Dr. Olivier Thunus UNECE Task Force Vice-Chair Selection process Dr. Olivier Thunus UNECE Task Force Vice-Chair

Concepts for selection process Policy-derived framework Criteria for indicator Criteria for set of indicator => Example inspired from the EU sustainable development indicators

Policy-derived framework Indicator Description First-level (headline) indicator Indicator is widely used and well-suited to communicating information. It is robust and available for at least 5 years. It monitors on overall objective of SD strategy. Ex: GDP per capita Second-level (operational) indicator Indicator is robust and available for most EU Member States for a minimum period of 3 years. It is related to an operational objective of SD strategy. Ex. labour productivity Third-level (explanatory) indicator Indicator is related to actions described in the SD strategy or to other issues which are useful for analysing progress towards the strategy’s objectives. It can be the breakdown of high-level indicators Ex: regional disparities in GDP Contextual indicator Indicator does not directly monitor a particular SD objective, or is not policy-responive. Generally, it is difficult to interpret in a normative way. It providees valuable background information, however Ex: number of people per household Example inspired from the EU sustainable development indicators

Criteria for indicator Relevance and utility for users Indicator provides a representative picture of the phenomena it describes and, in the case of performance indicators, is clearly linked to the target it purports to measure Indicator is responsive to changes and, in the case of performance indicators, policy interventions Indicator provides basis for international comparisons and is able to show trends over time Indicator is easy to understand for policy-makers, the general public and other stakeholders Methodological soundness Indicator should be robust and statistically validated Indicator should be based to the greatest extent possible on existing agreed definitions, classifications, standards, recommendations and best practices Methodology behind the indicator should be well documented and readily available Measurability Indicator should be measured in a cost-effective and practical manner. A regular data collection mechanism has been or can be developed with reasonable costs Indicator should be updated at regular intervals in accordance with reliable procedures A meaningful trend analysis is possible

Criteria for set of indicator Indicator should be consistent with and complementary to each other (coherence) 5 main areas should be represented All main CC phenomena should be addressed Other ? Indicators should be limited in number (parsimony)

Proposal for selection process Present the results of the survey by main area For umbrella questions highlighted, by descending importance, Identify sub-policy questions Identify potential indicators Evaluate each potential indicators based on criteria => should we establish a formal method: rate each criteria (0-1-2) ? Classify each indicator in the policy-derived framework Cross-check with CC main phenomena and other ongoing exercises