Global Black Census and UN SDG Data Collection Project

CANCARO Global Black Census and UN SDG Data Collection Project

Introduction
The CANCARO Global Black Census and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Data Collection Project is an innovative initiative that aligns global data collection efforts with the goals of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The project focuses on gathering and analyzing comprehensive data on Black populations worldwide to ensure that their unique challenges, needs, and contributions are fully represented in efforts to achieve the SDGs.

This initiative bridges the gap between marginalized communities and global development priorities, providing actionable insights to address systemic inequities and ensure that no one is left behind. By integrating the global Black census with the SDG framework, CANCARO seeks to promote inclusion, equity, and progress across multiple domains, including health, education, economic empowerment, and climate action.

The Need for the Project

Despite the ambitious and inclusive goals of the SDGs, Black populations worldwide remain underrepresented in development data and decision-making. This exclusion perpetuates systemic inequities and undermines the ability of governments, organizations, and global institutions to create effective solutions.

Key challenges include:

  1. Data Gaps: Disaggregated data on Black populations is often incomplete or unavailable, particularly in regions like Africa, the Caribbean, and underserved Black communities in North America and Europe.
  2. Invisibility in SDG Metrics: Many SDG indicators fail to capture the lived realities of Black populations, such as disparities in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
  3. Systemic Barriers: Historical and structural inequities exacerbate the marginalization of Black communities, making it essential to integrate their perspectives into global development agendas.

The CANCARO project addresses these issues by combining a global Black census with SDG-aligned data collection efforts to ensure that development initiatives are both inclusive and impactful.

Vision and Mission

  • Vision: To create a world where Black populations are fully represented in global development efforts, advancing equity and achieving the SDGs.
  • Mission: To collect and analyze disaggregated data on Black communities globally, aligning insights with the SDG framework to promote sustainable and inclusive development.

Core Objectives

  1. Comprehensive Data Collection
    • Conduct a global Black census to gather detailed demographic, social, economic, and environmental data.
    • Align data collection with SDG indicators to assess progress and identify gaps.
  2. Promote Equity and Inclusion
    • Ensure that Black populations are central to global development strategies.
    • Advocate for policies and programs that address systemic barriers and promote equitable outcomes.
  3. Support Evidence-Based Decision-Making
    • Provide governments, organizations, and the UN with actionable insights to inform SDG implementation.
    • Highlight areas where Black populations face unique challenges and opportunities.
  4. Foster Global Solidarity
    • Unite Black communities across borders by emphasizing shared goals and aspirations within the SDG framework.
    • Strengthen partnerships between governments, NGOs, and grassroots organizations.

Key Components of the Project

  1. Global Black Census
    • Gather disaggregated data on Black populations in areas such as education, health, employment, income, and housing.
    • Highlight regional disparities and unique challenges faced by Black communities across continents.
  2. SDG-Aligned Data Indicators
    • Map census data to specific SDG goals and indicators, such as:
      • Goal 1 (No Poverty): Assess poverty rates and access to resources in Black communities.
      • Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): Analyze healthcare disparities and access to essential services.
      • Goal 4 (Quality Education): Evaluate educational attainment and barriers to learning.
      • Goal 5 (Gender Equality): Explore intersectional challenges faced by Black women.
      • Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Examine labor market participation and entrepreneurship.
      • Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Measure progress in addressing systemic racism and economic disparities.
  1. Community Engagement and Participatory Research
    • Involve Black communities in the data collection process to ensure accuracy and trust.
    • Use participatory methods such as focus groups, surveys, and interviews to capture lived experiences.
  2. Data Accessibility and Advocacy
    • Create an open-access platform where data is available to researchers, policymakers, and community leaders.
    • Publish annual reports highlighting progress toward SDGs for Black populations.
  3. Capacity Building and Partnerships
    • Train local researchers and organizations to collect and analyze data effectively.
    • Collaborate with the UN, governments, and NGOs to integrate findings into broader development efforts.

Impact and Significance

The CANCARO Global Black Census and SDG Data Collection Project has the potential to drive transformative change:

  1. Addressing Systemic Inequities: By providing disaggregated data, the project ensures that systemic barriers are identified and addressed effectively.
  2. Advancing SDG Goals: The project aligns the needs and aspirations of Black populations with global development priorities, ensuring more inclusive progress toward the 2030 Agenda.
  3. Empowering Communities: Data empowers Black communities to advocate for their rights and participate in development efforts.
  4. Influencing Policy: Insights from the project enable policymakers to design targeted interventions that promote equity and inclusion.
  5. Building Global Solidarity: The project fosters a sense of shared purpose across the Black diaspora, uniting communities to achieve common goals.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Data Collection Barriers: Reaching rural, displaced, or underserved populations requires innovative methods and significant resources.
  • Mistrust of Institutions: Historical misuse of data may create skepticism about the project’s intentions.
  • Resource Constraints: Sustaining a global initiative of this scale requires substantial funding and partnerships.

Opportunities:

  • Technological Innovation: Use of digital tools, such as mobile surveys and AI, can enhance data collection and analysis.
  • Global Collaboration: Partnering with the UN and other international organizations ensures alignment with broader development efforts.
  • Policy Impact: Data-driven advocacy can lead to transformative policy changes that address systemic inequities.

Role of Stakeholders

  1. Black Communities: Actively participate in the census and use data to advocate for their needs and rights.
  2. Governments: Support the project through funding, policy alignment, and implementation of findings.
  3. UN and International Organizations: Integrate project data into SDG monitoring and reporting frameworks.

NGOs and Researchers: Collaborate on data collection, analysis, and dissemination.