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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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