International Open Data Conference Brings Global Experts to

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 29, 2015) - Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

The International Open Data Conference (IODC), held over the past two days in Ottawa, brought open data experts from six continents before a capacity crowd under the theme "Enabling the Data Revolution." Treasury Board President Tony Clement spoke about the future of open data, highlighting its value as a largely untapped, yet priceless commodity that can lead to increased innovation, job creation and economic expansion.

In his remarks, Minister Clement pointed to the major outcomes achieved through the conference, and to the progress on the International Open Data Charter and the roadmap for open data moving forward. He highlighted the importance of these milestones to help chart the immediate future of open data through both policies and collaborative activities.

The conference featured more than 50 presentations, including a first-ever Indigenous Data and Open Governance workshop, offering a place where aboriginal data leaders can meet in person and network with other global experts. Another session, La francophonie: the New Frontier of Open Data, brings together country representatives, governments, civil society, innovators, and startups from the French-speaking global community to share experiences and best practices in open data, identifying potential areas of collaboration.

This is the third IODC, with Canada welcoming over 1,100 attendees, including senior government officials, policy makers, and open data advocates. Information sharing through world forums like the IODC helps to chart open data's future and, in turn, strengthens democracy, generates jobs, and builds prosperity globally and in Canada.

Quick Facts

IODC is organized by the Government of Canada, the International Development Research Centre, and the World Bank.
The conference capped a full week of open data events that included the first Open Data Research Symposium, the Open Data Unconference, and the Canadian Open Data Summit, among others.
Speakers included leading experts in open data from civil society, government, academia, and the private sector.
The first two International Open Data conferences were held in Washington, D.C., in 2010 and 2012, co-sponsored by the U.S. Government and the World Bank.The next IODC conference will be held in Spain in 2016.

Quotes

"The International Open Data Conference is an unprecedented opportunity for the international open data community to meet, make connections, and work together to enable the open data revolution. This event helps chart the future of open data and will accelerate progress through strategic international collaboration."

- Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board

"Access to data means innovation, economic opportunity, and democratic engagement. It can accelerate development and improves lives. As a leader, the International Development Research Centre contributes to Canada's investment in this movement by pursuing knowledge, innovation, and solutions to spread the benefits of open data across the developing world."

- Jean Lebel, President of the International Development Research Centre

"This event is a milestone in the global open data movement - from supporting open data leaders and advancing standards, to helping unlock the social and economic value of open data and measuring the results. The International Open Data Conference has energized individuals, institutions, companies and governments to work together to create solutions to society's important challenges."

- Cyril Muller, Vice President, World Bank Group, External and Corporate Relations

International Open Data Conference Brings Global Experts to Ottawa

Worldwide conference a key initiative in Canada's promotion of open data