How Snowflake Aims to Tackle Global Data Inequality

Data inequality has emerged as a major barrier to global development, with organisations in emerging markets struggling to access the tools and information needed to tackle social and environmental challenges. The gap between data-rich and data-poor regions continues to widen as AI and cloud computing reshape how organisations operate.

The United Nations has identified data accessibility as a key factor in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet many regions lack the infrastructure and expertise to gather and process information effectively.

Now, Snowflake – a provider of cloud-based data platforms and AI services – has established a programme to tackle these disparities in data quality and accessibility across global markets.

The company’s ‘End Data Disparity’ initiative brings together specialists from tech firms, universities and international organisations to improve how data is collected, shared and utilised.

Current data shows only 17% of measurable SDG targets are on track for completion by 2030, highlighting systemic issues in how organisations gather and use information to drive social progress. Snowflake’s new programme aims to close this gap.

Snowflake End Data Disparity targets development goals

“Now is the time to use the power of data to accelerate progress in addressing social, health and climate issues, with the same knowledge and insight that has powered the cloud and AI booms,” says Benoit Dageville, Snowflake Co-Founder and panel member for the initiative.

“Working together with the incredible experts in corporate, nonprofit and governmental institutions, can result in real progress being made to end data disparity.”

The programme will organise hackathons – intensive coding events where programmers collaborate on specific challenges – and provide pro bono consultancy to organisations working on development projects. Panel members will also advocate for policy changes to improve data collection standards.

An online hub will serve as a central resource for organisations participating in the initiative, supplemented by a LinkedIn group for knowledge sharing. Snowflake has published a white paper examining historical patterns of data inequality and outlining the programme's objectives.

United Nations and Snowflake panel to meet at Davos

The initiative will be led by Karen Beauné, Snowflake’s Vice President of EMEA Marketing, with the first meeting scheduled before the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2025.

The panel comprises 11 members from across the technology and development sectors. These include Lisa Lim Ah Ken, Senior Specialist for Climate Action at the International Organisation for Migration, Elena Philipova, Director of Sustainable Finance and Investment at the London Stock Exchange Group and Dr Elisabetta Pietrostefani, who specialises in Geographic Data Science at the University of Liverpool.

The panel also features technology industry figures including Arndt Brinkmann, Senior Director and Associate General Counsel at Snowflake and Jennifer L. Wong, former Global Head of Strategy and Business Transformation for Digital Data and AI at pharmaceutical company Sanofi.

Partnership for sustainable development

The initiative specifically addresses SDG 17, which focuses on creating partnerships between organisations for sustainable global development. Regular panel meetings will focus on identifying barriers to data access and recommending practical steps organisations can take to improve data representation across regions and sectors.

Snowflake’s platform currently enables thousands of companies to share data and build AI applications. The company sees this initiative as an extension of its core mission to democratise access to data technologies.

Resources and implementation

Beyond the expert panel, the programme includes practical tools for organisations looking to address data inequality. The interactive hub will provide resources and guidance for implementing data quality improvements, while the LinkedIn group aims to foster collaboration between professionals working on similar challenges.

Stephen C. Daffron, Chairman at financial technology firm BetaNXT and panel member, says: “We want companies and individuals to go beyond a stated desire to meet the SDGs, to understand how their actions are making a difference. This won't be easy or simple, but the work is vital. Along with the other members of the panel, I’m committed to helping facilitate these discussions and providing a forum for more action on this issue.”

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