This policy driver aims to encourage data providers to make their data more accessible and user-friendly for peacebuilders. By implementing these guidelines, data providers can ensure that their data is not only available but also usable, ethical, and impactful in the field of peacebuilding.
This document has been co-designed by peacebuilders coming together at the Austrian Forum for Peace 4th July 2024, comprising representatives from the United Nations, OSCE, peacebuilding organisations, the third sector, and activists.
By adhering to the following guidelines, data providers can significantly enhance the accessibility, usability, and ethical integrity of their data, ultimately supporting more effective and impactful peacebuilding efforts.
Transparency: Clearly identify the publisher of the data and the primary beneficiaries. Understanding the source helps users assess the credibility and potential biases in the data.
Disclosure: Provide clear information on the limitations of the data. This includes the scope, accuracy, and any constraints that might affect its interpretation and use.
Documentation: Explain the reasons for data collection, the methodologies employed, and the tools used. Highlight any data invisibles—elements that may not be immediately apparent but are crucial for understanding the dataset.
Interactive Tools: Develop interactive platforms that allow users to engage with the data. Encourage innovative presentations of data and offer creative ways for users to explore and find the data they need.
Data Contestation: Establish clear procedures for contesting the data. Address potential misuse and outline steps to mitigate negative impacts if the data is used for harmful purposes.
Ethics Framework: Implement and adhere to a robust set of ethical guidelines. Ensure that data collection, processing, and dissemination respect privacy, consent, and other ethical considerations.
Validity Period: Assign an exploration date to the data, similar to a use-by date, to indicate the period during which the data is considered reliable and relevant.
User Guides: Provide comprehensive toolkits to educate users on how to effectively utilise the data. Include tutorials, case studies, and best practice examples.
Contextual Links: Offer links to related datasets that can provide additional context or complementary information, enhancing the utility of the primary dataset.
Bias Questionnaire: Include a questionnaire to help users identify and understand potential biases in the data. This transparency aids in more accurate and fair use of the data.
Open Source Tools: Recommend free and open-source software for data analysis and visualization. This ensures that all users, regardless of resources, can work with the data.
SDG Alignment: Clearly indicate which SDGs the data supports. Use a green label to highlight contributions to sustainability and global development goals.
Purpose-Driven Data: Start with the end-user's needs in mind. Ensure that the data is collected and presented in a way that directly addresses relevant questions and challenges in peacebuilding.
Safety Benchmark: Adopt the "do no harm" principle as a fundamental benchmark for data publishing. Ensure that data dissemination does not inadvertently cause harm or exacerbate conflicts.
Standards Compliance: Develop and enforce a code of conduct for data providers, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and best practices in data management.
Sustainability: Evaluate and minimize the carbon footprint of data collection and dissemination processes. Promote environmentally sustainable practices in data management.
Narrative Building: Use data to create positive narratives and highlight successful peacebuilding efforts. Encourage the sharing of stories and case studies that demonstrate the impact of data-driven interventions.
Quality Assurance: Implement a peer review system for data before it is released. This can be tied to new licensing mechanisms to ensure data quality and reliability.