Classification of Statistical Activities, Version 2.1

The Classification of Statistical Activities (CSA) is an analytical classification that provides a hierarchical structure designed to categorize the full spectrum of statistical activities. The CSA serves as an international classification for national statistics offices and international organizations to organize activities, ranging from primary data production to support functions like statistical events, capacity building, training and standard setting. Beyond operational activities, the CSA is also used for classifying the resulting data and metadata. As a member of the International Family of Classifications, the CSA is maintained by the United Nations Statistics Division under the auspices of the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Statistical Classifications.

First developed in 2005 and updated in 2009, CSA underwent a major expansion in 2023. CSA Version 2.0 (CSA 2.0) has been expanded to seven domains by introducing dedicated domains for Environment and Governance, while restructuring the domain for Cross-cutting statistics to better address global policy agendas including sustainable development, gender and climate change. Furthermore, the classification aligns its infrastructure, methodology, and managerial domains with modern models including the Generic Statistical Business Process Model and Generic Activity Model for Statistical Organizations. The current edition, CSA Version 2.1 (CSA 2.1), builds on this foundation with a targeted update to include food security and nutrition, ensuring the classification remains aligned with modern international standards and global policy need. CSA 2.1 is submitted to the United Nations Statistics Commission for endorsement at its 57th session in March 2026.