These guidelines have been prepared primarily to assist developing countries to design their NSDSs but will also be useful to development partners, including civil society, consultants and international partners providing technical and other forms of assistance to countries to improve the quality and use of statistics for better management for development results. These guidelines are not prescriptive, given the wide variations in countries and organisations that will be using them.

The Guide is designed to be a practical document, providing an outline of the main processes involved in developing a strategic approach to statistical capacity building as well as access to experience from different parts of the world. The main areas covered include:
- An overview of statistical systems in developing countries and a discussion on why countries might wish to develop an NSDS
- A summary of the strategic planning approach and what is involved
- An overview of the main components involved in developing an NSDS
- A review of what is needed for leadership and management of the process
- The need for consultation and involving stakeholders at all stages of the exercise
- Assessment of statistical systems and an introduction to the main tools and processes
- The need for a medium- to long-term vision
- The preparation of a detailed implementation plan
- Moving from planning to implementation, especially in relation to monitoring and reporting on progress

Custodian: Paris 21