Canada to Host International Open Data Conference

Minister Clement Announces Canada to Host International Open Data Conference – Third worldwide conference a key initiative in Canada’s international promotion of open data

February 18, 2015 – Ottawa – Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat – Treasury Board President Tony Clement today announced that Canada will host the third International Open Data Conference. The conference will feature experts and professionals from around the world speaking on ways to strengthen domestic and international collaboration on priority open data issues.

Taking place in Ottawa from May 28 to 29, with the theme “Enabling the Data Revolution,” the conference brings together hundreds of international data experts and advocates from government, civil society, and the private sector for a unique opportunity to meet, network, and explore solutions to issues of open data enabled global development, democracy, and economic growth. The conference is co-sponsored by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Government of Canada, and the World Bank.

Open data fosters improved governance, supports citizens’ rights, spurs innovation, and promotes joint solutions to problems being faced by governments, communities, and individuals around the world. Through this conference, Canada hopes to strengthen a truly global open data movement and explore ways to use cooperation and technology to strengthen democracy and build prosperity.

Quick facts

Registration for the International Open Data Conference is live.
This conference is part of a full week of open data events that include the first Open Data Research Symposium, the Open Data Unconference, and the Canadian Open Data Summit, among others.
Speakers will include leading experts in open data from civil society, government, and the private sector.
Outcomes from the conference will inform the future work of the recently launched Open Data for Development (OD4D) program.
The first two International Open Data conferences were held in Washington, D.C., in 2010 and 2012, co-sponsored by the U.S. Government and the World Bank.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is pleased to welcome the world to Ottawa for a landmark open data conference that showcases how strategic international collaboration can accelerate progress around the world. The ultimate goal of this gathering is to take stock of the open data revolution and chart a promising future.”

– Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board

“The potential benefits of open data to innovation, economic opportunity, and democratic engagement holds the promise of accelerating development and improving lives in poorer countries. Through practical science and technology, the International Development Research Centre is contributing to Canada’s proven leadership in the open data movement by identifying how to spread the benefits of this global phenomenon to the greatest number across the developing world.”

– Jean Lebel, President of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

“The World Bank recognizes the value of open data as a public good that benefits citizens in developing countries by spurring innovation, enabling accountability and improving service delivery. Open data is a fundamental part of the Data Revolution for sustainable development, and we’re pleased to work with our Canadian partners in welcoming an international audience to discuss, plan and deliver on the future of this agenda.”

– Cyril Muller, Vice President, World Bank Group, External and Corporate Relations