The Role of Data in Global Security: Enhancing Peacebuilding and Stability

The  Fifth United Nations World Data Forum in Medellín, Colombia, which spanned 4 days (November 12th – 15th 2024), brought together more than 3,000 global leaders, youth, experts and dedicated people to share, find, co-create, and edify solutions to challenges faced in their communities through effective use of data.

This was highlighted by the intensive and enriching discussions, where ideas were generated to strengthen the data ecosystem, harness the power of data for a more sustainable future whilst building and maintaining strong and healthy partnerships in the formal, informal sectors and civil society.

The event featured 4 high-level plenary sessions focusing on various aspects of data usage and ethics.

Plenary 1 discussed innovation in data integration and leveraging different sources and methodologies to ensure visibility and inclusivity. Plenary 2 emphasized maximizing data value for decision-making and bettering lives through analysis and communication.

Plenary 3 centered on building trust and ethics in data use, addressing issues like disinformation and cybersecurity. Plenary 4 highlighted the importance of effective partnerships in developing a more equitable data ecosystem, supporting global and local data initiatives.

The sessions stressed the significance of quality data, privacy protection, and ethical considerations in data sharing. Overall, the event aimed to promote responsible and inclusive data practices for the benefit of individuals, nations and organizations at all levels.

Understanding the Role of Data in Global Security

IPPDR utilizes data to drive peacebuilding strategies promoting transparency, negotiation effectiveness, and human rights protection in the face of growing global security threats through intensive research.

Data collection and analysis help predict, prevent, and respond to security challenges, understand conflict causes, socio-economic factors, and radicalization trends, and develop targeted interventions addressing complexities like population displacement, economic hardship, and governance challenges in post-conflict stability.

Predicting early warnings and assessing conflicts.

Through the comprehensive examination of data from platforms like social media, economic indicators, and satellite imagery, peacebuilding assessments are able to detect developing trends and indications of increasing conflict.

Identifying these signals promptly enables nations and groups to implement proactive measures where applicable, including diplomatic dialogue, aid distribution, or focused conflict-prevention strategies, thereby decreasing the likelihood of escalation.

These early warning systems driven by comprehensive and the right data play a vital role in defining a proactive strategy for increased initiatives in relation to global security.

Identifying root causes of conflict

One of the fundamental roles of data in global security is, its capacity to identify and deal with the underlying reasons for conflict. Through data analysis, peacebuilders are able to pinpoint root causes like economic disparity, limited resources, and political marginalization that frequently fuel conflicts. Incorporating these factors into peacebuilding strategies goes beyond quick solutions and promotes long-term stability.

Data showing economic inequality as a cause of conflict can guide efforts in job creation, social programs, and economic development to support lasting peace.

Informed peacebuilding interventions

Utilizing data in peacebuilding enables precise interventions that target particular causes of conflict. Peacebuilders can use structured data frameworks to understand ethnic tensions, economic disparities, and issues with resource access.

For example, data that shows which communities are affected by violence can help identify areas that require development projects or initiatives to promote social unity, therefore lowering the chances of ongoing conflicts.

Furthermore, analyzing information from previous actions offers important insights, enabling groups to constantly improve their strategies and expand upon successful outcomes.

Promoting accountability and transparency

Transparency is crucial in conflict-affected regions to build trust between communities and ensure accountability for all stakeholders.

For example, the April 2023 conflict in Sudan triggered the largest displacement crisis of the year, with 6.1 million Sudanese displaced internally and 1.5 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Uganda amongst others

This level of transparency promotes responsibility, decreases corruption, and enhances trust in institutions, which is crucial for lasting peace. By providing access to data, governments and organizations can encourage a collaborative environment that aids in peacebuilding efforts.

Strengthening collaborative security efforts

Global security challenges such as terrorism, organized crime, and cyber threats necessitate cooperation across international boundaries due to their interconnected nature. Data is essential for enhancing international collaboration as it enables the exchange of information between countries and organizations.

Collaborative data sharing enables countries to combine resources, identify common risks, and coordinate tactics for a unified approach to security issues. For example, by analyzing data on transnational threats, coalitions are able to work together more effectively to enhance global peacebuilding and security efforts.

Monitoring and evaluation based on data

Continual assessment and evaluation are essential to measure the success of peacebuilding efforts. By utilizing data-driven metrics, organizations can track their progress and swiftly adjust their strategies.

Data on crime rates, economic recovery, and school attendance in post-conflict zones offer insights into regional stability and resilience.

Monitoring enables peacebuilding organizations to verify efficient resource utilization and ongoing refinement of interventions according to measurable results, thereby supporting the sustainability of peace.

Responding to the emerging security threats/risks

The current security environment is evolving quickly, presenting new challenges like cyber-attacks, misinformation, and hybrid warfare. Data plays a crucial role in addressing these dangers by allowing for immediate observation and fast reaction.

Using big data analytics, security organizations can identify unusual network patterns, track misinformation, and respond promptly to cyber threats. Data-driven assessments allow for a flexible approach that keeps security strategies relevant and effective in a fast-evolving world.

How the United Nations leverages data

The United Nations uses data to improve peacebuilding efforts with evidence-based insights and informed decision-making. Through platforms like the Peace & Security Data Hub and the Peacebuilding Impact Hub, the UN gathers and shares critical data on peacebuilding activities.

These initiatives help stakeholders assess intervention effectiveness, reduce conflicts, address root causes, and boost societal resilience. By utilizing disaggregated data and innovative tools, the UN offers actionable insights for targeted responses and policymaking to meet local and global peacebuilding needs. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

Process for peace in Colombia during 2016.

The peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) received backing from the United Nations. Information was used to chart regions impacted by violence, displacement, and landmines, directing efforts to assist former fighters in reintegrating into society.

The procedure helped decrease violence in areas of conflict, facilitated the safe repatriation of displaced people, and supported rebuilding efforts in impacted regions. Precise information helped allocate resources effectively, building trust within communities and promoting lasting peace.

Reconstruction of Sierra Leone after the civil war (2002-2005)

After ten years of civil conflict, the UN Peacebuilding Commission utilized information to direct reconstruction initiatives. Data highlighted regions most affected by violence and poverty, prioritizing infrastructure rebuilding and support for vulnerable populations.

This helped to rebuild schools, healthcare centers, and governance institutions, laying the groundwork for long-term stability. This case demonstrated how data can identify urgent needs and optimize post-conflict recovery strategies

Iraq Post-ISIS Recovery (2018)

Post-ISIS stabilization efforts focused on rebuilding communities and preventing the resurgence of conflict. The UN mapped destroyed infrastructure, monitored displacement patterns, and assessed community needs for rebuilding efforts.

The effects included the reconstruction projects restored homes, schools, and livelihoods for thousands of displaced families, reducing tensions and aiding reconciliation. Data ensured recovery initiatives were targeted and effective, fostering trust between local communities and international actors.

The need for partnerships

Strong collaborative efforts are fundamental to actively prevent the spread of misinformation on social media, which can spark unrests and actively contribute to crises and conflict in communities and nations.

Governments ought to improve data regulations by putting in place strict control measures and guidelines that are actively upheld and enforced by the parties responsible to ensure access to reliable information for policy-making.

At IPPDR, we are dedicated to promoting these beliefs in order to build stronger communities based on healthy partnerships with stakeholders with mutual trust and respect, leaving no one behind, for sustainable development.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and the Colombian National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) for organizing the event. To all partners, special thanks to American Airlines, Gobierno de Colombia (Government of Colombia), the vibrant city of Medellín, Alcaldía de Medellín Distrito de Ciencia (Mayor’s Office of Medellín), UNDP, UN Women, United Nations, UN Data Forum, El Balcón de los Artistas for their remarkable choreography and the people of Colombia who demonstrated unparalleled warmth and commitment to global progress.

Their support made the Fifth United Nations World Data Forum an unforgettable experience!

References

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General. (2024, July 18). Firearm violence in America. Retrieved November 27, 2024, from https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/firearm-violence/index.html

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2015). Drug money: The illicit proceeds of opiates trafficked on the Balkan route. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/Studies/IFF_report_2015_final_web.pdf

UNHCR. (2024). Sudan situation. UNHCR. https://reporting.unhcr.org/operational/situations/sudan-situation

Bell, C., Huggins, J., Benson, J., Joubert, L., Okafor-Yarwood, I., & Ebiede, T. M. (2021). Pirates of the Gulf of Guinea: A cost analysis for coastal states. Stable Seas. https://www.unodc.org/documents/Maritime_crime/UNODC_Pirates_GoG_A_Cost_Analysis_for_Coastal_States.pdf