The SDCSL held discussions with national and international agencies to explore the integration of non-government data sources into monitoring and evaluating SDG progress in Sri Lanka.

Collaborative Efforts to Improve Data Sources for the Sustainable Development Goals

In order to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sri Lanka, the Sustainable Development Council (SDC) has developed the National SDG Dashboard and a comprehensive government data coordination mechanism that is linked to this central platform.

Today, the SDC conducted an initial discussion with a number of national and international agencies that conduct relevant surveys, research studies, context assessments etc to explore how the information and data generated by non-government sources could be utilized in national level monitoring and evaluation functions.

The discussion highlighted that many agencies are collecting data and conducting first-hand research studies that could complement national efforts to monitor and evaluate SDG achievement. Regular communication and the establishment of priority areas for data collection will be essential as the government continues to fill data gaps with new information and collaborations. The goal of measuring all targets under each SDG was supported by the agencies, who committed to data sharing, transparency, and future collaboration to continuously update the SDC with important data. This will further enable the SDC’s efforts to promote sustainable development through clear evidence-based analysis of progress towards each SDG.

Several national and international agencies such as the Institute of Policy Studies, Centre for Poverty Analysis, LIRNEasia, Coalition for Education Development, Centre for Environmental Justice, Environmental Foundation Ltd, Lanka Rainwater Harvesting Forum, Rain Forest Protectors of Sri Lanka, Centre for Smart Future, Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities, Ceylon Chambers of Commerce, SLYCAN Trust, Asia Foundation, ADB , UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, FAO, WFP, WHO, IOM, UN-Habitat, UNIDO and the UN Resident Coordinators Office in the discussion.