An Effective Global Statistical System

A Pre-requisite for Consistency in Global Measurement

Dennis Trewin, Statistical Consultant

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

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

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

Strengths of Global Statistical System

• UN Statistical Commission

• Economic Statistical Standards

• Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics

• Increased funding for statistical capacity building

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

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

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

A Way Forward

• Development of a strategic plan for the Global Statistical System

• Improved co-ordination

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

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

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

A Way Forward (Very Hard)

• Establish a Global Statistical Office

• Strengthen the role of the Bureau of UNSC