Snowflake's Data Equality Drive Gets Audience with UN & WEF

Data is often touted as the key to climate action, but by that same token, data inequality has become a significant obstacle to global progress.

Organisations in developing regions are facing insurmountable challenges in accessing the tools and information they need to address social issues and climate change. 

The divide between data-rich and data-poor areas is ever widening, as AI and cloud computing transform organisational operations.

The United Nations has highlighted the importance of data accessibility in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but as things stand, many regions still lack the infrastructure and expertise needed for effective data collection and processing.

To address these disparities, Snowflake, a provider of cloud-based data platforms and AI services, has launched a programme aimed at improving data quality and accessibility worldwide.

The "End Data Disparity" initiative by Snowflake is set to unite experts from tech companies, universities and international organisations at the World Economic Forum in Davos, 2025.

Current statistics indicate that only 17% of measurable SDG targets are on track for completion by 2030, which shows systemic issues in how organisations use information to promote social progress.

Snowflake's initiative seeks to bridge this gap.

How Snowflake's 'End Data Disparity' campaign dovetails with the SDGs

“Now is the time to use the power of data to accelerate progress in addressing social, health and climate issues, with the same knowledge and insight that has powered the cloud and AI booms,” says Benoit Dageville, Snowflake Co-Founder and panel member for the initiative.

“Working together with the incredible experts in corporate, nonprofit and governmental institutions, can result in real progress being made to end data disparity.”

The programme will organise hackathons—intensive coding events where programmers collaborate on specific challenges—and offer pro bono consultancy to organisations involved in development projects. Panel members will also advocate for policy reforms to enhance data collection standards.

An online hub will serve as a central resource for participating organisations, complemented by a LinkedIn group for knowledge sharing. Snowflake has released a white paper that examines historical patterns of data inequality and outlines the programme's goals.

A date at Davos: Snowflake to meet with the UN and WEF in January 2025

The initiative will be led by Karen Beauné, Snowflake's Vice President of EMEA Marketing, with the first meeting planned before the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2025.

The panel consists of 11 members from various technology and development sectors. 

Notable members include Lisa Lim Ah Ken from the International Organisation for Migration, Elena Philipova from the London Stock Exchange Group and Dr. Elisabetta Pietrostefani from the University of Liverpool.

Technology industry figures such as Arndt Brinkmann from Snowflake and Jennifer L. Wong, formerly of Sanofi, are also part of the panel.

Sustainable development: It's all about cooperation

The initiative specifically addresses SDG 17, which focuses on fostering partnerships between organisations for sustainable global development. 

Regular panel meetings will aim to identify barriers to data access and recommend practical steps for improving data representation across regions and sectors.

Snowflake's platform currently supports thousands of companies in sharing data and building AI applications. The company views this initiative as an extension of its mission to democratise access to data technologies.

How to implement Snowflake's recommendations

Beyond the expert panel, the programme offers practical tools for organisations seeking to address data inequality. The interactive hub will provide resources and guidance for implementing improvements in data quality, while the LinkedIn group aims to foster collaboration among professionals tackling similar challenges.

Stephen C. Daffron, Chairman at BetaNXT and panel member, says: “We want companies and individuals to go beyond a stated desire to meet the SDGs, to understand how their actions are making a difference."

"This won’t be easy or simple, but the work is vital. Along with the other members of the panel, I’m committed to helping facilitate these discussions and providing a forum for more action on this issue.”

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