UN World Data Forum 2026 webinar: Programme Updates, and Commit to Data

Thursday May 21 2026, 9:00 to 10:00 am (ET)

As momentum builds toward the 6th UN World Data Forum (UNWDF) in Riyadh, this webinar provides a timely update on the Forum’s evolving programme and highlight key developments. It will also spotlight the Commit to Data (C2D) campaign as the Forum’s action platform, showcasing recent progress and opportunities for engagement.


Registration

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Why This Webinar — Why Now?

With open registration underway and programme development advancing, this webinar presents a strategic moment to:

  • Raise awareness and drive upcoming registration for UNWDF 2026
  • Share insights into the emerging agenda and priority themes
  • Re-engage stakeholders following earlier outreach and events
  • Mobilize new and existing commitments through the Commit to Data campaign

Objectives

  • Provide updates on the Forum agenda, sessions, and thematic priorities
  • Showcase the role and progress of the Commit to Data campaign
  • Encourage stakeholders to submit and advance commitments in the lead-up to Riyadh

Proposed Agenda

Agenda Item Speaker
Opening Remarks Co-Chairs of the UN World Data Forum Programme Committee
  • Camilo Andrés Méndez, DANE, Colombia
  • Vjollca Simoni, Institute of Statistics, Albania
UNWDF Programme Updates Ian Rutherford, UN Statistics Division
Representative from GASTAT
Commit to Data: Progress and Opportunities Shaida Badiee, Open Data Watch
Johannes Jutting, PARIS21 (Commit to Data Secretariat)
Interventions from partners Katin Tobin, Women’s Environment Development Organization
Manos Antoninis, UNESCO and Haoyi Chen, UNSD
Q&A and Discussion Moderator plus audience (some questions may be addressed during the June webinar)
Closing and Next Steps Ian Rutherford, UNSD
Shaida Badiee, Open Data Watch