Seasons Greetings and 2024 Reflections From LDRI.
| 2024 has been a transformative year at the Local Development Research Institute (LDRI). Together with our partners, we have focused on identifying data gaps and finding innovative ways to address them. From the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) to the UN World Data Forum, one key question has guided our efforts: how can countries strengthen their data capacities to make evidence-informed decisions and solve developmental challenges? Tackling Food Security and Climate Challenges One of the critical challenges we addressed this year was food security and climate resilience. Through our early warning system work, we have advanced AI-driven, locally-informed solutions to promote a food-secure future. You can explore our progress in the latest report by the UN Climate Technology Centre and Network. Responsible AI Practices in Sub-Saharan Africa Our involvement in the Global Index on Responsible AI has been another highlight. By bringing together researchers from across Sub-Saharan Africa, we contributed to a global understanding of responsible AI practices. The findings of this study can be accessed here. Addressing responsible AI naturally leads to questions about the safety and security of data. In Zambia and Kenya, we have been working on research to understand the AI landscape and government digital services to design participatory digital governance mechanisms that ensure the equitable use of emerging technologies, leaving no one behind. Closing Gender Data Gaps A cross-cutting theme in our work has been gender data—answering the critical question of where women and girls are within the development agenda. Together with Data2X, GROOTS Kenya, Pollicy, Landesa, SDG Kenya Forum and the Office of the Women’s Rights Advisor to the President, we hosted Kenya’s inaugural Women In Data Summit. This event brought together partners to address persistent gender data gaps and strategize for impactful solutions. Advancing Open Data Initiatives Efforts like the Open Data Initiative have been instrumental in making government data more accessible for decision-making. As part of Kenya’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) committee, we are pleased to report progress on the fifth National Action Plan, which now includes more sub-national entities. One promising member is Nairobi County, where we have supported the Air Quality Data Action Plan. This initiative increases data availability and accessibility while integrating it into urban planning and environmental policy frameworks we are looking to sharing more about this in 2025. The Global Data Barometer: Second Edition The Global Data Barometer entered its second edition this year. Our regional researchers have been collecting data to track the progress of Sub-Saharan African countries since the first edition. As we gear up for 2025, we are eager to see how these insights drive data-driven progress across the region. Looking Ahead: The Commit to Data Campaign Our work doesn’t stop here. Through the Commit to Data campaign, we aim to drive meaningful change by addressing data gaps, enhancing transparency, and promoting inclusiveness. By making data commitments, we can collectively create impactful solutions for the future. Thank You and Happy Holidays As we close the year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners and friends for making this journey worthwhile. Your collaboration has been invaluable. As we take a break to rest and reset, we wish you happy holidays and look forward to continuing our impactful work in 2025. Connect With us Are you following us on our socials? You can now follow us on our X, and LinkedIn accounts to stay up to date with our latest publications, events, and news.Best Regards,From the LDRI Team. | ||
| FEATURED THIS MONTH | ||
| 2024 Highlights From Us and Our Partners 1. Political Will For Gender Data In Sub-Saharan Africa 2. Building Political Will For Gender Data: Findings From 30 Countries 3. Women In Data Summit 2024 4. Global Index and Responsible AI 2024 Results 5. The Second Edition Of The Global Data Barometer 6. Here’s why we need inclusive AI: a view from the African continent 7. The Role of Government as a Provider of Data for Artificial Intelligence 8. AI for Climate Action in Developing Countries: Opportunities, Challenges and Risks 9. Kenya’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) 5th National Action Plan 10. Strengthening Data Capacity For Accelerating The SDGS/ Decision-Making | ||
| UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES/EVENT | ||
| Global Index on Responsible AI Data Visualization Challenge About the challenge: This initiative invites participants worldwide to use the Global Index on Responsible AI 2024 dataset to create visualizations that: Promote understanding of Responsible AI by revealing key trends, challenges, and disparities. Highlight global and regional progress in Responsible AI governance, focusing on areas like human rights and inclusion. Inspire action and policy change by providing valuable insights for decision-makers. How it works Participants will analyze the dataset and present creative visualizations that align with one of three themes. Submissions will be evaluated for clarity, creativity, and relevance, with winners receiving recognition and prizes. Submission Deadline: January 20, 2025 Read More: https://www.global-index.ai/data-visualization-challenge-2024 Have Something to Share? If you have any ideas for collaboration with us, or if you have any blog posts on Data, AI, Primary health care, Gender, Agriculture, and Open Government that you would like us to promote through our platform or any events, opportunities, research, or research projects you would like for us to share within our growing network please email us at comms@developlocal.org | ||
