Who We Are
Our team of data scientists, open source hackers, and international development experts functions the way an R&D lab does: asking questions, formulating and testing hypotheses, building prototypes and collaborating with partners within and outside the United Nations to develop methods for harnessing real-time data to gain a real-time understanding of human well being.
A small core team in New York includes seconded staff from 4 different UN agencies, staff with experience ranging from technology and data science, as well as communications and international development practitioners. We are supported by a network of volunteers from academia, the private sector, and the open-source tech community.
Values & Principles
- Promote Open Innovation We develop our tools through an open and iterative process of design and development, driven by the needs of our users. We emphasize utility, usability, and accessibility for all.
- Create Open-Source Technology The technologies we create are free, open source, extensible, and based on open data standards.
- Work Collaboratively We build on existing initiatives, partner whenever possible on new projects, and innovate only where we must.
- Democratization of Ideas We believe the most valuable innovations will be created in countries where the needs are greatest.
- Time-Sensitive Research Parameters We address the challenges before us quickly, through experimentation, rapid prototyping, and field tests; and we view both successes and failures as opportunities for learning.
- Shared Knowledge If information is power, shared information is even more powerful.
- Value Individual Privacy We recognize that not everything can be shared. We give our users the tools they need to protect sensitive information.