UNECE Statistics

🔎 Recap: CES Bureau Meeting February 2025 The Bureau, which steers the work of the Conference of European Statisticians, met from 12-13 February 2025 in London. The Bureau reviewed in-depth the topics of lessons learned from providing statistics for SDGs and ageing-related statistics, discussed strategic developments in official statistics, the preparation of the 73rd plenary session of the Conference of European Statisticians and the UNECE statistical programme. Furthermore, the Bureau established a Task Force on measuring social relations, discussed progress reports of Task Forces on measuring emigration and new forms of international migration, the final report of the Task Team on privately held data, a practical guide to changes in the classification of goods and services in the consumer price index, and the report on the HLG-MOS outcomes of work in 2024 and plans for 2025. The following draft publications and other major outputs will be sent for consultation to all CES members and – subject to a positive outcome – submitted to the CES plenary session for endorsement: - CES Recommendations for the 2030 Round of Population and Housing Censuses  - Measuring hard-to-reach groups in administrative sources   - The latest update (version 5.2) of the Generic Statistical Business Process Model  - Ethics in modern statistical organizations - a guide  - Guidelines on measurement of well-being  - Principles on Open Source Software in official statistics 📢 A big thank you to all participants for their valuable contributions! Looking forward to continued progress in advancing data-driven policymaking and statistical innovation. 🔗 More details: https://lnkd.in/eGg_NtAZ #CESBureau #ECESD 

On 12 February, the Bureau of the Conference of European Statisticians discussed a paper on Lessons Learned from providing Statistics for SDGs prepared by the Task Team on Lessons Learned (chaired by Renata Bielak of Statistics Poland) of the UNECE Steering Group on Statistics for SDGs. https://lnkd.in/d9NxeDx7 💡 The paper discusses lessons learned and challenges for countries in producing Statistics for SDGs and gives recommendations for countries as well as for further CES work on both statistics for SDGs and the statistical follow-up of the post-2030 agenda. The Conference of European Statisticians and the Steering Group on Statistics for SDGs should for the post-2030 agenda be an advocate for: ▪️ a continued strong mandate for national statistical offices, ▪️ defining measurable policy targets, ▪️ identifying possible data sources early, ▪️ leveraging and formalizing the relationship with thematic indicator frameworks and other important sets of indicators, such as those developed to go beyond GDP, and ▪️ clearly defining the relationship between statistics and other components of the follow-up and review of a possible post-2030 policy agenda. 📅 Statistics Poland, Statistics Sweden and UNECE are organizing a side event to the United Nations Statistical Commission on the topic. If you are in New York, bookmark your lunchtime event on Thursday, 6 March! Side event: https://lnkd.in/d8RvJ4Wq Website of the CES Bureau meeting: https://lnkd.in/dGq4JiNu

📝The Bureau of the Conference of European Statisticians has reviewed an in-depth review on ageing-related statistics prepared by Statistics Portugal and UNECE.  🔍Main conclusions of the review include: - Data remain scarce for many important topics including working conditions among older persons, experiences of discrimination, violence, abuse, and neglect, informal care, and intergenerational transfers.   - Sample size limitations restrict the reliability of age-disaggregated estimates for older age groups.   - Older persons living in institutions are especially vulnerable to exclusion from official statistics.   - Resource limitations within NSOs and a shift away from survey-based data collection pose challenges.   - Conventional age grouping used in tabulations such as 65 or older no longer aligns with trends in individual longevity or public policies related to retirement and pensions in the region.   - The absence of an agreed conceptual framework to guide the collection and production of ageing-related statistics represents a barrier.  - Data users - represented by the UNECE Standing Working Group on Ageing - would like to see improved communication and outreach regarding data availability and simplified data access procedures. 📈 The CES Bureau supported the review, acknowledging population ageing as a policy priority in the region and an area where further international collaboration would benefit statistical production.  ✅ The CES Bureau supported the recommendation to establish a task force in this area and agreed to discuss the in-depth review on ageing-related statistics as part of the CES plenary meeting in June 2025.   📌The in-depth review paper is available here: https://lnkd.in/e6jkKr28 #UNECE #PopulationUnit #CES #Ageing #AgeingStats #PopulationData  

Against the backdrop of the 2025 SNA presented for adoption by the 56th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission and the ICLS resolution concerning statistics on the informal economy, UNECE’s Jonathan Gessendorfer, Edem Kossi KLUDZA and Herman Smith (both United Nations Statistics Division) contributed further to the thinking on macroeconomic statistics on the informal economy. 📄 The paper “Presenting the Informal Economy in the Macroeconomic Accounts” published this week in the Statistical Journal of the International Association for Official Statistics - IAOS (https://lnkd.in/dVzHJcGc), makes a case for using macroeconomic accounting to provide a comprehensive picture of the informal economy, not limited to informal production. 💡 The authors argue that informality can be analyzed in the labour accounts and the earned income account and that the contribution of the informal (market) economy to household income should be used as macroeconomic headline indicators on the extent of informality in the economy alongside the contribution of informal sector production to GDP. 📅 At UNECE, the informal economy remains an important topic that will be discussed in the Meeting of the Group of Experts on National Accounts (8-10 April 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland). Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d7M7UrXm #SJIAOS #InformalEconomy #Statistics #2025SNA #NationalAccounts #ICLS

🆕 Registration is now open for the UNECE Meeting of the Group of Experts on National Accounts! 📅 When: 8–10 April 2025 📍 Where: Palais des Nations, Geneva 2025 marks a milestone for National Accounts! With the new System of National Accounts 2025 (2025 SNA) set for adoption by the United Nations Statistical Commission in March, this meeting provides a key platform for experts to discuss implementation plans, challenges, and emerging trends in National Accounts and Balance of Payments compilation. For over 25 years, UNECE has been at the forefront of promoting best practices, developing methodological guidance, and supporting capacity-building in the region. As we move toward the adoption of 2025 SNA, UNECE remains committed to facilitating its implementation. 🔹 Key topics this year: - Progress and implementation plans for 2025 SNA - Communicating the transition to the new SNA - The impact of digitalization, globalization, and sustainability on National Accounts - The post-2025 agenda and future developments - Modern tools for national accounts compilation - Measuring the informal and non-observed economy - Time series, classifications, and data sources ❔ How to participate: ✅ Register by 21 March 2025: https://lnkd.in/ewkHBXfj ✅ View the agenda and meeting documents: https://lnkd.in/eGAaESTD 🤲 Join us in this is unique opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field and contribute to shaping the future of National Accounts. #ECESD #SNA2025

📢 Join us at the 10th Joint ECE/OECD Seminar on SEEA Implementation – Registration still open! 🌍The 10th Seminar on the Implementation of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), organised by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and OECD - OCDE and an Organising Committee with experts from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Statistics Canada | Statistique Canada, Statistikaamet / Statistics Estonia , Tilastokeskus - Statistics Finland, Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) - Germany, Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek - Netherlands, Statistics Sweden, and the United States. Eurostat, International Monetary Fund, UN Environment Programme and United Nations Statistics Division, are just around the corner!  This in-person event will take place on 18-20 March 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. It brings together statisticians, policymakers, academia and NGOs to explore the latest developments in environmental-economic accounting and to share their knowledge and experiences. 💡 What to expect? - Engaging sessions on key topics such as building robust SEEA accounts for informing climate change and biodiversity policies and accounting for hazards and natural capital with SEEA.  - Insights from practical experiences from around the globe, and an opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of environmental-economic accounting by engaging in the discussions around the SEEA Central Framework update.  - Networking with professionals passionate about informing sustainability and evidence-based decision-making with official statistics. 👉 Meeting webpage and provisional programme: https://lnkd.in/ef2_W88K   👉 Register soon: Registration is still open - https://lnkd.in/eUrfefAK. The registration process is moderated! Let’s advance the conversation on how data and statistics can drive sustainable development. We look forward to welcoming you to Geneva! #SEEA2025 #UNECE #OECD #Sustainability #EnvironmentalAccounting #SDGs #ClimateAction #ECESD

🔜 The 2025 UNECE Expert Meeting on Statistical Data Collection and Sources will take place 2–4 June 2025 in the vibrant city of Lisbon, Portugal. Data collection and sources form the backbone of official statistics, underpinning reliable insights and evidence-based decisions that drive progress and accountability. In the face of rapid technological advancements and evolving data integration practices, this expert meeting will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and showcasing innovative approaches to statistical data collection. 💡 Key themes include: ▪ Editing and Cleaning Survey Data: Optimizing resource efficiency while enhancing quality. ▪ Automation and AI in Data Collection: Exploring tools and case studies reshaping workflows. ▪ AI in Interviews: Improving interviewer efficiency and engagement. ▪ Data Integration and Sources: Leveraging probability and non-probability data for comprehensive insights. 📣 Call for Contributions: Do you have innovative practices, case studies, or insights to share? Submit your abstract here: https://lnkd.in/eyzhwVU5 (Deadline: 16 February 2025). ☑️ Register by 15 May 2025: https://lnkd.in/eHAv7bpi 📄 More details will be published on the event webpage: https://lnkd.in/e3FAE-Wd 🌟 Join us in Lisbon to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of statistical data collection. #DC2025 #ModernStats #HLGMOS

📢 Save the Date! The UNECE Generative AI and Official Statistics Workshop 2025 is happening 12–14 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. ✨ Generative AI is transforming the landscape of official statistics, providing new opportunities for automation, efficiency, and innovation. By generating human-like text, images, and videos, Generative AI enables statistical organizations to process unstructured data, streamline workflows, and enhance data management and dissemination. This workshop will bring together professionals, researchers, and experts to: ☑️ Showcase innovative use cases, ☑️Address governance and ethical challenges, and ☑️Provide actionable recommendations for leveraging Generative AI in the production of high-quality, trusted statistics. Key themes include: ▪ Organizational Capability for Generative AI: Developing infrastructure, skills, and governance for sustainable implementation. ▪ Applications in Official Statistics: Automating processes, improving analysis, and enhancing communication. ▪ Governance and Risk Management: Navigating risks, ensuring privacy, and fostering responsible innovation. ▪ Partnership and Collaboration: Building strategic alliances with technology providers, researchers, and stakeholders. ➡️ We welcome your contributions! Share your insights and use cases by submitting an abstract: https://lnkd.in/ePj247aa (Deadline: 15 February 2025). ➡️ Learn more: https://lnkd.in/edTx_Fsx ➡️ Register here: https://lnkd.in/euzzgdZN (Deadline: 2 May 2025). 💡 Join us in Geneva to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of generative AI in official statistics! #HLGMOS #ModernStats #GenAIWS #ECESD

🌟 Spotlight on Generative AI in Official Statistics 🌟 UNECE Modernisation of Official Statistics developments in the field of Generative AI for Official Statistics are here! Two key pieces have recently been released, exploring opportunities and challenges of integrating generative AI into statistical organizations. 📖 1. Chapter Release: Risks and Mitigation in Generative AI The first released chapter of the upcoming report Generative Artificial Intelligence in Official Statistics (full report due mid-2025) researches the risks and mitigation strategies for adopting generative AI in institutions responsible for official statistics. Key topics explored: - Risks to transparency, traceability, and accuracy - Data privacy, legal, and ethical challenges - Operational and cybersecurity risks - Environmental sustainability considerations - The hidden complexities of generative AI This chapter also outlines mitigation strategies, including secure development practices, open-source AI for transparency, and tailored evaluation frameworks for compliance. ✅ Check out the chapter: https://lnkd.in/eTHyGmma and share your feedback via this form: https://lnkd.in/ewX_zKQh. 🚀 2. New Release: Generative AI for Communication in Statistical Organizations Generative AI offers game-changing opportunities for communication in statistical organizations, with its ability to streamline tasks and create tailored materials for diverse audiences. ✨ Highlights include: - Enhanced communication strategies to boost public engagement - Case studies showcasing real-world applications of generative AI - A deep dive into risks, particularly in public-facing communication Led by Janice Keenan (Statistics Canada | Statistique Canada Canada) and Bilyana Bogdanova (Bank for International Settlements – BIS), this paper explores both the transformative potential and the challenges of implementing AI in communication. ✅ Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eWxhSRsr 📌 Stay Tuned! More insights and updates on our work in AI are coming in the months ahead. #GenerativeAI #ModernStats #HLGMOS

UNECE publication: Data for Climate Action: How National Statistical Offices Can Contribute 🌍 Climate Change-related statistics are often considered environment statistics, but to address the current and future information demands related to climate action, a wide array of statistics from different domains are needed. 📊 National Statistical Offices traditionally produce some of the underlying data used for greenhouse gas emission inventories and statistics that are critical to inform the public and policy decisions around how to mitigate emissions, how to understand and adapt to the risks of climate change, how to navigate the financial aspects of climate change and how to design policies that aim to ensure a just transition. 💡 Despite this, national statistical offices are not recognized as important stakeholders in the climate change data community and may even underestimate the potential their data has in this area. 📖 This publication aims to provide National Statistical Offices with knowledge about the policy context, key stakeholders and their information needs, and how to effectively communicate how their data can be used for policy applications. It describes the policy context, highlights what NSOs can offer now, identifies gaps they could fill in the future and provides recommendations on how to meet the information needs of policy makers and the public. The publication was prepared by a CES Task Force consisting of sixty-six experts from sixteen countries and thirteen international organizations. The Task Force was chaired by Otto Swertz from the Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek. The CES Steering Group on Climate Change-Related Statistics (chaired by Statistics Canada | Statistique Canada) is starting preparations for the next UNECE Expert Forum for Producers and Users of Climate Change-related Statistics, to be held in Geneva on 1-3 September 2025. Find the publication here: https://lnkd.in/dJh4jhn3