This paper outlines the opportunities and challenges, which have guided the United
Nations Global Pulse initiative since its inception in 2009. The paper builds on some of
the most recent findings in the field of data science, and findings from our own
collaborative research projects. It does not aim to cover the entire spectrum of challenges
nor to offer definitive answers to those it addresses, but to serve as a reference for further
reflection and discussion. The rest of this document is organised as follows: section one
lays out the vision that underpins Big Data for Development; section two discusses the
main challenges it raises; section three discusses its application. The concluding section
examines options and priorities for the future.