1. An Effective Global Statistical System
A Pre-requisite for Consistency in Global Measurement
Dennis Trewin, Statistical Consultant

2. Outline of Talk Why is the global statistical system important?
What is the global statistical system?
Strengths and weaknesses of the global statistical system
Suggestions on a way forward

3. Why is the global statistical system important?
Increasing importance of global measures – globalisation impacts all countries
Need to strengthen the capability of National Statistical Offices
Cohesion across National Statistical Offices

4. What is the global statistical system?
International and regional organisations that are providers of statistics
UN Statistical Commission
Committee for Co-ordination of Statistical Activities
International statistical standards
Principles and protocols governing international statistical activities
National Statistical Systems

5. Strengths of Global Statistical System
UN Statistical Commission
Economic Statistical Standards
Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
Increased funding for statistical capacity building

6. Strengths of Global Statistical System
Development of international data bases
Global statistical projects (eg ICP) and international surveys (eg PISA)
Increased co-operation among the international statistical agencies
Principles governing international statistical activities

7. Weaknesses of the Global Statistical System
Quality of international data bases is not always high (eg reliance on imputation)
Limited influence of UNSC over many international agencies (except by co-operation)
Weakening of statistical units in most regional commissions
Insufficient lateral mobility between UN agencies

8. Weaknesses of Global Statistical System
International Statistical Standards
not strong for social statistics
possible political influence
expensive to develop and reach concensus
implementation not always strong
Statistical capacity is still low in many countries

9. A Way Forward
Development of a strategic plan for the Global Statistical System
Improved co-ordination

10. A Way Forward (Relatively Easy)
UNSC exerting its leadership role and give final authority for statistical standards
A federated model for the dissemination of official statistics
Review of process for developing international statistical standards

11. A Way Forward (Hard) Real commitment from the international agencies
Improve effectiveness of CCSA
Improved co-ordination among donors
Review governance arrangements for regional bodies where existing arrangements are not working

12. A Way Forward (Hard)
A project management approach to the implementation of international statistical standards and other international programs
More flexibility in recruitment
Review scope and coverage of international statistics

13. A Way Forward (Very Hard)
Establish a Global Statistical Office
Strengthen the role of the Bureau of UNSC