A virtual knowledge sharing session to popularize the National SDG Data Portal

A virtual knowledge sharing session was conducted by the Sustainable Development Council for government ministries and agencies to popularize the National SDG Data Portal and on using data for evidence based decision making, planning, target setting, and progress monitoring and evaluation. 

The Director General of the Sustainable Development Council, Ms. Chamindry Saparamadu highlighted the importance of having reliable and disaggregated data for evidence-based decision making, prioritizing initiatives and analyzing correlations and causal relationships that would aid in more integrated approaches for SDG implementation. 

The National SDG Data Portal was presented at the event followed by a Q&A session to clarify issues related to its features, access to data, information security concerns, etc.

Three eminent professionals were invited to share their insights and good practices related to data driven planning. 

Speaking at the event, Mr. Anuradha Kumarasiri, Director General of the Department of National Planning emphasized the importance of timely data updates for effective policy decision making and commended the Sustainable Development Council’s initiative to bring all SDG data available within the Government institutions to a central platform. 

Dr. Eshani Fernando, Director Planning presented the effective approach used by the Ministry of Health in SDG monitoring and target setting, including the Steering Committee on SDG 3, National Action Plan, etc.

The Deputy Ambassador of Japan Mr. Kotaro Katsuki, spoke of how the Japanese Government has aligned its functions with SDGs, mainstreaming the SDGs with key policies, utilization of SDG data for monitoring and information sharing, etc. 

The workshop was attended by 92 participants representing more than 50 government institutions.