Sightsavers at the Global Data Festival 2026

We’re attending the Global Data Festival in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2-5 June 2026.

The Global Data Festival will be hosted by the government of Kenya, in partnership with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD) and Kenya Space Agency.

The theme of the festival is ‘Powering Resilience, Innovation and Partnership through Data and Technology’. It will bring the international data for development community together to connect and share knowledge about how data, technology and innovation can help tackle pressing challenges and shape a fair, equitable and resilient future.

Sightsavers is proud to be a co-sponsor and supporter of the festival. Alongside other Inclusive Data Charter (IDC) champions, Sightsavers will highlight the need for continued commitment and action on inclusive data that is representative of all people, especially those people who are often marginalised or underrepresented. The collection, analysis and use of inclusive data drives better decisions and policies so that we can deliver fairer, equitable outcomes that benefit everyone.

View the full programme on the Global Data Festival website

Tuesday 2 June

Why disability inclusion is for everyone: introducing Sightsavers

• Time: 2pm
• Place: Festival inclusion pavilion

This session will introduce Sightsavers and our work on inclusive data. We’ll discuss why equity for people with disabilities is essential to the future of development. Delegates will be encouraged to think about steps they can take to embed disability inclusion into their inclusive data work.

How inclusive data can drive a more equitable future

• Time: 11am
• Place: Mainstage inclusive data plenary

This interactive session will discuss the progress made by the development community in advancing inclusive data, and how we can ensure that data inclusion remains central to conversations about technology, AI and the future. Sightsavers’ deputy CEO, Dom Haslam, will share insights from our inclusive data work.

Wednesday 3 June

Partnerships and collaboration to advance inclusive data

• Time: 2pm
• Place: Festival inclusion pavilion

Join Sightsavers and partners, including government and an organisation of people with disabilities, to hear about how partnerships and collaboration can help to advance inclusive data, with specific country examples.

Inclusive early learning data: insights from disability-inclusive assessments in Kenya

• Time: 4pm
• Place: Main festival session

A session on the importance of disability-inclusive assessments in early learning, with examples and insights from Sightsavers’ work in Kenya. This session aims to encourage delegates to consider how inclusive data can drive more equitable educational opportunities for all children.

Thursday 4 June

Using geographic information systems to reach marginalised communities

• Time: 12pm
• Place: Festival inclusion pavilion

A session on the benefits of using digital tools to strengthen inclusive data collection and use. We will share an example from Sightsavers’ work mapping marginalised groups to accelerate disease elimination and improve access to services.