The Global Assessment of Environment Statistics, Environmental-Economic Accounting and related statistics is an activity of the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) under the auspices of the UN Committee of Experts on Environmental-Economic Accounting (UNCEEA). UNSD works in close collaboration with the relevant groups active in the fields of environment statistics, environmental-economic accounting and related statistics (e.g. expert groups, including city groups, inter-agency groups, etc.).

To assess the current status of national implementation of environment statistics, environmental-economic accounting and related statistics;

To identify priorities and future plans in the programmes above; and

To assess the impeding factors in the collection, compilation and dissemination of environment statistics, environmental-economic accounting and related statistics.

The Global Assessment is carried out in two phases in order not to overburden the respondents. Phase 1 of the Global Assessment covers general information on the programmes of environment statistics and environmental-economic accounting. It includes questions on the institutional infrastructure, subject areas, constraints encountered in the development and implementation of the programmes and countries’ future plans.

Phase I of the Global Assessment of Environment Statistics and Environmental-Economic Accounting has been completed. A summary of the results of the assessment has been presented to the 38^th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission in the report of UNCEEA and a detailed analysis has been presented in a background document.

Phase 2 of the Global Assessment consists of follow-up questionnaires focusing on specific subject areas that have been identified in Phase 1. The Global Assessment of Energy Statistics and Balances has been completed in 2007. The preliminary results have been presented in a background document to the 39^th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission.

The Global Assessment of Water Statistics and Water Accounts has been launched in March 2008.

National Statistical Offices who have not yet replied to the Global Assessment – Phase 1 are still encouraged to do so. This would allow updating the analysis and better targeting the second Phase of the Assessment.