, UNICEF
Aminata Kane, CEO, Orange Sierra Leone
Mohammed Swaray, Minister of ICT, Sierra Leone
Alexander De Croo, Deputy Prime Minister, Belgium
Nikolai Astrup, Minister of Development, Norway Government
Rehan Asad, Chief of Staff, WFP
Robert Kirkpatrick, Director, UN Global Pulse
Claire Melamed, CEO, Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data
Rebecca Moore, Director, Google Earth Engine
Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA