Pre-Forum Day 4

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The importance of data-led and evidence-based decision making is unprecedented. It is not only a tool for policy making but also a prime driver of choices made by nations, institutions and individuals. As its importance grows, visualization and application of statistics and data takes new heights using technologies such as Big Data, GIS, AI, mobile applications amongst other. Building statistical and data management capability is a critical pillar of digital economy and a prime mover of digital transformation. COVID-19 is an example where we are all witnessing its impact.  The recent Committee for the Coordination of Statistical Activities (CCSA) publication on How COVID-19 is changing the world: a statistical perspective? is a clear example of the  importance of statistics for measuring digital development and the importance of partnerships.

ITU has been the primary source for data collection on telecommunication and ICTs and feeds into various indexes and other sectoral decision-making tools. Monitoring digital development only continues to grow in its importance as countries, industry and agencies embark on digital development agenda. However, there are several challenges experienced  by countries in collecting the required data to measure digital development in a timely manner including availability of resources and capacity. The ITU has recently released ITU Manual for Measuring ICT Access and Use by Households and Individuals, 2020 Edition, and ITU Handbook for the Collection of Administrative Data on Telecommunications/ICT, 2020 Edition. There has been increasing demand from countries to build inistitutional and individual capacity to improve the collection and use of statistics and data.

A number of governments and enterprises are also deploying big data solutions to enable real time information sharing and enabling policy decisions in a timely manner. The ITU has in the past and continues to on the use of big data for measuring ICT development.