8 To harness the benefits of identification systems in the digital era, these risks must be proactively, comprehensively, and continuously addressed by stakeholders. Building an identification system that meets development goals requires a multifaceted, multi-stakeholder approach. This requires clearly defining the purposes and intended uses of the system; adopting and resourcing adequate legal and regulatory frameworks that remove barriers to access and provide sufficient safeguards and oversight; implementing inclusive policies and practices for identification system enrollment and use; following a people-centric and data privacy–protecting approach for design and risk assessment; and selecting context-appropriate, equitable, and accessible technologies that ensure the quality, security, and utility of the system now and in the future. Continuous and transparent engagement with the public and a diverse set of stakeholders throughout these processes are essential for fostering trust and accountability, and ensuring that identification systems are built to be useful for people and support sustainable development outcomes.