In a remarkable achievement, the Ghana Statistical Service Data Team has secured a spot in the top three contenders for the coveted 2023 United Nations Datathon price.

This global data science competition tasked participants with developing innovative data-driven applications, tools, or models that integrate geospatial data with other sources to advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Out of approximately 150 submissions, the solution presented by the Ghana Statistical Service Data Team has emerged as one of the best, positioning them as strong contenders for multiple awards, including the overall first place.

The 2023 UN Datathon not only offers the prestigious top honor but also recognizes outstanding achievements in categories such as the best team by region, best student team, best youth team, and best visualization.

Addressing critical challenges in achieving SDGs, the GSS team proposed three impactful solutions to the United Nations. Firstly, they suggested localizing SDG indicators by leveraging both census data and non-traditional data sources. Secondly, the team introduced the novel Access to Information Index (A.I.I), aiming to address the widespread issue of limited information at the local level and restricted access to existing data. Lastly, they presented an interactive tool designed to make the A.I.I adjustable and adaptable.

With the UN set to announce the winners of the Datathon competition on Thursday, January 18, 2024, the Ghana Statistical Service Data Team stands poised to sweep multiple awards, including the ultimate prize. Their innovative solutions showcase a commitment to overcoming challenges in the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals, marking a significant contribution to global efforts in data-driven development.