Statistics are crucial for policy making that directs sustainable development and improves people’s lives. Data and statistics allow governments to design, implement, monitor and evaluate progress towards national and international commitments. A country’s capacity to produce and use statistics is therefore key to ensuring timely and accurate development policies.
This discussion paper covers three foundations of statistical capacity: leadership skills, strategic planning, and engagement between data users and producers. The paper proposes six action-oriented approaches to improve the foundations of statistical capacity, exploring lessons learned and examples from various countries. It highlights good practices and challenges associated with strengthening statistical capacity to enable countries to develop better official statistics that can help improve lives.
This discussion paper explores six action-oriented approaches to improve the foundations of statistical capacity, exploring lessons learned and examples from various countries. It highlights good practices and challenges associated with strengthening statistical capacity to enable countries to develop better official statistics that can help improve lives.
The content of this discussion paper comes from:
- Insights from PARIS21’s technical assistance to selected countries and regions.
- Desk research on relevant topics of statistical development, including a compilation of efforts by other partners working with NSOs and NSSs.
- A set of interviews with selected partner countries that informed the approaches proposed and validated the content of country case studies.
