Data for Development: Building a Social Contract for Data Governance

Data has the power to transform societies, but only if it is managed ethically and equitably. How do we build a framework where data serves the public good while protecting individual rights? This text-based course introduces you to the core principles of using data for global development, exploring how a modern social contract for data can improve lives and drive sustainable growth. You will learn to: Understand the foundational concepts of data for development and the public value of data; Analyze the core pillars of a social contract for data, including trust, equity, and value; Explore modern data governance frameworks, data protection laws, and privacy-enhancing technologies; Evaluate open data initiatives and infrastructure requirements for equitable data access; Learn how to design basic ethical data policies and risk mitigation strategies. Starting with key terminology and foundational theories, you will progress through written case studies, policy analyses, and structured exercises to understand how data governance works in the real world. This course is designed for beginners, aspiring policymakers, NGO workers, and anyone interested in data ethics and international development, with no prior technical or data science experience required. Read along to discover how data policy can shape a fairer, more prosperous world.