1. ADB’s Statistical Capacity Building Strategy and Program Kaushal Joshi Statistician, ADB 2007 International Conference on the Millennium Development Goals Statistics (ICMDGS) 1-3 October Manila, Philippines

2. Background Marrakech Action Plan in Statistics calls for national strategies for development statisticsMarrakech Action Plan in Statistics calls for national strategies for development statistics Requires countries to accord higher priority for development of statisticsRequires countries to accord higher priority for development of statistics Adoption of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Managing for Development Results approach requires reliable data on indicators for tracking progress and development outcomesAdoption of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Managing for Development Results approach requires reliable data on indicators for tracking progress and development outcomes

3. Background Countries own needs for timely and reliable statistics for planning and developmentCountries own needs for timely and reliable statistics for planning and development National Statistical Systems are facing severe challenges to meet emerging data needs of internal and external clientsNational Statistical Systems are facing severe challenges to meet emerging data needs of internal and external clients

4. Why SCB? Assisting countries with weak statistical systems to build statistical infrastructureAssisting countries with weak statistical systems to build statistical infrastructure To overcome common obstacles to statistical developmentTo overcome common obstacles to statistical development Breaking vicious cycle that inhibits development of statisticsBreaking vicious cycle that inhibits development of statistics Creating effective and efficient national statistical system for good governanceCreating effective and efficient national statistical system for good governance

5. ADB’s Role in Statistical Capacity Building (SCB) in the Region ADB recognizes role of modern statistical systems in providing timely, relevant and credible statistics in the development of countriesADB recognizes role of modern statistical systems in providing timely, relevant and credible statistics in the development of countries Long history of technical assistance in statisticsLong history of technical assistance in statistics Economics and Research Department (ERD) has been assisting the developing members countries (DMCs) through SCB TAs and RETAs for more than 35 yearsEconomics and Research Department (ERD) has been assisting the developing members countries (DMCs) through SCB TAs and RETAs for more than 35 years 21 DMCs have benefited from advisory TA, 44 DMCs from regional TA21 DMCs have benefited from advisory TA, 44 DMCs from regional TA

6. ADB’s Role in Statistical Capacity Building (SCB) in the Region Areas of technical assistance in statisticsAreas of technical assistance in statistics national accounts, poverty monitoring, household and establishment surveys, services sector statistics, environment, agriculture statistics, developing statistical plans, etc.national accounts, poverty monitoring, household and establishment surveys, services sector statistics, environment, agriculture statistics, developing statistical plans, etc.

7. Traditional approach to SCB Some TA projects are processed and implemented by RDs/RMs with or without assistance from ERDSome TA projects are processed and implemented by RDs/RMs with or without assistance from ERD Processes & implements TA Channels request Requests for TA ERDRD/RM DMC Note: RD = Regional Department RM = Resident Mission

8. Limitations of Traditional Approach No assessment of DMC’s comprehensive statistical development strategy/ prioritiesNo assessment of DMC’s comprehensive statistical development strategy/ priorities No assessment of ADB’s priority goals for regional statistical developmentNo assessment of ADB’s priority goals for regional statistical development Ad hoc and piecemealAd hoc and piecemeal

9. New Approach to SCB ADB adopted new approach to SCB in January 2006ADB adopted new approach to SCB in January 2006 New Approach to SCBNew Approach to SCB FocusedFocused Long-term SCB programs for statistically weak DMCsLong-term SCB programs for statistically weak DMCs SystematicSystematic Diagnostic studiesDiagnostic studies Results-orientedResults-oriented Built-in monitoring mechanismBuilt-in monitoring mechanism

10. Implementation of New SCB Approach Regional Technical Assistance Project 6333Regional Technical Assistance Project 6333 13 DMCs approached, 12 agreed to participate13 DMCs approached, 12 agreed to participate Desk study (involving 12 participating DMCs, plus Cambodia and Lao PDR) completed and 11 statistically weak DMCs identifiedDesk study (involving 12 participating DMCs, plus Cambodia and Lao PDR) completed and 11 statistically weak DMCs identified Presently 4 statistically weak DMCs selected for SCB assistance to begin withPresently 4 statistically weak DMCs selected for SCB assistance to begin with Additional countries may be considered in future

11. Implementation….. Inception workshopInception workshop Diagnostic studies in progressDiagnostic studies in progress Country workshopsCountry workshops Advocacy for SCBAdvocacy for SCB Stakeholder consultations – on draft diagnosticsStakeholder consultations – on draft diagnostics

12. Implementation….. Prepare draft long-term SCB programs based on the diagnostic studyPrepare draft long-term SCB programs based on the diagnostic study Long-term SCB programs to be included in the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) to ensure their long- term implementationLong-term SCB programs to be included in the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) to ensure their long- term implementation

13. Implementation….. Ensure effective TA implementation and post-TA sustainabilityEnsure effective TA implementation and post-TA sustainability Ownership and effective commitment of governmentOwnership and effective commitment of government Independent statistical officesIndependent statistical offices Enhance transparency in statistical operationsEnhance transparency in statistical operations Commitment to deploy more resourcesCommitment to deploy more resources

14. Role of International Community in SCB Need for effective coordination among donor agencies forNeed for effective coordination among donor agencies for AdvocacyAdvocacy Resource mobilizationResource mobilization Avoid duplication and supplementing effortsAvoid duplication and supplementing efforts ADB looks forward to working together with international agenciesADB looks forward to working together with international agencies

15. Thank you.