This book presents a comprehensive discussion on the role and importance of data, information, people, and society in achieving the Targets of the SDGs. It discusses the different types of metadata required for capturing data and information related to the Targets of different SDGs, and various data-related challenges, such as data availability, completeness, and even challenges associated with metadata and data collection, such as qualitative vs. quantitative data for some Targets, and Indicators. Appropriate data, charts and tables have been used from different reports and statistics from the various UN agencies, OECD and EU, as well national agencies like the ONS (Office for national Statistics) in the UK.
A core agrument of the book is that in addition to data and technology, human and social issues, and the associated challenges are also important for achieving success in different SDGs. For example, it critically analyses some datasets around SDG16.10, focusing on the access to information legislations, and the digital and information skills that are required to access the relevant data and information, arguing and demonstrating that unless people's skills are improved and the digital divide in society and communities is reduced, legislations alone cannot guarantee the intended goal of access to information for all in every country and society.