Official statistics are foundational infrastructure for governance, development and accountability. They are used by governments to allocate resources, by international organisations to track global goals, and by citizens to hold power to account. The recent aid shocks exposed the depth of a data crisis that threatens national statistical offices (NSOs), particularly in low- and middle-income countries. At the same time, there is a rare opportunity to rethink how data systems are designed, governed and embedded in society.
Based on a PARIS21 and Open Data Watch discussion paper, this event will invite experts to discuss their experiences and vision to ensure the future of data systems around the world.