Better Data for Better Results SECOND INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE MARRAKECH Better Data for Better Results

Better Data for Better Results SECOND INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE MARRAKECH Better Data for Better Results: An Action Plan for Improving Development Statistics  Builds on impressive progress made since the last Roundtable  Recommends 6 actions for discussion and adoption of a shared work program  Provides some cost estimates to give a sense of the overall scale of the effort  Calls for a renewed commitment to scale up efforts to improve development statistics

Better Data for Better Results SECOND INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE MARRAKECH Building on Progress to Date  Increased partnership and pooling of resources  MDG focus to improve data at country and international level  Better international standards to help countries  More support from bilateral and multilateral agencies  Signs of improvements at country level

Better Data for Better Results SECOND INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE MARRAKECH Action 1: Mainstream Strategic Planning of Statistical Systems Strategic statistical plans have proven to be a powerful tool for guiding national programs Recommendations oAim for every low income country to have a strategic plan by 2006 oIntegrate with the PRSPs and national development plans oDonors’ plans to complement national statistical plans oPARIS21 and TFSCB to support countries' statistical plans

Better Data for Better Results SECOND INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE MARRAKECH Action 2: Prepare for the 2010 Census Round A unique data source on location, age, and gender to guide development Recommendations oPARIS21 Task Team on censuses to review and scale up the proposal by UNSD oSet up a global Trust Fund to: conduct research on ways to reduce census costs assist with advocacy at national level build technical skills needed for managing census programs at country level

Better Data for Better Results SECOND INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE MARRAKECH Action 3: Increase Financing for Statistical Capacity Building The international community has been quick to demand more and better data, but slow to provide additional resources for statistics Recommendations oPrepare integrated financing strategies (multi-country, -sector, -agency) oBring donors together in an annual joint event oLink statistical capacity investment projects with general budget and PRS Credits oProvide lending and grant facilities that encourage long- term statistical capacity building, such as STATCAP

Better Data for Better Results SECOND INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE MARRAKECH Action 4: Set up an International Household Survey Network Surveys are essential sources of information, but are complex undertakings with many national and international actors involved Recommendations oOrganize a Household Survey Network to share information and mobilize support oConsider feasibility of a minimum survey program oImprove survey archiving and dissemination programs while protecting confidentiality

Better Data for Better Results SECOND INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE MARRAKECH Action 5: Undertake Urgent Improvements Needed for MDG Monitoring by 2005 The MDG Indicators Expert Group has identified data deficiencies that should be addressed for 2005 MDG reporting Recommendations oSet up special working groups to review indicators for poverty, education, the environment, and global partnership oEstablish a small interagency editorial board to assist with the 2005 MDG report oProvide training and tools for MDG data management and analysis at the country level, including DevInfo data system

Better Data for Better Results SECOND INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE MARRAKECH Action 6: Increase Accountability for International Statistical System International cooperation to support developing countries and pool data resources for MDG monitoring is essential and needs formal recognition Recommendations oAdopt a statement of principles on statistical responsibilities of international organizations oIncrease information sharing on forward-looking data plans oCollect information on level of spending to identify investment gaps

Better Data for Better Results SECOND INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE MARRAKECH Costing of the Action Plan Incremental Costs for  Cost of the statistical capacity building in developing countries = $ million/year for the next three years  Costs of strengthening the international statistical system = $24-$28 million/year for the next three years  These costs are to give a sense of the overall scale of the effort

Better Data for Better Results SECOND INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE MARRAKECH Expectations for the Conference and Next Steps  Renew commitment for the need to scale up improvement plans for development statistics  Agree on a shared work program among key development partners  Prioritize actions into an implementation plan for the next months  Report to the Development Committee Spring 2004