We are excited to announce the launch of the Open Data Champions Initiative, an effort to celebrate and elevate leaders worldwide who champion open data in the land sector. This initiative shines a spotlight on the incredible individuals dedicated to advancing data transparency and access, especially within the Global South. These champions are at the forefront of transformative change, harnessing the power of data to address critical land governance challenges.

Two comprehensive State of Land Information (SOLI) reports have been released, providing in-depth assessments of the land data and information ecosystems in Botswana and Zambia. These reports examine the availability of land information and evaluate its compliance with open data standards. The findings highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each country's land information management practices and offer insights for targeted interventions.