1. Main challenges in the Pacific subregion
Session 4: The MDGs in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories
International Conference on MDGS
Manila, Philippines
20 October 2011

2. Content Introduction Data availability in the Pacific Conclusion
Assessment based on the MDG global database
Comparison country data vs. data in global MDG database
Conclusion

3. Introduction
Since 2004, ESCAP/ADB/UNDP have produced six regional reports on MDGs in Asia and the Pacific
The progress assessments are based on data from the global database on official MDG Indicators
Analysis of the trends determine whether countries are on or off track
Four categories are used:
● Early achiever
 On track
 Off track-Slow
 Off track-No progress/regressing

4. Global database on official MDG Indicators
International agencies
Ministries and statistical offices generate official statistics
Ministries and statistical offices generate official statistics
Adjustments and estimates to ensure comparability
Data collected from NSS
Global MDG database
Data collected through surveys carried out/sponsored by international agencies
Data collected through surveys carried out/sponsored by international agencies
Data from surveys to fill gaps
Due to time lags and the necessary adjustments or estimation, discrepancies may occur between national and international data series
Such discrepancies could result in differences in the assessment of a country’s progress in reaching certain MDG targets

5. The progress assessment
The progress assessment for a given MDG target is produced on the basis of the trend since 1990
It requires a minimum of two data points that are at least three years apart (sufficient for estimating trends)
In this analysis country data contained in the MDG database as of 30 September 2011 has been reviewed
The assessment excludes indicators of Goal 8
More information on the progress assessment:

6. Subregional picture

7. Situation in the Pacific
Only 57.64% met
the data
requirements to
assess the progress

8. Situation in the Pacific
Type of data from
the latest available
point for the
assessment
Many data
points are
estimated or
adjusted by
international
agencies
C – Country data; CA – Country adjusted; E – Estimated; M – Modeled; G – Global monitoring data;

9. Situation in the Pacific
Number of data
points available for
the assessment

10. Situation in the Pacific
Year from
the latest available
point for the
assessment

11. Situation in the Pacific
Changes in data availability in time
by indicator
However, data availability
have increased substantially
between 2004 and 2011
2004 Dataset – downloaded on 23 November 2004;
2011 Dataset – downloaded 30 September 2011
Both from the United Nations MDG Indicators database

12. Situation in the Pacific
Changes in data availability in time
by country
2004 Dataset – downloaded on 23 November 2004;
2011 Dataset – downloaded 30 September 2011
Both from the United Nations MDG Indicators database

13. Situation in the Pacific
Countries generate their
own data which are not
always reflected in the
global MDG dataset
For example, Tonga
Data for Tonga:
*First value before 1990

14. Challenges
Improve coordination between countries and international agencies
Reduce/understand the discrepancies between national and international data 14

15. Thank you