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