PARIS21 has developed advocacy materials to show how greater availability and use of good statistics can improve development outcomes. This is a necessary first step in making the case for (1) increased funding of statistics and statistical capacity building in developing countries, and (2) greater use of statistics in policy-making.

The initial document -- "Measuring Up to the Measurement Problem: The Role of Statistics in Evidence-Based Policy-making" -- was authored by Christopher Scott from the London School of Economics on behalf of PARIS21. Shorter pamphlets based on this paper are available in English and French as well as a leaflet entitled "Better statistics, Better policies, Better development outcomes" in Arabic, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Our target audience is senior policy-makers in developing countries and development agencies, including Ministers of Finance and International Development Association deputies.

In addition, PARIS21 has produced a booklet called "Counting Down Poverty: The Role of Statistics in World Development", showing the vital role of statistics in world development and poverty reduction. Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish versions are available.

In collaboration with the Health Metrics Network (HMN), PARIS21 has also produced a leaflet entitled "HMN & PARIS21 Working Together", which describes how the two institutions collaborate in supporting the development of national statistical systems.

Effective advocacy for statistics, both in terms of promoting evidence-based decision making as well as ensuring that statistical activities are properly financed and resourced, is crucial if the long-term vision of developing national statistical systems is to be achieved. While there may be greater awareness of the need for better data generally as a result of the emphasis on global monitoring including MDGs, and on national poverty reduction strategies, the case for further strengthening of official statistics still needs to be made with policy makers and data users at all levels. PARIS21 is in a unique position, not only to undertake advocacy itself at the international and regional level, but also to provide support and access to advocacy material to the managers of national statistical systems. On this page, users will find materials (e.g., videos, brochures, articles) that they can adapt for their own advocacy efforts. Should you like to receive hard copies of any of these materials, please contact the PARIS21 Secretariat at contact@paris21.org.