Empowering Youth: UNFPA and UN RCO Champion Data Literacy for Advocacy

BRIDGETOWN, 25 March 2025 – Recognizing the power of data in shaping policies and driving social change, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) hosted Data in Action: Youth Data Literacy as a Tool for Change—a dynamic workshop designed to equip young advocates with the skills to analyze, interpret, and apply population data for impactful advocacy. 

Held at UN House in Barbados and virtually, the one-day session convened youth champions, youth-led organizations, and representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) across the Eastern Caribbean. Experts from UNFPA, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and other key partners led interactive discussions on data storytelling, Geographic Information System (GIS) applications, and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advocacy. 

De-Jane Gibbons, Liaison Officer for Barbados and the OECS at UNFPA, emphasized the transformative role of data in advocacy and policy development in her opening remarks. 

"We understand that we live in a world driven by information—data surrounds us in everything we do. However, data is only as powerful as the people who use it. That’s where you come in," she stated. 

The UNFPA official underscored her agency’s commitment to fostering evidence-based advocacy through initiatives such as the SDG Fund Joint Programme for Integrated Population Data, Policy Solutions in Barbados and Montserrat, as well as the UNFPA World Population Dashboard, an open-access platform providing real-time national population statistics and social and economic indicators. 

"Young innovators can use data to identify local challenges, track progress, and measure impact in real time…whether it’s mapping women’s shelters, tracking public transport access, or improving public health responses, data can be a tool for problem-solving and transformation led by youth," she added. 

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Kirk Humphrey, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs in Barbados, highlighted the importance of data literacy in shaping policies that reflect youth priorities. 

"Supporting data literacy among young people is especially critical, particularly in an age where information can be misleading. It is important for young people to be aware of reputable repositories containing robust datasets that can be used to support their advocacy efforts," he said.  

While encouraging participants to embrace data as a strategic tool, Minister Humprey underlined:  "The world needs passion, but to move the agenda forward, we must also be strategic. To be strategic, we need effective data. Data changes the world." 

In his closing remarks, Kenroy Roach, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to placing young people at the forefront of data-driven change. He also emphasized the urgent need for data-driven advocacy on issues such as youth unemployment, gender-based violence, and youth representation in leadership. Citing management expert Peter Drucker, he reminded participants, "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it," reinforcing the importance of data in shaping policies and driving meaningful change. 

Acknowledging persistent data gaps in the region, Mr. Roach assured participants of the UN’s commitment to addressing them, announcing the Big Data Program—a collaborative initiative between UNFPA, UNICEF, and other UN agencies aimed at enhancing data accessibility and youth engagement. 

"We will really ensure that in that new program, we mainstream youth throughout," he affirmed, reinforcing the UN’s dedication to empowering young advocates beyond this workshop. 

During the interactive session, participants explored key aspects of data literacy, including: Access to reliable population data repositories and resources to support evidence-based advocacy; Using GIS and population data to inform policy recommendations and youth-led initiatives; Data storytelling techniques to craft compelling advocacy narratives and Ethical use of AI in data-driven advocacy, ensuring responsible and impactful decision-making.