ABSTRACT
Closing data gaps is essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda. Despite recent improvements in the availability of data, only 54 out of 193 UN Member States have data for at least 50% of the Sustainable Development Goals indicators. Insufficient statistical capacities, the lack of political leadership and coordination, inadequate financing and the absence of standards for data-collection methods are some of the reasons for existing data gaps. Possible pathways to close these gaps include the enhancing of capacity-building and investment in national statistical systems, the strengthening of data partnerships, the use of non-traditional data sources, such as geospatial data and contributions from civil society, as well as improving data transparency and developing common principles and standards for data gathering.
