2nd Doha Data Forum Affirms Pivotal Role of Data in Addressing Sustainability Challenges

Doha: The Doha Declaration issued at the conclusion of the Second Doha Data Forum for Innovation in Sustainable Development affirmed the pivotal role of data in addressing sustainability challenges, promoting innovation, and guiding evidence-based policies. The Doha Declaration pointed that statistics and data related to innovation in sustainable development are closely linked to human rights, their promotion and protection. It stressed that statistics and data enable governments, organizations and civil society to monitor human rights conditions and assess progress towards achieving human rights goals. Participants in the forum, which was organized by the National Planning Council over two days, underscored the vital role of data, statistics, artificial intelligence and machine learning in promoting innovation and addressing critical global challenges, as these tools enable the analysis of trends; predicting future outcomes; improving resource allocation; supporting real-time decision-making; enhancing hum an development, crisis preparedness, reconstruction and recovery; and thus accelerating sustainable development. Participants also affirmed commitment to instilling a culture of innovation in the field of data by promoting the development, deployment and use of advanced technologies in sustainable ways, noting the importance of cooperation between different sectors and disciplines to build comprehensive and equitable data systems to bridge the gender gap. The declaration urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the benefits of data are accessible to all and prevent the perpetuation of biases in data driven technologies and to ensure that no one is left behind. In this regard, it stressed the importance of preventing algorithmic and gender biases and promoting algorithmic transparency in AI including machine learning (ML) applications. Data-driven technologies must be developed and used in ways that are fair, unbiased, and benefit all communities. Strengthening legal frameworks and governance mecha nisms is essential to ensure ethical standards, privacy protection, accountability, and enforcement of liability where harm occurs. Participants in the Forum pledged to invest in capacity-building initiatives to empower stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and solutions necessary to harness data for sustainable development. They pointed that the Doha Data Forum provides a platform for sharing best practices, showcasing successful data-driven initiatives, and promoting knowledge exchange across regions, noting that case studies demonstrating positive impacts on sustainable development, such as those related to environmental protection, economic inclusivity, gender and social equality, will inspire future progress. In light of the Pact for the Future adopted during the Summit of the Future in New York in September 2024, the participants voiced commitments to strengthening digital cooperation and harnessing the potential of science, technology, and innovation for the benefit of all humanity, the declarati on said. The declaration also underlined the recognized the rise of synthetic data generated by modern AI systems, which can closely resemble human-generated data and pose risks of misuse for malicious purposes, emphasising the urgent need for a global framework to regulate and manage synthetic data to ensure responsible use. It called upon ministries, universities, research centers, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to invest in data infrastructure and emerging technologies. It also called for inclusive data practices that ensure equitable access to data resources for all users, consistent with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics adopted by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Participants in the Forum also affirmed the critical importance of sex-disaggregated data for advancing and tracking progress on gender equality, a strategic priority sine the Beijing Platform for Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A particular emphasis shoul d be placed on marginalized groups, such as women, indigenous populations, and refugees, who are often underrepresented in official statistics leading to a lack of visibility in data, resulting in the neglect of the needs and rights of these groups, the Doha Declaration stressed. It called on national stakeholders to prioritize gender data production, leveraging technology and innovation to close gaps in gender data production and capacity, and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. Participants in the forum called for increased investment in designing, testing, and adopting innovative technologies in low-resource settings to maximize their impact on sustainable development. The Second Doha Data Forum marks the beginning of a new era of data-driven innovation for sustainable development, the participants said reiterating commitment to utilizing the power of data, statistics, AI, and ML to address global challenges and drive meaningful progress toward a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future. Sourc e: Qatar News Agency