Knowledge, information and data

A. Purpose

The purpose of the task force on knowledge and data is to support achievement of deliverables 1 (d) and 4 (b) of the work programme, under which priority knowledge and data needs for policymaking are addressed through catalysing efforts to generate new knowledge and networking and an information and data management plan is developed and implemented.

B. Responsibilities of the task force

The responsibilities of the task force are as follows:

1. To develop a data and information management plan that identifies the best means of addressing the data and information needs of the Platform’s work programme;
2. To support the secretariat in overseeing the management of the data, information and knowledge used in developing Platform products so as to ensure their long-term availability;
3. To identify opportunities for increasing access to existing data, information and knowledge so as to ensure their availability to support the work of the Platform;
4. To advise on the indicators and metrics to be used in Platform products and on the standards necessary for capturing and managing associated data;
5. To support the Bureau and the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel in reviewing the knowledge needs and gaps identified through Platform scoping processes and assessments and to catalyse the generation of new knowledge and data;
6. To support the Bureau and the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel in convening dialogues with scientific organizations, policymakers and funding organizations and in undertaking other activities to address those needs identified in the work programme;
7. To liaise as necessary with the task force on capacity-building and the task force on indigenous and local knowledge so as to ensure that issues concerning knowledge and data are covered in a consistent manner.

C. Membership of the task force

The task force will comprise two Bureau members and three members of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel, between them covering the five United Nations regions, and up to 20 additional experts on knowledge and data management, selected according to the rules of procedure.

At the discretion of the chair of the task force following consultation with the Bureau, a limited number of individual experts on knowledge and data management may be invited to participate in the task force as resource persons.

D. Modus Operandi

The task force will be chaired by members of the Bureau and will consist of experts on knowledge and data management selected in accordance with the rules of procedure. The task force will work through face-to-face meetings, web-based meetings and other electronic interactions. Products of the task force will be reviewed by the Bureau in consultation with the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and forwarded to the Plenary for consideration. The task force will facilitate collaboration with existing initiatives.

In carrying out its work, the task force will also:

1. Ensure that all its activities draw effectively on existing experience, complementing and building upon existing initiatives;
2. Advise on strategic partnerships that could help to deliver improved access to data, information and knowledge, and facilitate other activities that have the same effect;
3. Encourage the direct involvement of its members, as well as that of other relevant organizations, in capacity-building activities that address priority needs agreed upon by the Plenary.