From data to impact: Statistics Poland and ASECU look ahead to sustainable development beyond 2030
How can global sustainable development goals be translated into practical action by governments and businesses? How can policymakers build on what we have learned so far and make better use of data? These questions guided discussions at the conference “From Data to Impact: Turning Lessons into Action for Sustainable Future”, held in Warsaw on 29 September 2026. The event was organised by Statistics Poland and the Association of Economic Universities of South and Eastern Europe and the Black Sea Region (ASECU).
Eleven years after the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda and 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the debate is no longer only about progress to date, but also about what should come after 2030. Experience so far shows how important it is to adapt global frameworks to the needs of individual countries and regions. Wider access to data and new ways of analysing it help to identify those needs more precisely, plan action and assess its impact.
The programme focused on three main themes: the future of sustainable development beyond 2030; translating global goals into national and regional action; and the role of knowledge, partnerships and financing in delivering lasting results. Participants discussed the lessons learned from implementing the 2030 Agenda and the challenges that should be reflected in a future development agenda.
Reliable, timely and high-quality data were central to these discussions. They make it possible to monitor social, economic and environmental change and assess whether actions are delivering the intended results. Participants also considered how to combine the expertise of official statistics with academic research, innovation and insights from different sectors to support evidence-based decision-making.
The conference brought together representatives of official statistics, public administration, academia, international organisations, business and civil society. The exchange of perspectives highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, as well as the growing role of Poland and Statistics Poland in the debate on sustainable development. The experiences and insights shared laid the groundwork for further cooperation, both in pursuing the current goals and in shaping priorities for action beyond 2030.