The United Nations Statistical Commission has reviewed data and indicators related to the Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030, in its 48th session held in New York from March 7-10, 2017. The meeting also discussed effective usage of databases in official statistics.
The Sultanate, represented by a delegation from the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) headed by CEO Dr. Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Barwani, participated in the session, in line with the Center's strategy aimed at establishing international partnerships in the field of statistics and familiarizing with the best global statistical practices so as to develop the statistical sector in the Sultanate.
The commission reviewed the report on sustainable development with respect to the international data and indicators as outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. The topics of the report include improving the preselected indicators, and a suggested time table to improve the framework of the indicators, among others. The 48th session was held under the theme "Better data, better lives". The meeting also discussed the transformation strategies in the field of official statistics and developing regional statistics, in addition to the integration of statistical, geographical and spatial data and information.
The meetings also discussed the role of statistical information in the process of development, and how to develop relevant statistical curriculum and resources. Another focus was the methods and style of publishing and prompt dissemination of data for users, and incorporating such data into the global transformational agenda for official statistics systems so as to enable countries to modernize and enhance their statistical systems and processes towards supporting their development agenda. The session also discussed the national data systems, the environmental and economic statistics, various statistical classifications, international trade, and crucial statistics on key topics including climate and disability.
Statistics related to ICT (information and communication technology), as well as the quality standards in the global statistical system, and the main principles for official statistics were also taken up for discussions during the session.
The NCSI held several meetings with various agencies including the International Monetary Fund to discuss statistics related to foreign investment and cooperation in building national capabilities in the field of statistics. The delegation also met HE Khalifa Al Harthy, the permanent representative of the Sultanate to the United Nations.
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