Working with policy makers in the Maldives
The Maldives Bureau of Statistics and PARIS21 presented to the parliamentary staff at the People's Majlis on how and where to find official statistics as well as why these are a valuable source of knowledge and information for parliamentarians. With requests from the public that can cover a wide range of topics which have rapid and heavy impacts on people's lives - such as climate-related disasters, public order, employment or health, parliamentarians need fast access to a wide range of reliable information.
A practical component of the training involved parliamentary staff developing a policy brief from an official data set. PARIS21 and Statistics Sweden also presented on statistical communications skills for parliaments.
Communicating census data
With the results of the Maldives' most recent census being finalised. The Maldives Bureau of Statistics is turning their attention to ensuring that the results of the statistics are effectively disseminated, understood and used. PARIS21 and Statistics Sweden worked together to help Maldives Bureau of Statistics evaluate their internal strengths as communicators, look at the audiences they target and through which channels. The workshop also focussed on practical skills including turning a dataset into a press release and key messages, as well as how to carry out interviews with media.