Big Data and Data Science (planned)

The planned Working Group on Big Data and Data Science in collaboration with the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science will support NSOs in building the skills, tools, and institutional readiness needed to work with big data and data science in official statistics. Its work will focus on training, guidance, shared platforms, and collaboration across countries and regions.


About

The Working Group on Big Data and Data Science focuses on strengthening institutional capacity for the use of big data and data science within official statistics. Its work supports National Statistical Offices (NSOs) at different stages of their data modernization journey, from early exploration to more advanced implementation of non-traditional data sources and methods.

The working group addresses capacity development needs related to skills, competencies, tools, and organizational readiness required to work effectively with big data. This includes supporting NSOs in assessing their current capabilities, identifying development priorities, and accessing relevant training and guidance. The work aims to ensure that the use of big data in official statistics is effective, methodologically sound, and aligned with principles of quality, trust, and public value.

In addition to its own capacity development activities, the working group provides cross-cutting support to other GIST task teams by contributing guidance on training design, curricula development, and delivery of online learning. Through shared platforms, coordinated training programmes, and collaboration with regional and global hubs, the group helps strengthen global learning infrastructure for big data and data science in official statistics.

The Terms of Reference of the Working Group are currently being drafted.


Workplan

The Workplan of the Working Group will be defined once the terms of references have been approved.


Provisional Membership


International / Regional Organizations

  • Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics (AITRS)
  • ARIES Sector Hub - Spain
  • International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
  • Open Data Watch
  • UN ESCAP
  • UN Women
  • UNESCO
  • University of Toronto
  • UNSD

Other members

  • University of Toronto

National Statistical Offices / Countries

  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Ghana
  • Indonesia
  • Norway
  • Poland TASK TEAM LEAD
  • Rwanda
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom

Other Task Teams and Working Groups