- UN DESA’s Statistics Division has been tasked with modernizing the UN’s data and statistical infrastructure in line with the Secretary-General’s Data Strategy. A key milestone in this effort was the launch of UN Data in September 2023 during the SDG Summit. The platform currently includes relevant data in 12 UN thematic areas from the WHO, ILO, UNICEF, and the SDGs indicators, aligned with the latest UN Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025.
UN Data serves as a unified platform that brings together statistical data from across the UN system, with the goal of becoming the primary integrated source of trusted UN statistics and data. Through Natural Language Search, customizable filters, and improved navigation, the platform enables smarter data discovery and makes high-quality, harmonized datasets easier for policymakers, researchers, and the public to access.
The platform enhances usability by offering straightforward tools for downloading, mapping, and charting data. Users can create side-by-side comparative charts, visualize indicators in multiple formats, examine regional differences, and analyze trends over time. These features support rapid content development and allow users to generate rich, tailored data visualizations with ease.
UN Data integrates statistical data across domains using harmonized concepts and representations aligned with linked data best practices. This marks a major shift from a traditional data warehouse approach to an AI-ready knowledge graph, designed to improve interoperability and future-proof UN data systems. Strong inter-agency collaboration has been critical to achieving structural and semantic harmonization of source metadata.
Looking ahead, UN Data will continue to expand its coverage with the upcoming integration of data from the UN DESA Minimum Gender Dataset, Comtrade, UNODC, and ECLAC. Another strategic priority is embedding Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange (SDMX) functionality through .Stat Suite to better serve advanced users.
As new data and features are released, updates are shared through blog posts and social media. We invite you to explore UN Data, follow upcoming launches, and share feedback to help us strengthen this evolving global public good.
Learn more about the UN Data platform in this video.