DIAGNOSTIC FRAMEWORK: National Accounts and Supporting Statistics SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL Session 10 points for discussion Regional Seminar on 2008 SNA Implementation 14-16 June 2010, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda Gulab Singh UN Statistics Division/ DESA 1 1

Points for discussion – Break out groups Role of NSOs/CBs in Monitoring and Evaluation Indicators (M&E) of development and vulnerabilities: (Five Year) Development Plans : balanced set of structural and high frequency statistics Real sector: short term/high frequency statistics quarterly national accounts, PPI, IIP, Turnover index, new order, etc. Institutional sectors: short term/high frequency statistics Availability of administrative data for structural and high frequency statistics Setting priorities based on quality “fit for purpose” Recommendations of the seminar? 2

Points for discussion – Break out Group Pressure to reduce expenditure, cut costs and improve efficiency Doing more with less resources Redefine statistical priorities Use of smart sample design – integrating infra-annual enquiries with annual one Limited public confidence in the reliability and integrity of data Limited capacity to turn things around in the short-term Review of statistical agenda Relevancy Writing economic history or tool for current decision making Policy relevance Recommendations of the seminar?

Points for discussion What makes a good strategy? Establish consultation mechanism with all main stakeholders – users, producers and providers of statistics; Assessment of status current system including users; perspective, and taking account of existing improvement programmes; A Vision - Where we want to be; Strategic actions required to overcome constraints and achieve the vision, including prioritization of actions; Detailed action plan with a timetable and financing plan to put these strategic actions into effect in order to achieve desired results; Mechanism to monitor progress, including indicators and reporting to inform the updating and adaptation of the strategy. 4

Points for discussion – Break out groups Vision Where we want to be Political Commitment Assessment Where are we now COUNTRY OWNERSHIP Action Plan How to get there Statistical capacity Implementation How to stay there 5

Points for discussion Things to do in phase I? Diagnostic analysis – about 2-3 months; Write a report (vision document) based on this diagnostic analysis – about 6 months; Consultation at national level with all main stakeholders – users, producers and providers of statistics to discuss vision document and priorities; Revisit statistical agenda and develop link to policy document; Identify priority areas – for external technical assistance; Write detailed action plan with a timetable and financing plan to put these strategic actions into effect in order to achieve desired results;. 6

Thank you