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đź’ˇCitizen Data FAQs: Empowered Communities for Accountable Institutions

Grecia Argel @UNDP Global Policy Centre for Governance • 5 December 2025
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Citizen data has become an increasingly common approach to data production, complementing and often serving as an alternative to traditional data collection methods in restricted contexts. The Copenhagen Framework on Citizen Data highlights how these approaches can advance the leave no one behind principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by empowering communities in their dialogue with public institutions and ensuring that data remains relevant and impactful.

 

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. 

 

  1. How can NSOs better capture people’s experience in SDG monitoring? 

Many SDG indicators, particularly those under Goal 16 –peace, justice and strong institutions– require data that reflect people’s lived experiences and perceptions and demand a more human-centred approach to data production NSOs can better capture these by:

  • Working closely with service providers, civil society and community groups.
  • Ensuring that tools and surveys are culturally and contextually relevant.
  • Reaching populations often underrepresented in official statistics.

This collaborative, human-centred approach makes national data more inclusive and helps NSOs craft dissemination strategies that are accessible, actionable and trusted.

  1. What is citizen data? 

The Copenhagen Framework on Citizen Data defines citizen data as “data originating from initiatives in which citizens are engaged at various stages of the data-value chain”. This definition refers comprehensively to all people with or without legal identity as citizens. 

People may contribute to citizen data by:

  • Identifying issues that matter to their communities
  • Co-designing data-collection tools
  • Collecting observations (e.g., via mobile apps, community mapping)
  • Validating, analysing or using the data for advocacy

Citizen data covers a wide range of formats, including citizen science, participatory budgeting, social audits, crowdsourced disaster reporting, and platforms tracking public service quality.

  1. Is citizen data recognised as part of official statistics? 

Citizen data is increasingly acknowledged by the statistical community as a valuable complementary source within national statistical ecosystems. It can fill data gaps, improve inclusion and strengthen engagement, especially for underserved groups.

However, citizen data is not automatically considered official statistics. Recognition depends on national statistical offices (NSOs) and established procedures. Still, a growing number of countries have successfully used citizen-generated data for SDG monitoring.

  1. How is citizen data different from a household survey? 

Population and household surveys remain a core tool of official statistics and follow the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM) through eight structured phases to ensure standardization and comparability: defining needs, planning, designing methodologies, collecting, processing, analysing, disseminating data and archiving.  

Citizen data, by contrast, takes a more participatory approach. It is often driven by communities and civil society organisations seeking to advocate for change, monitor local issues and empower citizens to take part in decision-making. While citizen data initiatives may strive for comparability, their primary purpose is not necessarily standardization but engagement. It encourages citizen involvement across the entire data-value chain, strengthening ownership and accountability.  

  1.  What is the contribution of citizen data in monitoring progress towards more responsive public services? 

 

Citizen data strengthens public service accountability by:

  • Capturing the realities of diverse and hard-to-reach populations. Citizen data can help capture the realities of communities often excluded from official statistics due to resource limitations, as a very high representation of population groups requires very large samples, thereby enhancing the inclusiveness of national data ecosystems. 
  • Monitoring service delivery and informing legal and policy frameworks. By evaluating the availability, affordability, and quality of services such as healthcare, education, and social protection, citizen data supports evidence-based policymaking and helps ensure that services reach those most in need. 
  • Raising awareness and empowering communities. Citizen engagement—particularly in the analysis and co-design of solutions—leverages the insights of the ultimate experts on citizen needs: the citizens themselves. Citizen data fosters public engagement, mobilises action, and builds resilience at the local level. 
  • Understanding complex community dynamics. Citizen data provides nuanced perspectives on social, political, and economic factors contributing to marginalization, helping to design more responsive and inclusive interventions, as well as to create a closer relationship with the citizen and promote trust. 

 

  1. What are the current experiences with citizen data in the realm of SDG 16? 

Colombia, Ghana, and Iraq have initiatives on citizen data. Colombia is currently using AppDiversa, a multi-modular app created by the NSO DANE in collaboration with citizens to capture statistical information on difficult-to-measure phenomena, such as discrimination. In Ghana, the national statistics office, in partnership with UNDP, created the Public Service Satisfaction Survey App. Finally, the Central Statistics Organization of Iraq is currently designing a citizen data initiative that will collect data on satisfaction with public services. 

 

Relevant resources 

Reports and Academic Articles  

Policy Briefs  

Blogs 

Websites 

 Contacts: [email protected] and [email protected]  

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