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.
A South African man who lost his leg in a shark attack is on a global quest to save the fish.
Achmat Hassiem lost his right leg from the knee down after the attack off the waters of Cape Town some 10 years ago. He is now not only a Paralympic medallist in swimming, but this week Mr Hassiem was also named the “Global Shark Guardian” by the UN Save our Sharks Coalition.
Commercial fisheries target sharks throughout the world, mostly for their fins and meat. Up to 100 million are killed annually. Experts say 30 per cent of shark species are now face extinction.