Data Governance for the Public Good: Equity, Openness and Community Stewardship

This workshop explores how data governance can better serve the public good in an increasingly digital world. As governments, institutions and communities embrace digital transformation, the role of open ecosystems grounded in open source and open data has become essential to fostering innovation, transparency and inclusive development.

The session focuses on a central question: how can data governance models become more equitable, participatory and responsive to the needs of the communities they impact? It highlights the importance of involving diverse stakeholders, particularly Indigenous Peoples and local communities, not only as beneficiaries, but also as active stewards and decision-makers in data ecosystems.

Bringing together policymakers, practitioners, civil society actors and technical experts, the workshop creates a space for dialogue and co-creation across sectors. Participants will examine how openness can enable fairer digital ecosystems, share experiences and challenges, and explore collaborative approaches to strengthening trust and accountability in data governance.

The workshop aims to move beyond discussion by identifying practical pathways for action. Through collective exchange, it seeks to contribute to emerging global efforts toward more inclusive digital cooperation and to advance governance models that ensure data serves society as a whole.

Partners: UN-ODET, UNU, UNCTAD

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