We are starting to see examples where big data analytics are used for humanitarian goals and social development. Amongst others, Data for Development (D4D), the project set up by Orange in Ivory Coast and Senegal, demonstrated the value and feasibility of sharing mobile data from private companies in a responsible way. It uses a risk-based approach to conciliate the respect of users' privacy, while enabling open innovation in the service of local development and humanitarian interventions. This chapter will argue that big data technologies are able to disrupt the way we address development goals, and that their responsible usage is an extraordinary opportunity as we face increasing challenges for the evolution of the world at large. It is therefore a necessity for those in the field to find a way to develop the domain of Data for Development, by defining appropriate regulations, opening access to multiple data sets, or setting up the necessary processes and data sharing culture. This will contribute to the improvement of public policies and the creation of new services to improve the access to knowledge, and foster collaboration between people for the welfare and resilience of our societies.