The United Nations World Data Forum, which was held in Hangzhou City, China, called for better data governance and increased collaboration between governments to achieve a sustainable future. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that data is a critical component of development and progress in the 21st century.

The Fourth UN World Data Forum saw delegates engage in various sessions across four themes: innovation and partnerships for better and more inclusive data; maximising the use and value of data for better decision making; building trust and ethics in data; and emerging trends and partnerships to develop the data ecosystem. Highlights included insights from the Data for Now Initiative, innovative ways for increasing timeliness and coverage of SDG indicators, and a session on public-private data collaboration during crises.

China, which hosted the event, has pledged to contribute more to global data governance, by hosting international training, supporting the development of the UN Global Platform for Big Data China Hub, and promoting international data cooperation within the framework of the Global Development Initiative.