United Nations Statistical Commission
Overview 52nd Session (2021) Side events
Presentations
The range and depth of data demands emerging out of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are unprecedented and present a substantial challenge for national statistical systems in all countries. Significant efforts are required to strengthen national statistical capacities to provide the necessary data and statistics for the full implementation of the 2030 agenda, as recognized by the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 71/313. The Cape Town Global Action Plan for Sustainable Data also highlights statistical training as an essential action area.
Statistical training is key in strengthening countries' statistical capacities. Many international and regional institutions work in this area, but due to limited coordination, there is still overlap in training provided and use of diverse approaches. The Global Network of Institutions for Statistical Training (GIST) was therefore established in 2018 to facilitate more coordination and help harmonize statistical training offerings. GIST is a network of international and regional training institutions, as well as a selection of countries, which provides statistical training to jointly build sustainable statistical capacities through efficient, effective, and harmonized delivery of training.
Since its establishment, GIST members have met regularly to discuss various aspects of better coordination of statistical training. Through the work, a community of experts has emerged which has created a number of ideas for more efficient work and improved user experiences. It has also led to closer collaboration on the initiatives in practice, with many members now working together on training material developments and learning from each other's experience.
This session will present some of the work carried out by the group in the last year. This includes further development of the hub or gateway for statistical face-to-face and e-learning courses on UN SDG:learn (www.unsdglearn.org/statistics), creation of an inventory of statistical literacy initiatives, development of a guidance document on evaluation of training courses and reports on national statistical training programmes and training on coordination of the National Statistical System.