RapidPro, a mobile technology tool used in 117 countries, enables real-time data collection and mass communication through SMS and platforms like Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and WhatsApp. It supports health, education, and child protection initiatives, including UNICEF’s U-Report and Digital Health in 18 countries. In 2018, it reached 37 million children in Pakistan for immunization awareness, and in 2022, exchanged 1 billion messages. RapidPro also aids in coordinating aid programs and monitoring interventions, showcasing its extensive and impactful reach.
RapidPro collects data via short message service (SMS) and other communication channels (e.g. voice; social media channels, such as Facebook Messenger, Telegram, WhatsApp) to enable real-time data collection and mass-communication with target end-users, including beneficiaries and frontline workers. RapidPro also powers U-Report, UNICEF’s youth, and citizen engagement platform. As part of national systems strengthening, RapidPro also supports Digital Health interventions in 18 countries.
As a mobile tech programming tool, RapidPro allows partners to gather accurate real-time information on vital areas such as health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, and child protection—even in remote and hard-to-reach places—and use that data to reach those most in need. Now in use in 36 countries, real-time monitoring using RapidPro can reach even more people by integrating with popular channels, including Facebook Messenger, Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber.
The technology allows users to design, pilot and scale direct mobile outreach services without the help of a software developer in both normal development contexts and humanitarian emergencies
Millions of children have been reached through mobile tech programme messaging using RapidPro. In Pakistan in 2018, families of 37 million children in 163 districts across Pakistan were reached through real-time information to increase demand for routine immunization with an initial focus in poorly performing polio tier 1 districts.
In 2022, 1 billion messages were exchanged (sent and received) using RapidPro
Other exchanges have helped to coordinate cash assistance programmes; monitor water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition interventions; and provide early detection and response to children with disabilities.
The possibilities are endless.
A joint initiative of Purpose and the United Nations, Verified is a crisis communications model designed to adeptly respond to intersecting crises in an era of prolific mis- and disinformation. Heavily based on behavioral science insights, it cuts through the noise around global crises and deliver critical fact-based advice and information.
The Reference Death Archive is a global repository of deaths with matched pathology-based biomarkers, WHO verbal autopsy data, and independently assigned reference causes of death, designed to provide high-quality evidence to improve, validate, and standardize verbal autopsy methods and algorithms for cause of death assertion.
The Data For Now initiative (Data4Now), aims to develop countries’ capacities to deliver the information needed by local and national policy and decision makers to design effective development strategies and policy programmes to achieve the 2030 Agenda and make a positive difference in people’s lives. To this end, it supports members of the National Statistical Systems in participating countries to leverage innovative sources, technologies, methods and partnerships for the streamlined production and dissemination of better, more timely and disaggregated data for sustainable development. In this context, it also supports effective collaboration between members of the National Statistical System, local, national, and global partners from intergovernmental organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Visit our website for more information: https://unstats.un.org/UNSDWebsite/capacity-development/data-for-now/
A cutting-edge immersive museum at the intersection of art, technology, and impact on a mission to imagine and build a positive future. We inspire hope for the future through enchanting immersive experiences, technological innovation, and socially engaged discussion. Aligned with the United Nations 2030 agenda, we foster imaginative solutions that drive real-world change. We center the imaginations of historically marginalized communities, fostering a vibrant space for intercultural exchange and world-class arts entertainment.
The Digital Government Academy equips civil servants with the skills and knowledge needed to prototype, implement, operate and expand the use of user-centric digital government systems.
The UNDRR and WMO have developed a Global Observatory for EWS Financial Tracking to support the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. This tool systematically tracks investments in Early Warning Systems (EWS) using a standardized taxonomy, transforming how stakeholders manage, visualize, and analyze data.
Leadership, Orientation and Guidance for Operational Support (LOGOS) is a flagship programme that equips the next generation of field leaders, particularly prospective Chiefs/Directors of Mission Support (C/DMS), to lead effectively in complex, field-based environments.
Public space with digital tools for data consultation and analysis, online learning and training, and evidence-based decision-making on development issues.
“Transformative Spaces” is a collective initiative across UN partners whose goal is to convene “safe and inclusive spaces for connection, dialogue, co-creation and transformation” and amplify these across different workspaces and networks of engagement and dialogue.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a sub-programme to establish a Global Network of Digital Agriculture Innovation Hubs. This network of in-country innovation hubs established by the FAO and country institutions, will support farmers and value chain actors, especially youth and women, to increase their competitiveness by accelerating the development and uptake of digital innovations.
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