ABOUT DFX
Learn more about the Data Futures Exchange (DFx), where the multidimensional integration of information takes centre stage.
70+
Case studies and insights
200+
Country and region pages
5000+
Indicators
What is DFx
The Data Futures Exchange (DFx) is a global resource to empower decision-makers with state-of-the-art data and insights for a transformative impact. An open-source data innovation, the DFx connects development needs with cutting-edge solutions. Its comprehensive suite of resources empowers practitioners by fostering data partnerships and collaborations, creating opportunities, offering resources, and enhancing data literacy.
The DFx is part of UNDP’s knowledge and data strategy to lead with knowledge and sharpen the evidence base. The DFx powers evidence-based decision-making with relevant data-led insights by systematically deriving meaning from available data and knowledge.
Why it is Important
Data as a resource cuts across all aspects of development and critical for sustainable solutions in a complex and uncertain world. With the explosion of data at the global, regional and local levels, innovative analytics are needed to understand them. The DFx provides a space where policymakers and development community can connect, generate intelligence from data, observe examples of how data have led to decision intelligence, be exposed to different training opportunities, and observe innovative approaches and innovation within UNDP.
The Journey
What's Next
We plan to continue developing this platform and to add more disaggregated and subnational data. We will also build a public API, which lets users gather all the data on the platform.
2025DFx for Crisis Response
Developing a custom solution to generate insights within 78 hours of a crisis by integrating various data types (e.g., socioeconomic, geospatial) and storytelling, along with tailored training for UNDP staff.
2024UNDP Data Visualization Library
Developed an open-source tool to help developers design and develop data visualizations in alignment with the UNDP design language.
DFx Academy
In collaboration with technical teams across the GPN, and colleagues in HDRO, IEO and CDO, we launched DFx Academy to help UNDP staff get the most from the new features and services of DFx.
DFx AI Chat
The ultimate multi-purpose Generative AI platform designed to help integrate state-of-the-art large language models into UNDP's workflows.
DFx Launch
The Data Future Platform has officially been changed to DFx with a broader focus on development areas, sub-national and disaggregated data, and better tools.
2023Future Signals and Trends
Launched Future Signals and Trends to capture signals of change observed across UNDP and to identify the emerging trends – helping us all make stronger, more future-aware decisions.
AI for Development
Introduced AI for Development and launched projects such as SDG Push Diagnostics and the electricity access map where artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning were used for development.
Flagship Analysis
Launched the Flagship Analysis for internal displacement in collaboration with IDMC and informality.
DFP Data Update
Launched a tool that enables users to create interactive and engaging data visualizations based on 300+ indicators.
2022SIDS Data Platform
Launched SIDS Data Platform for data analysis and visualization.
New Insights
Launched new insights such as the Global Dashboard for Vaccine Equity and the COVID-19 Global Gender Response Tracker to support evidence-based decision making.
2021New Tools and Simulators
Launched new tools and simulators such as the fossil fuel subsidy simulator and Climate, Land-use, Energy and Water Systems (CLEWS) to support data-driven decision making.
Data Futures Platform Launch
Launched in December 2020, the Data Futures Platform (DFP) provided crucial support to country offices, offering insights into COVID-19-related policies.
2020
How it Works
DFx Services
Connect
Unleashing the power of data partnerships and collaborations
Harness the power of collective effort for meaningful progress and impactful change. DFx Connect nurtures synergies, data partnerships and collaborations to align needs and objectives with systems in place.
Data Intelligence
Developing robust analytical data products
Dive into the wealth of possibilities made available when traditional and non-traditional data meets innovation to create groundbreaking tools. DFx Data paves the way for transformative solutions for the benefit of data experts and novices alike.
Decision Intelligence
Advancing data-driven decision making
Shape a future where data play a pivotal role in development impact. DFx Decision Intelligence showcases the transformative potential of data where informed choices drive positive change. Access ready-made insights curated to inform strategic choices and catalyse progress.
Learning
Facilitating learning, research and the exchange of best practices
Engage, exchange, and learn best practices in data for development. DFx Learning facilitates knowledge exchange and fosters continuous learning on the equitable, principled use of data. Gain insights on innovative approaches and lessons learned in using data to leave no one behind.
Talent
Leveraging a reservoir of talent and expertise
Empower your data journey with the right expertise. DFx Talent propels data initiatives with confidence, leveraging experts for informed and impactful decision-making. Access a comprehensive suite of skills in data innovation.
Tech and Innovation
Unlocking the tech stack for data innovation
Integrate cutting-edge technology into your data endeavours. DFx Tech unlocks an emerging tech stack crafted to bolster and magnify possibilities in data innovation. Elevate your data initiatives with the power of forward-thinking technology, ensuring a dynamic and effective approach to harnessing data for impactful outcomes.
Development Resources
All our graphs and charts are created using a React-based data visualization library developed by us. The code is open-source and free to use. With it, you can easily create common charts such as line charts, bar charts, donuts, dumbbell charts, area charts, and maps. We have also built a UI Starter Kit to help you get started quickly.
The Explorer tool facilitates multi-dimensional analysis and is completely open-source. Coming Soon.
The entire codebase used for generating visualizations on DFx is also open-source and can be found on our GitHub page.
The code may require some technical knowledge to implement, and you can reach out to us at data@undp.org if you have any questions.
Data Principles for UNDP
UNDP was the first in the United Nations system to adopt a Digital by Default approach, which is geared towards fully integrating digital into programming at both the country and corporate strategic levels.
Plan for reusability and interoperability
Maximize the value of our data by ensuring that it is usable in multiple domains. Make use of open standards and machine-readable formats in order to improve interoperability.
Empower people to work with data
Provide people with the technology and data literacy skills to be able to effectively work with and understand data. Support governments, local communities and civil society partners to strengthen data and statistical capacities.
Safeguard personal data
Embed ‘privacy by design’ into all data practices. Obtain informed consent and ensure that data are anonymized before publishing.
UN Principles on Personal Data Protection and Privacy
Informed Consent
Uphold the highest ethical standards
Anchor data practices in the United Nations Charter and international human rights frameworks. Ensure that data processes and partnerships serve the public good.
Charter of the United Nations
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Manage data responsibly
Practice effective data stewardship and governance to ensure sound data quality, security and accountability in accordance with relevant institutional policies and regulations.
Expand frontiers of data
Explore emerging practices and innovative technologies to increase data availability and expand coverage of under-represented groups through data collection and disaggregation.
Make data open by default
Make data available as widely as possible. No ‘data hoarding’.
Be aware of data limitations
Assess gaps, risks and bias in the use of data. Actively question blind spots and potential negative implications of data use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are part of a government entity at the national or local level, an international or non-governmental organization, an academic institution, a private sector organization, a researcher, or an individual data enthusiast, join a vibrant ecosystem of users committed to sustainable development – experts and novices alike.
The platform's user-centric design ensures that practitioners can access, analyse and collaborate on data-driven initiatives regardless of the use case, fostering a collaborative approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNDP is committed to providing open access to data for sustainable development free of charge. The DFx is publicly available for development data enthusiasts. Access levels may vary depending on the type of user and the data's sensitivity.
The platform hosts a diverse range of data, including socioeconomic indicators, environmental data, demographic information, and much more. It also features datasets related to the SDGs and development projects, as well as tools for data analysis and visualization. Currently, it automatically retrieves over 350 development indicators and counting from over 60 trusted sources.
Datasets featured are not directly owned by UNDP. The ownership of data and the terms of its usage are determined by agreements made between the entities responsible for creating and maintaining each specific dataset. UNDP neither endorses nor verifies the content of datasets owned by external organizations. The decision to include external datasets is based on an assessment of their relevance to issues related to international development. Information about data ownership is clearly outlined in the metadata for each dataset. Data sources are included on each indicator, and further information on methodology, metadata or other technical should be consulted in the data producer’s or compiler’s website and respective methodological and technical materials.
The aggregation methodology can be found here.
Differences between the source and the DFx could arise from different approaches in the aggregation methodologies at the regional and world levels. The aggregation methodology used to compute the aggregate values on the DFx can be found here.
The DFx follows the UNDP Data Principles and is in line with UNDP’s web privacy policy, i.e. its Personal Data Protection and Privacy Policy.
The success of the DFx relies on collaborative efforts with governments, NGOs, academia, private sector, and other United Nations agencies. Partnerships enable the platform to leverage diverse expertise in storytelling, artificial intelligence, geospatial analysis and economic modelling to achieve collective development goals.
You can contribute to the DFx by jointly exploring ways to advocate for the use of data-driven decision-making in sustainable development policies, collaborating on data-driven projects and initiatives that align with the platform's mission, and sharing relevant data and research.
If you have any questions or would like more details, please write to data@undp.org