Data as a Matter of Power and Justice: Why Counting Every Life Matters

This talk explores how data and numbers are not merely technical tools but issues of power and justice, affecting who is seen and who remains invisible in official records. Drawing on personal experiences and global examples, the speaker argues that if every life counts, every life should be counted.

■ The Power of Data
- The My World survey and its influence on the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Historical example of data revealing poverty in Britain and leading to the NHS

■ The Injustice of Invisibility
- Unregistered births and unmapped villages in Mozambique
- Consequences for disaster response and access to services

■ Solutions and Challenges
- Modern tools like satellites and mobile phones to include people in data
- Barriers such as lack of government will and public trust

This talk is for anyone interested in global development, social justice, and the role of data in shaping policy. Viewers will gain an understanding of why inclusive data systems are essential for equitable progress and will be encouraged to ask about the numbers behind the issues they care about.