How can sandboxes spur responsible data-sharing across borders?

The UNCTAD eWeek 2023 was held on December 4 – 8, 2023, in Geneva, Switzerland under the theme ‘Shaping the future of the digital economy’. The event explored key policy areas that must be addressed to build an inclusive and sustainable digitalization at the national, regional, and global levels with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders.

The Datasphere Initiative, the Brazilian Data Protection Authority (ANPD), & Lawyers Hub hosted an online session called “How can sandboxes spur responsible data-sharing across borders?” on December 4, 2023, at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CET / 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm UTC.

Data increasingly underpins and reflects human activities. However, how we unlock the value of data to tackle global challenges is addressed in separate silos and the patchwork of uncoordinated actions creates more problems than it solves. At a time of increasing data localization measures, digital protectionism, and fragmentation, agile and rights-respecting approaches to data-sharing are needed more than ever.

This roundtable engaged a diverse group of stakeholders in a highly practical conversation on how to measure and leverage creative solutions within sandboxes for data, especially in developing countries where data poverty and infrastructure challenges pose barriers to equitable and inclusive digital transformation. Participants were invited to share their own best practices on how to design effective sandboxes for data that foster trust and benefit all.