All countries need to improve data collection if the world is to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Wu Hongbo said accurate data and statistics, such as birth registrations, play a key role in planning for a country’s development.

Mr Wu was speaking ahead of the first UN World Data Forum, to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 15 - 18 January.

It aims to explore and launch new solutions that will deliver better data globally.

Maoqi Li asked Mr Wu about its significance.

Duration: 6'00"