Thirteenth Management Seminar for the Heads of National Statistical Offices in Asia and the Pacific

Considering the progress made so far in compilation of SDG Indicators and the present status of NSS in the region, the seminar shall address two key issues of concern. These are needs for empowerment and strengthening of NSS in the region. 

I. Empowering NSS

How do we empower NSS? National Statistical Offices and Systems have been part and parcel of Governments with varying degrees of responsibility across the region in terms of data collection, compilation and processing and providing inputs to planning process and in evaluation of programmes undertaken by the Governments. Many countries have functional legislative instrument to empower statistical offices and system to collect information from various entities. In some countries, such instruments do not exist or have become dated or dysfunctional. 

II. Strengthening NSS

How do we strengthen NSS? NSS have been put to an unprecedented demand of large number of indicators. Do they have adequate resources to meet the challenge? These resources may be in the form human resources, financial resources or infrastructure. Chief statisticians will have to make a realistic assessment of the needs of the NSS based on a thorough exercise and development of National Strategy for Development of Statistics (NSDS) especially in the context of SDG indicator framework. Another important question is whether such requirements have been projected and made part of National Development Plans. In this context, it is also important to ensure that NSS use their resources more effectively and efficiently. Effectiveness of NSS could be achieved by effective use of information and communication technologies. Furthermore, it is necessary that sufficient resources quantitatively and qualitatively are provided by the Government to NSS. Capacity building of the staff engaged in production and dissemination of statistics is crucial factor in its effective performance. Although capacity building needs time and costs, it is the key to strengthen NSS.

Back to basics: Stakeholder Analysis