Nepal is facing many pressing development challenges related to poverty, accountability, transparency, economic development, gender, and social inclusion.

To address these challenges, the use of evidence – reliable, accessible data and information – to inform decision-making, monitor progress, and evaluate development outcomes will be essential. Progress in the sharing and use of data for development in Nepal has been made over recent years – concepts of data transparency and rights to data have become increasingly known to champions both inside and outside government, and there is growing recognition of “open data” as an important tool for development. But, despite progress, there continue to be challenges in the sharing and use of data for sustainable development.

The D4D Program aims to improve the sharing and use of (open) data as evidence for development. It builds on Development Initiatives’ efforts since 2011 to improve the sharing and use of data for sustainable development of Nepal by catalyzing a functional, inclusive and locally led data ecosystem as well as The Asia Foundation’s work in Nepal and across Asia to promote the use of data as evidence for development by policy makers, civil society and the private sector.

The D4D Program’s approach is built on five pillars – using politically informed programming that enables strategic targeting of stakeholders; building local ownership and leadership of the data for development agenda; encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration between data suppliers and users; piloting scalable innovations based on problem-focussed and user-centric approaches; and fostering learning to inform change. The D4D Program supports a range of local organisations to conduct innovative technical initiatives, research studies and engagement activities aimed at growing the demand for, supply of and use of (open) data.

Further information about the D4D Program can be found in the Program Factsheet.