An Effective Global Statistical System

1. An Effective Global Statistical System A Pre-requisite for Consistency in Global Measurement Dennis Trewin, Statistical Consultant

2. Outline of Talk • Why is the global statistical system important? • What is the global statistical system? • Strengths and weaknesses of the global statistical system • Suggestions on a way forward

3. Why is the global statistical system important? • Increasing importance of global measures – globalisation impacts all countries • Need to strengthen the capability of National Statistical Offices • Cohesion across National Statistical Offices

4. What is the global statistical system? • International and regional organisations that are providers of statistics • UN Statistical Commission • Committee for Co-ordination of Statistical Activities • International statistical standards • Principles and protocols governing international statistical activities • National Statistical Systems

5. Strengths of Global Statistical System • UN Statistical Commission • Economic Statistical Standards • Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics • Increased funding for statistical capacity building

6. Strengths of Global Statistical System • Development of international data bases • Global statistical projects (eg ICP) and international surveys (eg PISA) • Increased co-operation among the international statistical agencies • Principles governing international statistical activities

7. Weaknesses of the Global Statistical System • Quality of international data bases is not always high (eg reliance on imputation) • Limited influence of UNSC over many international agencies (except by co-operation) • Weakening of statistical units in most regional commissions • Insufficient lateral mobility between UN agencies

8. Weaknesses of Global Statistical System • International Statistical Standards • not strong for social statistics • possible political influence • expensive to develop and reach concensus • implementation not always strong • Statistical capacity is still low in many countries

9. A Way Forward • Development of a strategic plan for the Global Statistical System • Improved co-ordination

10. A Way Forward (Relatively Easy) • UNSC exerting its leadership role and give final authority for statistical standards • A federated model for the dissemination of official statistics • Review of process for developing international statistical standards

11. A Way Forward (Hard) • Real commitment from the international agencies • Improve effectiveness of CCSA • Improved co-ordination among donors • Review governance arrangements for regional bodies where existing arrangements are not working

12. A Way Forward (Hard) • A project management approach to the implementation of international statistical standards and other international programs • More flexibility in recruitment • Review scope and coverage of international statistics

13. A Way Forward (Very Hard) • Establish a Global Statistical Office • Strengthen the role of the Bureau of UNSC