Uganda officials are participating at the 56th Session of the UN Economic and Social Council Statistical Commission in New York.
The Statistical Commission consists of 24 member countries of the United Nations electioned by the United Nations Economic and Social Council on the basis of an equitable geographical distribution. The term of office of members is four years.
The United Nations Statistical Commission, established in 1946, is the highest body of the global statistical system bringing together the Chief Statisticians from member states from around the world. It is the highest decision making body for international statistical activities, responsible for setting of statistical standards and the development of concepts and methods, including their implementation at the national and international level.
The Statistical Commission oversees the work of the United Nations Statistical Division and it is a fundamental commission of the UN Economic and Social Council.
The Executive Director and Chief Statistician of Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Dr. Mukiza is attending the 56th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council Statistical Commission in New York. The four day conference taking place from 4th to 7th March 2025 will set a new Centre stage for statistical production and development across the various National Statistical Offices (NSOs) around the world in the next 12 months and beyond.
In his remarks, Dr. Mukiza noted that this year’s conference provides an opportunity to share ideas and discuss critical issues surrounding statistical development, production and dissemination as a key ingredient in the much-desired socio-economic transformation of Uganda and world over.
While representing the views of Uganda on fundamental principles of official statistics, Dr. Mukiza cautioned against duplicating the functions of National Statistics Boards and regional frameworks such as African Charter for Official Statistics that establishes mechanisms for oversight in compliance to the fundamental principles of official statistics.
“The discussion and decision at this 56th Session of the UN Economic and Social Council Statistical Commission will shape a new era in understanding the statistical demands and ensuring that the we respond to such data needs in a timely manner” he noted.
Dr. Mukiza further said that availing quality data will address specific areas and developmental gaps that require statistics to facilitate informed polices and resource allocation.
It is expected that during this 56th Session, the Commission will consider resolutions for the 2030 World Population and Housing Census Program and the System of National Accounts 2025.
The Under – Secretary General Mr. Li Junhua from the Department of Economic and Social Affairs said that these two programmes have got a rich history and they remain highly relevant in measuring the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals and are fundamental in monitoring the needs of the 2030 Agenda. He further made emphasis on conducting population and housing Censuses as the auspice for delivering on the Agenda 2030 and beyond. He noted that the new 2025 System for National Accounts will enhance the ability to measure the digital and global economy as well as contribute to discussion around GDP.
Dr Mukiza was accompanied by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi UBOS Member of the Board, Mr. Samuel Echoku Head of Department of Economic Statistics and Ms. Karen Akampa an IT Officer.