If we want to be better targeted in our response to global shocks, we need better information -- and quickly.
In the aftermath of the food, fuel and financial crises, waves of shocks threatened to erode hard-won development gains. All to often, statistical information testifying to impacts of crises on vulnerable populations comes too late to prevent irreversable harm. Finding out today that parents two years ago began pulling children out of school to work in the market it two years too late to help. Today, we have an opportunity to close the information-time gap. Global Pulse envisages an information ecosystem in which the availability of timely data can be integrated into existing monitoring and statistical systems, allowing for evidence-based advocacy and more targeted, agile policy responses to protect the vulnerable.