The 2017 volume of the Development Co-operation Report, the OECD's annual flagship report on development policy, focuses on Data for Development. The data revolution is transforming the ways in which our economies and societies function and evolve. Data for development provides both a means and an end to realising the aims of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. More and better data can help boost inclusive growth, fight inequalities and combat climate change. Investing in data for development is also key to ensuring robust and timely monitoring of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

The value and relevance of promoting the data for development agenda is uncontested. However, worrying data gaps about people and planet remains, while capacity in developing countries to both use and produce data needed to deliver reforms and policies that achieve real, visible and longlasting development results remains weak. While many recognize this, investments in developing statistical capacity stood at 0.30% of ODA in 2015, and is not a priority for many OECD donors. Bridging this gap between recognition and action requires political leadership, greater investment and collective action. The OECD report sets out priority actions and good practices that will help policy makers and providers of development assistance to bridge the global data divide, notably by strengthening statistical systems in developing countries. Today's workshop provides an opportunity to discuss the reports findings as well as identify the implications and opportunities for German cooperation.