About IODC 2020

The 6^th Edition of the International Open Data Conference will be held in Nairobi, Kenya from November 18 - 20, 2020.

The International Open Data Conference is designed to bring the global open data community together in order to learn, share, plan and collaborate on the future of open data and data for development.

The unique nature of this event is that it gathers together in one location a diverse range of participants from both the northern and southern hemispheres to define strategies to advance open data locally and globally.

The IODC has 3 main objectives:

• Explore the new opportunities and challenges that are shaping the open data and data for development agendas.
• Highlight innovative and practical solutions capable of driving social and economic impact in areas such as health, education, science, etc.
• Create opportunities for collaboration on the future of open at the intersection of multiple data sectors and communities.

This focus of this year’s conference will be on Bridging Data Communities for Global Development, reconvening our ever expanding community to explore key issues and identify innovative solutions and opportunities for collaboration that will define the future of open.

The Conference Programme will be co-created with the broad participation of the open data community advocates and experts from around the world through a global call for proposals. The conference programme will target the participation of:

• Individuals
• Open Data Experts and Practitioners
• Civil Society
• Multilateral Organizations
• Government
• Private Sector
• Researchers and Academics
• Donors and Investors

Hosted by the Government of Kenya with the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the World Bank, and the Open Data for Development Network, IODC 2020 is committed to creating an inclusive, innovative, and empowering event and will strive for the greatest possible level of gender balance, regional diversity, and inclusion of all voices.

The conference venue will be the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. KICC is the largest convention centre in Eastern Africa with the capacity to hold a large number of delegates. The Tsavo ballroom has the capacity to host over 4000 delegates. KICC provides state-of-the-art facilities, simultaneous interpretation, a modern business centre, and expansive grounds. The centre is PAD friendly with ramps that go throughout the centre, making it accessible to all.

Throughout the week of IODC 2020, a large number of pre-conference and ancillary events will be held to complement the conference hosted by civil society groups, major stakeholders, and government.