(6th Meeting) 56th Statistical Commission

The 6th meeting of the 56th session of the Statistical Commission is called to order. I invite the Commission to continue its consideration of Agenda 3, Item 3 entitled Food Security and Nutrition and hear the remaining speaker in the debate on this item. I kindly recall, delegation, that the list of speakers for this item is closed. At the end of this morning's meeting and ask delegation to adhere to the time limit of 2 minutes. Delegations are invited to send their full statement to eStatement@un.org. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Philippines, through the Philippine Statistics Authority, supports the creation of an expert group dedicated to advancing the methods and standards for measuring food security and nutrition statistics. Despite the significant efforts of various local and international institutions, we acknowledge that challenges persist in achieving interoperability and linking FSN datasets from diverse sources. The Philippines underscores the importance of FSN as a national priority. Improving food access, affordability, and nutrition is a key component of the Philippine Development Plan, demonstrating our commitment to this critical area. Pending the development of standardized definitions and indicators by the proposed expert group, the Philippine Statistics Authority is actively collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization to address immediate data needs. This collaboration focuses on technical support in the generation of the Food Loss Index, contributing to the long-term goal of establishing robust statistics for Sustainable Development Goal 12.3.1, which aims to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains. The Philippines believes that this work will provide valuable data and experience to inform the discussions and efforts of the new expert group. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines and give now the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Thank you, Chair. Canada fully supports the efforts to address critical data gaps to ensure food security and nutrition for all. We acknowledge the progress made in this area and look forward to receiving further information and engaging in discussions with the international community. In principle, Canada endorses the establishment of the UN Expert Group on Food Security and Nutrition on Data and Statistics as a dedicated technical body. Furthermore, we support the amendments to the terms of reference of the UN Committee of Experts on Agricultural and Rural Statistics, ensuring a clear delineation of responsibilities between these critical areas. However, we would like clarification on the use of data and statistics in the title of the group and in the terms of reference for the group, as we know that other expert groups under the Commission are expert groups on statistics. Understanding the rationale behind this distinction will help ensure alignment with, with established practices and enhance the clarity of our contributions. We emphasize the importance of preserving the technical nature of the expert groups within the Commission and on focusing on data for Office of Statistics. Canada offers to participate in the expert group with the objective of ensuring that frameworks and methodologies on the measurement of food security and nutrition are high quality, efficient, sustainable, and serve the needs of policymakers and communities alike. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. Now I give the floor to distinguished representative of Italy.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Italy welcomes the progress made in establishing an ADAC domain for food security and nutrition data within the revised classification of statistical activities. The recognition of this topic as a distinct classification is a step forward in addressing global challenges related to sustainable food systems and nutritional outcomes. We agree on the creation of a dedicated expert group on the topic of food security and nutrition under the aegis of a UN statistical commission. And in this regard, Italy expressed its interest in participating in this work. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Italy and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Belize.

Thank you, Chair. Belize, on behalf of the CARICOM region, commends the Commission for recognizing food security and nutrition as an issue of such of global importance that it warrants its own standalone data domain. We endorse the creation of the expert group on FSN data and statistics and Belize expresses its interest in joining this group. Food security is also a critical issue being addressed at the level of our CARICOM heads of government, and as such, our national statistical systems must be responsive to the CARICOM regional agenda. Most recent evidence from the United Nations World Food Programme revealed that approximately 3 million people in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean representing 43% of the populations in these countries, are food insecure. In addition, 4 CARICOM member states were identified by the FAO 2024 report on the state of food security and nutrition as having the highest cost of a healthy diet worldwide. The FAO remains a critical, active, and longstanding partner to Belize and other CARICOM countries, providing support in the measurement of food security and nutrition. Belize expresses its thanks to the FAO for its invaluable and continued assistance to the development of our food insecurity statistics program and to capacity building for government officials in the use of these statistics for policy development. At the regional level, the CARICOM Secretariat recently signed a letter of agreement with the FAO to collaborate on a project to improve the monitoring and reporting on the SDGs through the analysis of the cost and affordability of a healthy diet and the implementation of the food insecurity experience scale in the Caribbean. Our countries, supported by the CARICOM Secretariat, are committed to enhancing food security and nutrition by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, reducing the region's dependence on food imports, and increasing local food production. These challenges underscore the need for consistent and robust statistics on food security and for the support required to produce these statistics to monitor the progress in the achievement of our regional goals. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Belize on behalf of CARICOM and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of India.

Thank you, Chair. India would like to place on record our support for establishment of the UN Expert Group on Food Security and Nutrition Data and Statistics. India believes that the group's outcome will enhance the coordination and management of food security and nutrition data. Chair, India would support the proposed addition of minimum dietary diversity indicators for children aged 6 to 23 years and women, recognizing their importance in monitoring progress on the availability, access, and consumption of healthy diets. At the same time, India emphasizes the need for a thorough evaluation of new indicators proposed. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of India and I give the floor to distinguished delegate of Colombia.

Acknowledge the progress made in establishing an independent statistical domain for food security and nutrition within the version 2.0 of ASAC. Additionally, Colombia supports the creation of the expert group on FSN data and statistics under the auspice of the Statistical Commission, emphasizing the needs for strong coordination with national statistical offices, the custodian agencies for FSN-related SDGs indicators, for instance, WHO, FAO, WFP, and other regional, national, and local institutions. This group will help strengthen technical support frameworks to improve the quality of information generated at the regional and global levels, as well to align communication strategies regarding the dissemination of the different indicators and methodologies on food security and nutrition, allowing to have a more efficient impact in policymaking. We look forward to participate— to participate therein. In this regard, DANE endorses the proposed amendment to the name and the mandate of the United Nations Expert Committee on Food Security and Agricultural and Rural Statistics recognizing the importance of coordination with international organizations and the unification of efforts to improve statistics in this field. DANE reaffirms its commitment to producing high-quality food security and nutrition statistics, promoting the strengthening of national capacities, and coordinating with international organizations to enhance evidence-based decision-making. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Distinguished Delegate of Colombia. Now I give the floor to the Distinguished Delegate of Mongolia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mongolia commends the efforts and initiatives done by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, United Nations Children's Fund, and World Health Organization on food security and nutritional data and statistics. We support the creation of separate domains for food security and nutrition information. Detailed calculations of food consumption and nutrition are required since they are directly related to the public health. In this regard, the DAFD program, which was previously developed in collaboration with the World Bank and the FAO of the United Nations, should be further developed. We endorse the creation of a dedicated expert group, and Mongolia is willing to join the expert group on food and security nutrition statistics. As we continuously collect data from multiple sources on food consumption, we believe it's possible to conduct detailed calculations. Finally, we emphasize the importance of technical and financial support for the FSN guidance documents implementation for member countries. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Mongolia and give now the floor to distinguished delegate of Norway.

Thank you, Chair. Norway appreciates the work undertaken to establish a new domain on FSN and endorses the creation of a dedicated expert group. Statistics Norway will be interested in contributing to this group. Norway also endorses the proposed amendment to the name and the term of reference for the United Nations Committee of Experts on Food Security, Agricultural and Rural Statistics. We welcome the work on developing a draft annotated outline of the guidance document on FS statistics and will participate in the consultation process. However, we want to express our concern regarding the timeframe for preparing a final document for the 57th session of the UNSC. We believe that this— as there is no agreement on a set of core food security indicators, it is of great importance that the foundation for harmonization laid in this guidance are well anchored among NSOs and other stakeholders. We believe that this will require several rounds of discussions and consultations. Finally, we acknowledge the other important activities that are taking place in the area of FSM. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway. I now give the floor to distinguished representative, representative representative of the UNICEF.

Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, UNICEF express its sincere appreciation for the strong support to establish the food security and nutrition statistical domain and the creation of the new United Nations expert group on FSN data and statistics. We look forward to continued collaboration with member states to advance the food security and nutrition data system, including ensuring statistical robustness policy relevance, and complementarity with the core set of indicators in the FSN guide. Jointly evaluating newer indicators to fill data gaps, exploring analytics and innovations in this space, as well as capacity development activities to strengthen food security and nutrition data and statistics at member states. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. This was the last speaker on my list, and I now invite Mr. Francesco Grum, Chief of the Demographic and Social Statistics Branch of UNSD to summarize our discussion.

Thank you, Chair. The Commission took note of the progress made in establishing a standalone food security and nutrition data domain in the Classification of Statistical Activities version 2.0. And reiterated the importance of this initiative to develop harmonized definitions, methodologies, and standards for FSN data. The Commission supported the establishment of a dedicated expert group on food security and nutrition under the umbrella of the Statistical Commission and its terms of reference and took note of countries' interest in joining this group. The Commission endorsed the proposed amendment to the name and the terms of reference of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Food Security, Agricultural and Rural Statistics, and the Commission took note of the progress made on the development of a guidance note and of other recent initiatives in the area of food security and nutrition data and statistics, and emphasized the need for capacity building and financial support to ensure their implementation. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Ms. Groome. The Commission has concluded its discussion of Item 3M. I now invite the Commission to begin its consideration of Agenda Item 3O, entitled International International Statistical Classification, under which the Commission has before it for discussion and decision the report of the Committee of Experts on International Statistical Classification contained in document E/CN.3/2025/18. Background documents are available on the Statistical Commission's website. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of New Zealand to introduce the report.

The Commission has before it the report of the Committee of Experts on International Statistical Classifications. I am introducing the report on behalf of the Chair of the Committee. The report provides an overview of the activities of the Committee since the last Statistical Commission. Following the endorsement of the structure of the Central Product Classification, CPC, Version 3 at the last Commission, the task team on CPC continued its work to finalise the explanatory notes and the introductory text of the revised CPC. The Commission is also invited to endorse the explanatory notes and introduction to the CPC Version 3. The work is ongoing on the revision of the Standard International Energy Product Classification, SIEC, the Commission is invited to approve the new timeline for the revised SIEC to be finalised and submitted to the Statistical Commission at its 57th session in 2026. The committee reviewed the International Classification for Administrative Data on Trafficking in Persons by IOM and UNODC. It is submitted for endorsement as an international statistical classification. The Committee considered the request at the last Commission to consider the inclusion of a new food security and nutrition, FSN, domain in the Classification of Statistical Activities, CSA, and recommended initiation of a limited update of the CSA 2.0 to consider a standalone FSN domain. The revision process of the Classification of the Functions of Government, COFOG, was launched in 2024 following the approval of the terms of reference of the COFOG revision task team at the last Commission. I would like to express my appreciation for all the work of the committee's members, the task teams, their chairs, which have done and continue to do incredible work on classifications, and the UNSD for its support to the committee. Chair, in closing, I would like to thank you for allowing me to introduce the report, and I look forward to the deliberations of the Commission. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of New Zealand. The Commission will now begin its debate on the report of the Committee of Experts on International Statistical Classification. We do it like the same procedure as in the last couple of items. The first 3 countries will speak and then I close the list. The first 3 countries will be South Africa on behalf of the African group, then LEO PDR, and then the Philippines, and after the Philippines I close. The list. I give the floor to Sas Africa on behalf of the African Group.

Let me thank you, Chair. And indeed, on behalf of the African Group, South Africa commends the work of the Committee of Experts on International Statistical Classifications. Uh, Chairperson, classifications provide useful framework for collecting, organizing, and analyzing data as well as reporting on statistics. They are essential to statistical data integration for sound, relevant, trusted, and indeed quality statistics. Chairperson, over years, the Committee presented its work to the Commission on a variety of classifications in relation to product— to products, services, industries, functions, and activities. However, a number of countries are yet to adopt or implement the latest version of classifications, which complicates the international comparisons on issues of data. Chairperson, let us look, for example, in terms of the Economic Commission for Africa. We are tasked with collecting data from countries and producing statistics for economic and social development. Often we encounter difficulties due to the improper use of international statistical classification and reliance on outdated classifications then takes precedence. This indeed is evident in the area of national accounts, supply and use tables, as well as trade statistics. Particularly from other developing nations. Now, as the African Group, we applaud the contribution of the Committee of Experts on International Statistical Classification, and in this regard, the group supports the endorsement of the Exemplary Notes and Introductory Text in relation to Central Product Classification Version 3.0. We take note of the progress on the revision of the Standard International Energy Products Classification and Classification of the Function of Government. And of course, as the African Group, we further support one, new timelines in terms of revision for Standard International Energy product classification. 2, endorsement of international classification standard for administrative data on trafficking in persons as an international statistical classification. 3, approval of terms of reference of the standing task team of the International Standard Industrial Classification for all economic activities and central product classification. 4. Approval of the terms of reference of the task team on the best practices and international family classification. Chairperson, the African Group recommends a discussion on leveraging data science methods in statistical datasets, concepts, and classification. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Lao PDR.

Thank you. We commend the Committee Expert on International Statistics Classification for their valiant work in enhancing international statistical classifications. We support endorsement version 3.0 of the CPC International Standard for Products and encourage the committee to finalize explanatory notes and continue to develop, develop the necessary correspondence. Regarding ICH Revise 5, we support endorsing the explanatory notes get into the duction, introduction, implementation plans. We request so that guideline and conversion table from the ISEEK Rev. 4 to Rev. 5, ABB provides the assistance with the transition. We also look forward to reviewing the revised standard of International Energy Products Classification at the next Statistics Commission session. We support updated version 2.0 of the classification of statistical activity, particularly in the relation to food security and nutrition, which are crucial in today's global context. Additionally, we would like to report the meeting— the Lao government's endorsement in December 2024 to adopt international standard classification However, we face challenges in implementing this decrease within our decentralized system. We hope to benefit from the international best practice support from the Committee to address this challenge. Finally, we support strengthening the Committee's role in overseeing implementation of this classification ensure consistency across the country and support better policymakers. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, the distinguished representative of Lao PDR. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

The Philippines endorses the explanatory notes and introduction to version 3.0 of the Central Product Classification, or CPC, and supports the ongoing update, maintenance, and research agenda under the standing task team of the International Standard Industrial Classification, or the ISIC/NCC. As a member of the task team, the Philippines agrees with its terms of reference for effective implementation and maintenance of these classifications. The country commends the significant progress made by the committee and its task teams in enhancing global data systems and ensuring the responsiveness of classification structures to evolving economic and social development needs. The Philippines acknowledges the need for additional time to address outstanding issues and enhance coordination with the CPC revision progress. It agrees with the revised timeline for the completion of Standard International Energy Product Classification, or the SIEC, now set for the 57th session of the Statistical Commission in 2026. The country also notes the proposed timeline for the submission of the revised classification of the functions of government, or the COFOG, at the 58th session in 2027, and endorses the International Classification Standard for Administrative Data on Trafficking of In Persons as an official international statistical classification. In addition, the Philippines approves the initiation of a limited update to version 2.0 of the classification of statistical activities to include a standalone food security and nutrition domain. This update aims to address food security and nutrition while minimizing disruptions to ongoing classification efforts. The Philippines also approves the revised terms of reference for the task team on best practices and the international family of classifications, contributing to the coherence, consistency, and improved implementation of international statistical classifications. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, the distinguished delegate of the Philippines. And I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Argentina. The list is now closed.

Thank you, Chair. First of all, I wish to express gratitude for and hail the work done by the Commission in its entirety as well as the working groups. As things stand, various organizations and industries use various classification— product classification systems. That makes it more difficult to compare and exchange data. To resolve that problem, we should guarantee alignment and standardization harmonization of 3 key classification systems. These include the Global Products Classification, the GPC, the Standard Code for UN Products and Services that's used in these sessions, and of course the Central Classification of UN Products. This alignment will allow governments and businesses to easily compare the barcodes of products, el EAN GTIN, with the standardized UN classification system. In our view, this would make it easier to facilitate information exchange and allow greater coherence of data for comparison purposes. It would be good for the Commission to look at these issues as well. Work streams. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Argentina and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Chile.

Gracias, Presidente. Thank you, Chair. Chile takes note and is grateful for the standard— the progress made in the standard international energy product classification system and the function of government systems We value the explanatory note and the introduction proposed for the next version of CPC3, and we favorably view the international consultation processes that the committee has undertaken. Regarding the explanatory notes, however, we do agree with the proposal, but given what was said by our country in the most recent global consultations, we need to include notes for all categories in the classification system because that will facilitate understanding and the delimitation of categories and therefore will facilitate national adaptation and ownership processes regarding the mandate of the various task teams on, on the set for the Central Product Classification and others. These statistics are vital, but the classification systems and their maintenance is the right decision. We also look at value the progress that's been made with the Committee, particularly when it comes to the creation of the task team on the CPC and the CIEC and the work done on best practices. These are all initiatives that together could provide timely information and that will facilitate the proper use of statistical classification, that will make them more applicable and more adaptable to national contexts. Regarding the Committee of Experts working program, it is vital to have their support for the implementation of new classifications, particularly Rev. 5 of the CU. That support could take the form in of— what could take various forms. It could include the availability of documentation such as guides and implementation manuals, and this could include making the notes of the working group available. That is the working group that worked on the classification classification. It would also be a good idea to have the expert committee's direct support as well as that of the tax task team in terms of advisory work. It would maybe be a good idea also to establish a Q&A forum. Lastly, it is in our view good practice for the documentation and new versions of the classifications to be published in UN official languages because that will facilitate understanding thereof. We'd like to take this opportunity to note that Colombia and Chile will be translating the Spanish— into Spanish, their classification. Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.

Thank you, Chair. Malaysia welcomes and fully supports the effort of the Committee of Experts on International Statistical Classification. The Department of Statistics in Malaysia is currently engaged in the process of updating and revising the Malaysia Standard Industry Classification classification to reflect the evolving landscape of industry, particularly in response to rapid advancement in digital technologies. In this regard, we, we actively consulting with relevant ministry and government agency to ensure the Malaysia Standard Industry Classification accurately capture. Malaysia remain committed to further strengthening cooperation with member countries to uphold the use of consistent, high-quality international cycle classification. This will not only support the monitoring of global economic trend but also ensure that national cycle are reliable, relevant, and internationally comparable. We believe that by implementing a dynamic and inclusive classification system, we will gain a clearer understanding of the ever-changing global economy landscape. Finally, Malaysia remains committed to promoting international collaboration in development of data collection and surgical practices. Through this effort, we strive to produce accurate, reliable data and contribute to the growth of both our nation and global community. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Malaysia. Now give the floor to distinguished delegate of Indonesia.

Thank you, Chair. Indonesia would like to extend its appreciation to the Committee of Experts on International Statistical Classification for their works and also for the reports. Indonesia strongly supports the alignment of national classification with international frameworks and acknowledges the significant development across key classification systems and would like to highlight 3 points. First, regarding the Central Product Classification Version 3.0, Indonesia is actively working towards its implementation. We have recently completed the conversion of CPC Version 2.0 into our national classification system and remain committed to adopting CPC Version 3.0 in future revision. Secondly, on the Standard International Energy Product Classification, we emphasize the importance of ensuring clarity in definitions, integrating emerging energy products such as solar roof tiles and lithium-based batteries, and enhancing stakeholders' engagement to facilitate seamless adoption. We strongly advocate for robust pilot testing to ensure practical applicability. Thirdly, we support the revision of classification of the function of the, of government, particularly enhancing the representation of research and development, environmental, and digitalization harmonization aspects. Strengthening data harmonization across frameworks is crucial for comprehensive government finance and national accounts reporting. Mr. Chair, regarding the International Classification Standard for Administrative Data on Trafficking in Persons, we commend its development and recognize its alignment with the International Classification of Crimes for statistical purposes. Finally, we fully support the establishment of a standing task team on ISEEK and CPC, as well as the ongoing revision of ISEEK and ISCO. These two last classifications are instrumental in enhancing labor force statistics and capturing evolving occupational structures, such as facilitating the categorization of workers by industry and job level. I thank you, Chair.

Thank you, the distinguished delegate of Indonesia. Now I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the U.S.

Thank you, Chair. The United States commends the work of the Committee of Experts on International Statistical Classifications. We endorse the explanatory notes and introduction to the Central Product Classification version 3.0. We look forward to participating in the new standing task team to support the regular revisions and the ongoing research agenda for both the ISIC and the CPC. The US supports adopting a regular revision cycle for statistical classifications. Predictable revision cycles promote maintenance of the necessary infrastructure to develop and implement classifications while ensuring both relevance and stability of official statistics. The US revises our North American Industry Classification System and our North American Product Classification System every 5 years. This established revision cycle may assist in developing the proposed stages and milestones for implementing a 5-year revision cycle for the ISIC and the CPC. We also support the proposed postponement of the Standard International Energy Product Classification revision to the 57th, 57th session of the Statistical Commission to ensure that all outstanding issues are fully resolved. Further, the U.S. encourages the development of clarifying materials on the use of energy-related data, with a particular focus on the distinction between the structure of energy data classification systems and the use of resulting data. We look forward to participating in the regular revision of these classifications and future research agendas. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you to the distinguished delegate of the United States. And I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of China.

Thank you, Chair. As a member of the Committee of Experts, we congratulate the Committee of Experts on the International Statistical Classifications for the work done and the results achieved, in particular the completion of the revision of the ISIC Revision 5 and the substantive progress made in the revision in the explanatory notes and introductory text of the CPC Version 3, which further promoted the soundness and perfection of the international statistics classification system. National Bureau of Statistics of China attaches great importance to the progress in the revision of international statistics classification in the field of economic statistics and will start the revision of the national standard of our industrial classification of national economy this year. The revised classification will establish the corresponding conversion relationship with the latest version of, of the international standard industrial classification at various levels to provide support in terms of international comparability in the relevant statistical data area. Thank you.

Thank you to the distinguished representative of China. Now I give the floor to distinguished representative of the ILO.

Thank you, Chair. Um, the ILO welcomes the report of the Committee of Experts on International Statistical Classifications, congratulates the committee on its achievements, and notes the crucial role the committee plays in the creation and implementation of standard classifications that underpin statistical systems. The ILO is an active member of the committee and undertakes extensive work on the development and update of classifications of particular relevance to the world of work and would like to draw the attention of the Commission to some important areas of development in the family of international classifications. As previously noted in the discussion of the item on work and employment statistics, the work to update the International Standard Classification of Occupations is proceeding well, with a new and forward-looking classification expected to be adopted in 2028, in time for the next round of population and housing censuses. The ILO would like to again encourage the active participation of countries in the ongoing development and consultation process. In addition, the ILO is the custodian of the International Classification of Status in Employment, the latest version of which was adopted in 2018 at the 20th ICLS. The implementation phase of this new version of the classification is underway, and while good progress is being made, many countries are yet to implement this new version. Consequently, the ILO would like to use this opportunity to call on countries to plan implementation of ICSA 18, something that can make an important contribution to evidence-based employment policymaking. The ILO stands ready to provide assistance as needed for this process. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the ILO. This was the last speaker on my list. And I invite Mr. Julian Cho, Chief of the Business Statistics Section of the United Nations Statistical Division, to summarize our discussion.

Thank you, Chair. The Commission endorses the explanatory notes and introduction to the version 3.6 3.0 of the Central Product Classification, CPC version 3.0. Encouraged the Committee to develop correspondence and supplementary materials to support the implementation of CPC version 3.0 by member states. Requested the translation of CPC version 3 into all UN official languages. Appreciated the progress on the revision of the Standard International Energy Product Classification CEAC. Recommended the Committee to submit the revised CEAC to the Commission at its next session in 2026. Appreciated the progress on the revision of the classification of the functions of government. Endorsed the International Classification for Administrative Data on Trafficking in Persons as the international statistical classification for the production of the administrative data on trafficking in persons, acknowledging its potential to harmonize data collection and enhance international comparability. Approved the initiation of a limited update of version 2.0 of the classification of the statistical activities to consider a standalone food security and nutrition domain. Approved the terms of reference of the standing task team on the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities and Essential Product Classification. Approved the terms of reference of the task team on best best practice and the international family of classifications. Commanded the progress made by the Committee and its task team on advancing international statistical classifications. Underscored the importance of capacity development to strengthen the capabilities of the national statistical system and request the provision of technical assistance to member states for the implementation of the international statistical classification into their national This is called program. Thank you, Chair.

I thank Mr. Cho. The Commission has concluded its discussion of Item 3.0. And I invite the Commission to begin its consideration of Item 3.P, entitled Household Survey, under which the Commission has before it for discussion and decision the report of the Intersecretarial Working Group on Household Survey containing document E/CN.3/2013. 2025/19. Background documents are available on the Statistical Commission's website. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the UNESCO to introduce the report. Microphone, please.

Accomplishment. Now we're talking. Yes, it's working. Okay, thank you. Distinguished colleagues, delegates, as a co-chair of the Intersecretary Working Group on Household Service with the World Bank Group, I am pleased to provide an update on the group's activities and accomplishments, as well as its work program for the year ahead. First and foremost, The Group has submitted the initial draft of the Handbook of Service on Individual and Household Foundations and Emerging Approaches for input and further support by this Commission. The Handbook was prepared in response to the request made by the Commission in its 55th session. Compared to previous Handbooks, the draft introduces four key features: a) Coverage of emerging approaches and new methods; b) an emphasis on inclusion, ensuring the handbook covers individuals both within and outside of households; c) guidance on designing services that are interoperable, recognizing their role as integral components of the national data ecosystems; and d) maintaining the handbook as a living document. The Group also invites the Commission to review the progress made by the intersecretaries in other areas. Including the development of a survey calendar on surveys conducted, planned by national statistical offices in 2024 and 2025, updates and new guidance on data integration, such as the toolkit on small area estimation and the newly released small area estimation with geospatial data, developed in partnership with the World Bank. C, guidelines to make surveys more accessible, and D, advocacy and communication efforts through webinars, workshops, seminars covering topics on innovative approaches for household surveys, data integration, and leveraging artificial intelligence for improving survey quality. Lastly, I kindly invite you to consider the points outlined in our report in paragraph 33 on the proposed program of the group and express your views. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of UNESCO. The Commission will now begin its debate on the report of the Intersecretary Working Group on Household Survey. Like always, after the first 3 countries, I will close the list. And please, I want to remind you, the 2 minutes— we're still very much behind the time schedule, so if you want to just suggest to support what your former speaker was saying and just mention it, you can send your full report also online. I start with the first country, Equatorial Guinea, on behalf of the African Group, then Ghana, and then Hungary. After Hungary, I close the list. Equatorial Guinea, the floor is yours.

Gracias, señor presidente. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea, on behalf of the African Group, congratulates the Intersecretarial Working Group on Household Services. We congratulate them on the good work done to review the Handbook on Household Services, and we congratulate them on all the innovations introduced to that handbook. We also congratulate them on their initiatives designed to achieve the goals of improving international capacities in terms of household surveys. And their efforts to promote inclusion in data and policies. We think that the new handbook contains significant progress in terms of extending the coverage of the population concerned and incurring better comparison of data by using administrative registries. However, we need to have an evaluation and strengthening of statistical systems in LDCs. As things stand, many difficulties are hampering this process. Africa, moreover, supports the title proposed by the Working Group for the Handbook because that title reflects one of the primary innovations to be implemented, that is prioritizing persons outside of traditional households. We approve the implementation of activities outlined in the Working in the program of work, and we think it is relevant to adopt as a separate work stream the identification of necessary administrative registers and records to improve data— the collection of data on living conditions. There should also be clear guidelines established for the strengthening of that data collection through technical assistance being provided to countries, and we should also develop guidelines for the integration and processing of data, that is the data garnered from household surveys. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Equatorial Guinea. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Ghana.

Mr. Chair, as a member of the Intersecretary Working Group on Household Surveys, Ghana would like to deliver this statement on behalf of the group on the termination of the demographic Demographic and Health Survey Program and potential reduction in international assistance to other household surveys in low and middle income countries. The Intersecretarial Working Group on Household Surveys, with membership from 11 international agencies and 10 member states, expresses deep concern over the termination of the Demographic and Health Survey Program. For decades, the DHS has been a cornerstone of demographic and health statistics for low and middle income countries. The DHS has provided high-quality, open-access, and internationally comparable data on health, nutrition, and gender equality, and serves as the data source for monitoring 33 SDG indicators. The current DHS data repository contains more than 20 million data points for more than 4,000 indicators. Since 2000, data from India alone has been downloaded over 1 million times with a significant portion of users based within the country. These data have been instrumental in shaping public health policies, monitoring progress towards the SDGs, and informing evidence-based decision-making that has saved countless lives worldwide. Moreover, if international assistance to household surveys in middle— in low and middle income countries continue to decline, the impact will likely extend beyond the DHS Program, affecting other international survey programs and the broader data ecosystem. More than ever, we must reaffirm our collective commitment to open, timely, and trusted data as a public good. How can we work together to ensure that key statistics remain available, accessible, and actionable? Towards this end, the group is calling for the following 4 actions: 1, ensuring access to existing DHS data as a public good. The vast repository of DHS microdata methodologies and lessons learned must be preserved, enabling governments and development partners to continue supporting this critical work. The global statistical community must support ongoing efforts to ensure continued access to the DHS repository of survey data and methods. 2, securing funding to complete ongoing DHS activities. Due to an abroad funding halt, several DHS surveys are yet to complete fieldwork activities or disseminate the final report and microdata. We urge national governments, international organizations, and development partners to provide the necessary financial and technical support to bring these surveys across the finishing line. 3, assessing the impact of the DHS termination and potential reduction in international assistance to surveys. In partnership with the Interagency and Expert Group on SDGs and UN Women, the group, the Intersecretarial Working Group on Household Surveys will conduct a global survey of national statistical offices to assess data, knowledge, and operational impacts arising from the termination of the DHS program and potential reduction in international assistance to surveys. The assessment will consider the effects on SDG monitoring, potential disruptions to planned surveys both in short and medium term, and mitigation strategy. 4, devising sustainable long-term solutions—

Probably could speed up because you're almost 2 minutes over time.

Survey remain a critical source of basic demographic and health data in all countries. The current situation reveals not a flaw in survey methodology itself, but rather the vulnerabilities in financing and technical assistance structures that enable this essential data collection efforts. Therefore, there is a need to develop sustainable financing and technical assistance solutions for countries that need support. Looking forward, The Intersecretary Working Group on Household Surveys will commit to continue our investment in innovations to make surveys more efficient, coordinate our efforts to reduce burdens on countries, and support national ownership of survey programs. As the next step, a task force will be established under the Working Group to act on the above proposed steps. We invite you to join and collaborate with us. Dear delegates, It is a challenging moment for all of us, but this challenge also presents an opportunity for us to reimagine our approach to crucial data collection systems and emerge with stronger, more resilient statistics. Mr. Chair, coming to an end. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. It's just getting difficult if— I mean, I fully understand that these are all very important elements, but please also understand me. I think everyone is happy if we can go home Friday afternoon At the moment, it doesn't look like this. So please stick— I mean, 2 minutes is really— it should be enough. And I understand that specifically those who have— on behalf of other countries need a bit more time. I fully understand. But please try to do at best. Okay. Thank you very much, distinguished delegate of Ghana. I now give the floor to distinguished delegate of

Hungary. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Hungary truly appreciates the work done concerning the revision process and takes note of the focus on No One Left Behind groups. We believe that the integration of small area estimation tool of SDG monitoring is a very good way forward in the context of modern big data environment and data integration programs in official statistics So Hungary acknowledges the progress and welcomes the work program of the Intersecretariat Working Group of Household Surveys. Thank you very

much. Thank you to the distinguished delegate of Hungary. And now I give the floor to distinguished delegate of the Bahamas, and the list is closed.

Thank you, Chair. The Bahamas, on behalf of Latin America and the Caribbean countries, The member countries of the Statistical Conference of the Americas recognize the work carried out by the Intersecretariat Group on Household Surveys in 2024, structured under three major pillars: coordination, methodological development, and advocacy and communications. The resulting products from the implemented initiatives will strengthen household surveys, contributing to enhancing the statistical capacity of the countries. Regarding coordination, the initiative to schedule surveys for 2024 and 2025, based on information collected through country consultations, will reinforce this essential pillar and will be particularly relevant as it fosters timely coordination. On the methodological issue, the update of the Household Surveys Manual represents a significant step forward as this document will outline guidelines for countries to adopt new technologies and methodological innovations aiming to improve the efficiency of data production. Additionally, the new manual will enhance methodological standardization, contributing to the collection of high-quality information. Another effort worthy of recognition is the organization of training events and seminars by the group to develop new methodologies that improve survey efficiency and expand their applications, such as enhancing interoperability and integration with administrative records. These initiatives should continue to be carried out regularly, as implementing these new methodologies in survey execution and utilization will support their sustainability in the future. Finally, under the communication and outreach pillar, the activities undertaken, especially those aimed at strengthening methodological capacities, are highly valued. Likewise, the increase in focal points and close engagement with national statistical offices is considered relevant. However, efforts should be made to ensure that NSOs play a more active role in the various groups Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much to the distinguished delegate of Bahamas. And now I give the floor to distinguished delegate of Greece.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Greece commends the Intersecretariat Working Group on Household Surveys for its significant progress in strengthening the coordination, methodological development, and advocacy of household surveys. The revision of the Handbook of— on household surveys is an important initiative that will provide much-needed guidance to national statistical offices and other stakeholders. We appreciate the inclusive and forward-looking approach taken in this process, particularly in integrating emerging methodologies and addressing the needs of marginalized and hard-to-reach populations. While administrative data sources are playing an increasingly important role in modern statistical systems, Household surveys remain irreplaceable in collecting data that administrative sources do not capture or cannot collect otherwise. In Greece, ELSTAT has transformed from relying on administrative data for 30% of its statistics to now basing 80% of its statistical production on administrative sources. However, meeting the growing demands of users for living conditions statistics and other social indicators requires innovative approaches. That combine household survey data with administrative records. This blending approach ensures a more comprehensive, accurate, and policy-relevant statistical system. A modern and fully integrated population census is fundamental to the effectiveness of household surveys. The 2021 population census in Greece conducted by ELSTAT was a pioneering effort in integrating census data with administrative sources. The development of a modern statistical production register—population register—is essential for defining accurate sampling aims, ensuring that household surveys are conducted in the most efficient, cost-effective, and targeted manner. Strengthening the links between censuses, administrative sources, and household surveys will enhance the quality, timeliness, and usability of statistical outputs, ultimately benefiting policymakers and society as a whole. We support the continued work of the Intersecretariat Working Group on Household Surveys and encourage further efforts in enhancing the integration of multiple data sources, improving methodological innovations, and strengthening national capacities. A well-coordinated and forward-looking approach to household surveys will ensure that statistical systems remain relevant, robust, and responsive to evolving data needs in an increasingly complex world. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, the distinguished delegate of Greece. And I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Jamaica.

Hello. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Jamaica supports the regional position articulated by the representative of the Bahamas on behalf of ECCLAC countries, but we would also like to add, Chair, that International Household Survey programs have been an essential resource for the production of key indicators in developing states, and in particular small island developing states. On behalf of CARICOM member states, we respectfully request the establishment of a task force under the working group to lead efforts to support countries with open, timely, and trusted demographic and health data as a public good in response to the termination of the DHS program and the potential reduction of other International Household Survey programs. We thank the Commission for their kind consideration of this request. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Jamaica. Now I give the floor to distinguished delegate of Spain.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. First of all, we wish to express our gratitude for the sterling work done by the Intersecretarial Working Group on Household Surveys in 2024. The revision of the handbook proposed is very relevant given the importance of integrating into the production of these statistics the development of new technologies and addressing other emerging challenges. Here we express our support for the revision of the Household Service Handbook, and we think it's good to incorporate guidelines in— to incorporate into all of our studies all people regardless of which classification they fall, but that we should also ensure that we cover people without homes and other marginalised groups. We already have experience in surveying those in institutions. We have surveys that cover those without homes and we include them in— we included them in our housing surveys last year. And that was a large-scale survey and then we had granular data that allowed us to also analyse the situation of various ethnic groups. Integrating information from various sources could prove crucial in tackling the problem of falling response rate to household services, and that will mean that we have better coverage of our population under discussion. We congratulate the group on everything they're doing to improve interoperability and integration. That goal here is to improve the use of geospatial data and other sources including data created by citizens themselves. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Spain and now give the floor to distinguished delegate of Argentina.

Gracias. Thank you, Chair. First of all, we wish to recognize the major contribution made by the working group. We think that what they do is fundamental and we need to forge ahead with those updates. We in turn believe that there is a lack, an absence of norms, guidelines that are updated and standardised when it comes to household surveys in context of high inflation or in context of significant related price change— changes. This lack, this absence of norms and guidelines can lead us to having difficulties when it comes to collecting data, particularly when we're looking at income expenditure and wealth measurement surveys. And this can produce a situation whereby the lack of this methodology makes it impossible to integrate, impossible to integrate various statistics, and that can lead to inconsistencies when we collect and publish data. It also leads to difficulties with data comparison at an international international level because various statistical offices can adopt different approaches or use different guidelines when it comes to analyzing statistics in these areas. It is vital to establish clear protocols and internationally recognized protocols which allow us to adjust data in surveys taken in context of high inflation and relative— related price changes. We need to, in so doing, guarantee that economic indicators are comparable. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Argentina and now give the floor to distinguished delegate of Egypt.

Shukran al-sadr, Ayes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The ESCWA group has learned of changes the document— take a note of the document on household surveys, including the title and the activities, as well as the basis for activities, as well as development and communications in order to enhance policies related to this area, as well as to to take advantage of surveys carried out by statistical bodies. The ESCWA Group welcomes the role of the Intersecretarial Group on Cooperation and Coordination to identify difficulties as well as to deliver the necessary support in order to establish complementarity for data. As regards the working group, the ESCWA group supports the program of work for the future as well as the exchange of expertise and capacities in this area. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Egypt and give now the floor to the distinguished delegate Representative of the Russian Federation.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Russian Federation extends its deep gratitude to the members of the Intersecretariat Working Group on Household Surveys in revising the guidelines for household surveys. We highly value the preliminary draft for the guidelines on household surveys. This reflects a growing demand for more timely inclusive, and updated policies and data. The document also reflects new tasks for conducting an investigation, fine-tuning methodology for the surveys, as well as transformation of national data ecosystems. We believe it— we deem it wise to have a more in-depth consideration of the main areas of work. The first is the possibility of integration of data established for target population groups selected from various general groups in the conduct of investigation under a single program. Second, adaptation of classical research programs for data collection in electronic format, specifically in the transfer from the filling of applications by interviewees to respondents themselves filling these out, taking into account the greatest possible data We support the program of the Intersecretariat Group on Household Surveys. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Chair. Republic of Korea appreciates the hard work of the Working Group in putting into— revising the Handbook on Household Surveys. Household surveys have traditionally relied on probability sampling, but with the rise of single and two-person households and the challenges of persuading respondents after COVID pandemic, maintaining the quality of data with traditional method is expected to become more difficult. While efforts to improve response rates in the field, and to integrate other data sources are necessary to enhance household surveys. We would like to suggest that the Working Group seriously consider including non-probability samples such as volunteer samples on certain conditions, obviously, in the handbook. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the OECD.

Thank you, Chair. The OECD welcomes the report of the Intersecretarial Working Group on Household Surveys. The recommendations for enhancing the integration of household surveys and for designing more inclusive surveys align strongly with the OECD approach and our own recommendations for measuring multidimensional wellbeing at household level. We particularly agree with the recommendation on improving survey integration at the design and sampling stage, as well as on the need for— to actively involve vulnerable communities in the survey design and implementation. Thank you.

Thank you very much, distinguished delegate of the OECD. And now I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the UN Women.

Thank you, Chair. UN Women commends the progress made by the Intersecretary Working Group on Household Surveys through its steering committee and the United Nations Statistics Division in revising the United Nations Handbook on Surveys on Individuals and Households. UN Women appreciates the recognition of both individual and household-based surveys as essential for a comprehensive understanding of people's lived experiences. UN Women urges NSOs and other data producers to prioritize individual-level data collection to capture diverse perspectives and intra-household differences, particularly those of women, girls, and marginalized groups. This is crucial for informing inclusive and gender-responsive policies. UN Women aligns with and supports the statement of the Intersecretariat Working Group on Household Surveys. We express deep concerns about the termination of the DHS program and reductions in international funding for statistics more broadly. More developing— many developing countries have relied on the DHS for decades for gender quality indicators, particularly when it's with respect to health, but also on violence against women, to name just a few. The impact of this program measured in lives saved cannot be overstated. The impact is— its termination without any alternative could have a profound impact on policies, to support gender equality and public health. Therefore, UN Women urges this Commission to take immediate action, including among other measures, by supporting and contributing to the rapid global assessment to quantify the potential impact of this crisis on national statistical systems, SDG reporting, and gender data availability, to be jointly conducted by the ISWG-HS and the IAG on SDGs. UN Women calls for strengthened national ownership and sustainable domestic funding for statistical programs, particularly survey programs, which are essential for tracking progress on gender equality, public health, and sustainable development. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the UN Women, and this was the last speaker on my list. I now invite Ms. Jong Hee Min, Chief of the Sustainable Development Goals Monitoring Section of the UNSD, to summarize our discussion.

Thank you, Chair. The Commission welcomes the progress of the Intersecretary Working Group on Household Surveys, recognizing its continued efforts in advancing survey methodologies fostering coordination and promoting the value of health surveys and their integration with the broader national data ecosystems. The Commission supports the work of the Group on Methodologies to integrate survey data with other data sources such as the census, administrative records, and geospatial data, and encourages the group to explore the integration of surveys with other non-traditional sources such as non-probabilistic surveys and the citizen data, and develop methodologies to handle other emerging challenges. The Commission commend the effort of the Statistical Division and its partner for the draft of the Handbook of Surveys on Individuals and Households Foundation on Emerging Approaches., which features scientific foundation, modernized methodologies, inclusivity, and practical guidance for national statistical offices, and supports the newly proposed title and direction for the handbook. The Commission called for timely finalization of the handbook, ensuring relevance and applicability to countries with different levels of statistical development. The Commission appreciates the training events and the webinar on innovative survey methodologies and stressed the importance for technical assistance, training courses, and regional conference to support the adoption and uptake in the revised handbook. The Commission requests the establishment of a task force under the working group to lead efforts in supporting countries with open, timely, and trusted demographic and health data as a public good in response to the termination of the demographic and health surveys and potential reduction of the other survey programs. The Commission supported the work program of the group and encouraged the group to continue its active engagement with national statistical office. Thank you.

I thank Ms. Min. The Commission has concluded its discussion of Item 3P. Distinguished delegates, I now invite the Commission to begin its consideration of Agenda Item 3Q entitled Data Science, under which the Commission has before it for discussion and decision the report of the Committee of the Experts on Big Data and Data Designs for Official Statistics contained in document E/CN.3/2025/20. Background documents are available on the Statistical Commission's website. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa to introduce this report.

Thank you, Chairperson. Distinguished delegates, it is my pleasure to introduce the report of the Committee of the Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics. Last year, the Committee presented the 10-year review for its work, which showed that statistical offices have gone through some form of digital transformation in similar ways as our societies as a whole have done. We have started exploring data science, web scraping, and the use of alternative data sources. More recently, we also made a start with using artificial intelligence and generative of AI. These emerging new technologies will help us in the delivery of better services to our citizens. They will also help us make our business processes more efficient and better reproducible. In the light of those changes, Chairperson, the Committee updated its Terms of Reference. Its main mandate is now proposed to provide a strategic vision for global program on emerging new statistical methodologies and technologies, such as AI, data science, and the use of big data and other alternative data sources for the improvement of official statistics. Subsequently, all 8 task teams working under the Committee have updated their terms of reference in similar ways, as shown in the background document. In this short introduction, I do not— I do want to highlight the great efforts of our colleagues from Brazil, China, Indonesia, Rwanda, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates for organizing numerous activities in their regional and global hubs to advance innovation in data science and, of course, official statistics. Even in these times— even in times when resources are diminishing. These offices are going an extra mile to support other offices. For example, Chairperson, last year Rwanda hosted an Innovation— an Innovate Africa Symposium and organized together with the IMF Big Data Center and the African Development Bank a workshop on using data science and microeconomic and macroeconomic statistics. In January this year, the United Arab Emirates hosted an international symposium on artificial intelligence and data science for economic statistics, while Indonesia hosted a workshop for the use of machine learning for official statistics just last month. Chairperson, I also want to emphasize the heartwarming collaboration between various hubs. The Global Hub in China in support with hubs in Indonesia and Brazil on the topic of remote sensing of agriculture statistics, and a Global Hub in Spain in support of hubs in Brazil and Rwanda on the use of artificial intelligence modeling for estimating climate climate change indicators. In conclusion, Chairperson, I would like to invite members, indeed all members and observers of the Commission, to actively participate in the activities of the Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics. I would like to invite the Commission to comment on on paragraph 81 of the report, and in particular to endorse the updated terms of reference and mandate of the committee. Chairperson, I thank you.

Thank you, the distinguished delegate of South Africa. And now the Commission will begin its debate on the report of the Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for official Statistics. We already have an impressive list of countries who want to speak. After the first 3 countries, I will close then the list, starting with Rwanda on behalf of the African Group, then the UK, and then UAE. I start giving the floor to the distinguished delegate of Rwanda.

Thank you, Chair. Rwanda and Pavad, on behalf of the African Group, commends the Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics for its remarkable contributions to transforming the global statistics landscape. We recognize the important contribution of the Data Science Leaders Network in developing practical use cases for big data and AI in economic statistics. We invite the Commission to endorse the updated TOR and mandate of the Committee of Experts. We also support the recommendation for national and international statistical offices to actively support and work with the Committee. In regard to the regional and global hubs, we applaud the work done, especially when it comes to capacity building and fostering partnerships among national statistical offices, academia, private sector, and international organizations. Chair, the regional hub for Africa hosted in Rwanda with the oversight of the African Center for Statistics appreciates the collaboration with other regional and global partners like the United Nations Stats Division, the African Development Bank, the IMF Big Data Center, the World Bank, and the Office of National Statistics UK in piloting relevant ideas to enrich evidence-based decision-making. The regional hub in Rwanda invites other African countries to actively participate in the activities of the hub and invites experts from other offices to work with the hub in Kigali on projects of the region. Chair, the Africa Group believes that more can be done with the regional hub with the relevant support. We therefore wish to draw the Commission's attention to the following priorities: 1. Strengthen the regional hub and global hubs by: promoting them as the primary mechanism for knowledge sharing and capacity building in big data and data science for statistics, encouraging partners to prioritize these hubs for support and collaboration. To advocate for the creation of dedicated positions within the UN common system to specifically support the operational and strategic activities of the hubs. We also think that it's important to facilitate access to data and tools with the hubs by increasing the diversity of data on the United Nations global platform, including authentic data to address the lack of the limited training datasets. Lastly, ensuring that accessibility of developing— accessibility for developing compelling use cases for big data and AI adoptions. Thank you, Chair. This statement is a revision of the one we had submitted, so we Take note that we'll submit this revised one. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Rwanda. Now I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the UK.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The UK supports the paper's recommendations and we welcome the 10-year review of the UN CBD activities and the updating of its mandate. And we also support the work of the UN Data Science Leaders Network to accelerate the integration of data science in national statistical offices. Uh, we in the UK are proud of our leadership role on the UN Data Science Leaders Network, the Committee of Experts on Big Data, the UN Task Team for AI Data, and also in regional groups such as the High-Level Group on the Modernization of Statistics. The work of all of these groups and others is incredibly important as we work collectively on the future of national statistical offices and, uh, and how they more rapidly evolve given the pace of change in the wider data and technology landscape. And to this end, I would like to echo the comments of my esteemed colleague and friend Ivan Morenzi, the Director General of the National Institute of Statistics, Rwanda, and others who spoke during Item 3C, and say that we support the room document submitted during Item 3C by Hashanfu of the World Bank on fostering AI readiness and responsible redistribution of official statistics, and we request that our support and the support of others is noted in the decision document. Having good metadata for the data used in the production of and available through official statistics is of fundamental importance, particularly for applied data science, and this is true regardless of the fact that we have now entered the AI age. There is much to do, as NSOs face the future and rapidly evolve. However, we need to be mindful of the resource constraints facing all of us. There are many groups working on similar issues in the area of data science, and to this end, there is an important role for the UN and other international organizations in using their convening power to bring different groups working on similar issues together to deliver more collaborative working and to reduce duplication of effort. Thank you.

Thank you, distinguished delegate of the UK. And I give the floor to distinguished delegate of the UAE.

Shukran sayeed, Rais. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We commend and support the efforts of the Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics. The UAE pursues further contributions in the use of big data by hosting the regional hub of the United Nations global platform on big data. We have established an ad hoc and line ministry in this regard, and this has further reinforced the role by the United Nations as a host organization for innovative ideas on the use of big data and data science for official Statistics to allow an exchange of expertise. The regional hub plays an important role in big data and data science and their use for official statistics. I wish once more to stress that the United Nations global platform must be supported by all statistics offices worldwide, whereby this would allow exchange of expertise expertise on the creation of official statistics. The UN Global Platform in this regard can also collaborate with the private sector to ensure the exchange of big data so as to avoid working in silos. In this regard, this platform can allow The sharing of data with all states so as to ensure a cost-effective exchange of data based on the high access to data on the platform, such as Earth observation data for agricultural statistics, as well as the auto— automatic identification system data for official statistics. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Poland, and the list is now closed.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Poland would like to emphasize the significance of the works described in the report of the Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics. The report provides invaluable recommendations for modernizing our analytical methods, optimizing the use of large datasets, and enhancing the competencies of our staff. Poland is is eager to actively engage in implementing these newly developed standards. We are committed to drawing from international experience and sharing our best practices, all while ensuring strict compliance with both national and EU regulations. Poland strongly supports actions and undertakings made by the task teams of the UN Committee of Experts. We also strongly endorse capacity-building activities carried out by the regional and global hubs, as well as the diligent work conducted by the Data Science Leaders Network. Statistics Poland has been actively contributing to this work through the participation of Polish experts in training workshops and task teams within the data science community. The usefulness of regional hubs functioning as centers for development and platforms for knowledge exchange and collaboration cannot be overstated. We endorse all initiatives that foster broader exchange of knowledge within the community. We have been inspired by this knowledge while carrying out innovation and modernization works at Statistics Poland. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Poland and now give the floor to distinguished delegate of Mexico.

Gracias, presidente. Thank you, Chair. Mexico is of the view that strengthening a national data ecosystems is crucial to modernize statistical production and to ensure statistical relevance in an increasingly complex data landscape. National statistical offices, NSOs, must play a leading role in data management and governance, guaranteeing interoperability between traditional and non-traditional data sources. Non-traditional sources include administrative registers, census data, geospatial information, and citizen-generated data. It is vital that NSOs establish robust governance frameworks which promote data quality, integrity, and security. This will allow their effective use in policymaking and in evidence-based decision-making processes. The integration of standards and international principles such as findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reuse, FAIR, will guarantee the traceability and sustainability of data within national ecosystems. We are convinced that alignment with global standards is a key —part of the evolution of data ecosystems. Governance frameworks must be periodically updated to reflect new methodologies, the use of AI, big data, and the integration of non-traditional data sources. This adaptation will guarantee that NSOs can continue to provide relevant and reliable statistical information in a rapidly changing digital environment. Moreover, we must strengthen cooperation between public and private stakeholders to maximize the use of alternative data sources. This will guarantee a balance between innovation, privacy, and the ethical management of data. Against this backdrop, the resilience and adaptability of statistical systems will depend on NSO's capacities to lead digital transformation strategies and to establish establish strategic partnerships within the data ecosystem. Thank you.

Thank you, distinguished delegate of Mexico. I now give the floor to distinguished delegate of Canada.

Thank you, Chair. Canada commends the Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for their ongoing efforts to support adoption and integration of data science into strategic planning, particularly the development of the Data Science Playbook the task team outputs, and the work of the global and regional hubs. Canada supports the updated mandate and revised terms of reference of the committee. Canada also acknowledges the benefits of sharing applications, approaches, and use cases both nationally and internationally to enhance progress. Key considerations include cybersecurity, impact assessments, strategic use of limited resources, and maintaining trust. Canada remains fully committed to actively participating in future discussions and initiatives, and we look forward to collaborating with member states to advance the work of this committee. Thank you, Chair.

Thank the distinguished delegate of Canada. Now give the floor to distinguished delegate of Indonesia.

Thank you, Chair. Indonesia welcomes the report of the committee and strongly supports its recommendation. We recognize the crucial role of big data, artificial intelligence, and data science in modernizing official Statistics and Enhancing Data-Driven Policymaking. We fully endorse the updated mandate of the Committee of Experts, particularly its emphasis on AI data partnership and capacity building. Since 2018, Indonesia has actively integrated mobile phone data to produce official statistics and has started implementing experimental statistics using AIS AI, GIS, data, and satellite imagery to develop a better national accounting system. The statistics will support the environmental economic accounting system to provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development policies. Additionally, we are also leveraging AI to accelerate data analysis, ensuring more timely and relevant statistical outputs. As the regional hub for Asia and the Pacific, Indonesia's Statistical Agency is committed to strengthening collaboration among others through organizing workshop and machinery— machine learning for official statistics, launching pilot project on NPD for statistical production, and enhancing agriculture monitoring through satellite imagery analytics. We also recognize the UN Global Platform as a key enabler for— of international collaboration, particularly in advancing maritime statistics. Our work on smart navigation utilization of IIS for maritime transportation statistics in Indonesia highlights the role of big data in producing reliable maritime environmental statistics, reinforcing its importance for policymaking. In closing, Indonesia strongly encouraged greater engagement of national and international statistics offices, offices in AI, big data, and data science initiatives. We believe that by fostering collaboration through task teams, regional hubs, and UNGP, we can develop innovative methodologies and enhance the quality of official statistics worldwide. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Indonesia for your intervention. It's now 20 minutes before 5. I suggest that we suspend the meeting for 5 minutes, that you have time to shorten a bit your interventions, because I think the strategy now was same amount of words to speak faster, but the art is to say more with less words with less time. Most of you are quite good, but some of you are— I mean, there's still some space for improvement. And so it's also difficult for the interpreters if we start— I know I do it as well myself— for the interpreters, because then everybody speaks faster, and for them it's difficult to translate. So 5 minutes break so you can look through your paper, less words, Say more, less time. Thank you very much. The meeting is suspended. Just Korean distinguished delegates, please take your seats. The meeting is resumed. Distinguished delegates, I now give the floor to the United States.

Thank you, Chair. The United States supports the importance of greater integration of data science and artificial intelligence in the work of national statistical offices to further advance efficiency, innovation, and data quality in official statistics. In particular, the U.S. supports the work of the task force in the development of a playbook for integrating data science within statistical offices, as well as the development of shared training materials. These efforts are pivotal in promoting consistency, transparency, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of innovative data science practices across the statistical community. We encourage knowledge sharing in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI applications, particularly through high-impact use cases. Among other things, this ensures consistency in their use for official statistics. The United States is concerned about the delay in establishing a dedicated task force on large language models, or LLMs, and statistics. LLMs play a critical role in parsing free text data that are increasingly vital for the production of official statistics. Moreover, rapid development of LLMs their alternatives, and their underlying foundational models require immediate statistical expertise. We encourage the prioritization of this task to ensure we remain at the forefront of data innovation. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, the distinguished delegate of the United States. Please be silent. I give now the floor to the distinguished delegate of Switzerland.

Thank you, Chair. Switzerland would like to draw attention to the remarkable work that the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics has been doing for over 10 years. The committee's efforts are essential in supporting developments in official statistics in every country. They are all the more important at this critical juncture when data and algorithms are redefining the limits of information production. Switzerland endorses and agrees with all the points mentioned and would like to thank the UN SDGs for involvement. It is crucial that the Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics continue with the same intensity and in the same direction in the future. Finally, Switzerland would like to draw attention to its participation in the UN PET Lab, which aims to promote privacy-enhancing data science and has helped pave the way for implementation of remote data science processes within the Swiss Federal Statistical Administration. This is a great illustration of how the work we are all doing under the auspices of the United Nations benefits us all. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Switzerland. Now gives the floor the distinguished delegate of Morocco.

Thank you, Chair. As we all know, We do not have any more to prepare for big data and data science, nor assess our readiness to embrace its impact on statistical production. Big data and data science are already here, and as NSOs, all we can do is work collaboratively with all data ecosystems and stakeholders to ensure that good decision-making is based on high-quality and up-to-date statistics. Therefore, Morocco commends the work done by the Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics, and also the different expert groups and regional hubs for big data, and endorse the updated terms of reference and mandates of the Committee of Experts. Morocco expresses the urgent need to adopt the United Nations Global Platform as an international collaboration platform for knowledge sharing in big data and data Data Science and to enlarge its scope to all big data projects that could be reproduced in different contexts and also to pre-trained AI models. Finally, Morocco is looking forward to continuing and extending its collaboration with the different expert groups and regional hubs. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, the distinguished delegate of Morocco. Now I give the floor to distinguished delegate of Guyana,

on behalf of the CARICOM region, applauds the work undertaken by the Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics, endorses the updated terms of reference and mandate of the Committee of Experts. This will enable future engagement within the task teams on alternative statistics Statistics and help to achieve the goal of the adoption of big data and data science in official statistics. Acknowledge and support the outputs prepared and delivered by the task team, which address critical issues such as privacy and data access, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and responsible data practices. The CARICOM region wish to complement the efforts of the United Nations Global Platform which served as a crucial infrastructure for international data projects, providing essential data tools and environments for collection, for collaboration and development. The Data Science Leaders Network has contributed by initiating the development of a playbook to guide national statistical offices in integrating data science into their operations. Collectively, These initiatives underscore the Commission's commitment to leveraging emerging technologies and data sources to enhance official statistics, promoting collaboration, and building capacity across the global statistical community. In this regard, we— in this regard, and given the small size and resource limitations of many NSOs in our region, We highlight the need for continued financial and technical assistance to support the integration of big data and data science into official statistics. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, the distinguished delegate of Guyana. Now I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Ecuador.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much indeed, Mr. Chair. The national statistical system of Ecuador includes administrative registers. These— we've— here we've prioritized the business, economic activities, population, and assets of registries of the country. This system has allowed us to strengthen country— the country's governance. For example, as things stand, emphasis is being placed on using the outcomes of these registers to promote more equity and access to education education, both in urban and rural areas. Another important use of these registers has been— these administrative registers has been data collection for the 2022 population census. Currently, we have two major challenges to address: one, creating more public trust in such statistical operations. As such, we have implemented ethical principles for data management such as transparency and respect for privacy. Elsewhere, another challenge which continues to remain in spite of our progress is that of interoperability of an increasing— increasingly large data set. Consequently, we're emphasizing measures aimed to encourage a larger number of member states to cooperate in terms of AI and data management. Ecuador is ready to form part of that endeavor, to learn and to share our experience. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you to the distinguished delegate of Ecuador. Now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of China.

Thank you, Chair. Over the past year, the task teams and the Committee of Experts have organized a wide range of activities around the world to promote the application of big data in statistics and have achieved positive results. We express our sincere appreciation for their hard work. Under the overall framework of the UN Global Platform, the Global Hub in China will continue to explore ways to cooperate and coordinate with other member countries and regional hubs, share application expertise in business technology and academics, participate in updating and maintenance of global platform and we care for the next step. We will continue to contribute to the use of big data and data science in official statistics. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, the distinguished delegate of China. Now I give the floor to distinguished delegate of France.

Mr. Chairman, France welcomes all of the work that has been done by the expert committee. We very much welcome this, and we welcome the use of the open platform. In this regard, we wish to recall the advantages of the data at the UN data platform, the open source project which was developed by the French National Statistics Office. This platform was successfully deployed as part of the European AI project for machine learning and official statistics, the one-stop shop for the relevant information. This processing tool is critical for information collaboration and data science, as well as official statistics at the international level. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I thank France and— The floor to the distinguished delegate of Brazil.

Buenas tardes. A good afternoon to you, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates. The terms of reference, the updated terms of reference of the Committee of Experts are in line with current practices and as undertaken by national statistics offices in Latin America and the Caribbean. Particularly when it comes to the need to update statistical legislation to facilitate access to data regarding private property ownership. We recognize that regional and global centers play a crucial role in capacity building among national statistics offices on the use of big data and data Science. We also recognize the importance of the global UN platform. It is a forum for international cooperation to develop official statistics. We support encouragement given to national statistical offices throughout the region and the support given to them to support the work of the Committee of Experts experts. They are being given expert and technical assistance in terms of organizing data workshops. We finally recognize the need for member states to participate in international efforts underway connected to AI data science and the use of macro data and other sources of alternative data to improve official statistics. Brazil congratulates the Committee of Experts of the UN on big data and data science for their sterling work. They have lent a strategic vision, direction, and coordination to a global program for big data in official statistics. Thank you.

And now I give the floor to distinguished delegate of Oman.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Sultan of Oman welcomes the report presented and we support the recommendations therein. And we have launched in Oman this year the Year of AI in statistical domains, and we would like to emphasize the need to allocate resources in support support of capacity building in statistics on the international level and also supporting the experience exchange between states. And we must also modernize methodologies and standards and encourage international organizations to use the indicators, the modern indicators issued by states. And thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Oman and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the ITU.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. The ITU welcomes the report of the Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science and appreciates the fruitful collaboration between and among task teams, the regional and global hubs. The UN Global Platform hosts many e-learning courses including e-learning courses on the use of mobile phone data and is an excellent resource for global statistical community to share algorithms, tools, and hands-on projects. ITU supports the new terms of reference and mandate of the committee. The ITU commits to continue chairing the committee's task team on mobile phone data and encourages countries to utilize the tools and guides produced by the task team. Countries are invited to explore mobile phone data as a new data source which can complement traditional sources to improve data timeliness and granularity needed in assessing policy effectiveness and monitoring progress, including progress towards universal and meaningful connectivity, which is one of the objectives of the Global Digital Compact. The World Bank ITU project on using mobile phone data to work for M-PACT policy funded by the Global Data Facility leverages the expertise of various members of the Mobile Phone Task Team to help a number of countries integrate M-PD in different areas of statistics, bringing together national stakeholders, raising awareness, and building technical capacity. We encourage donor agencies to support in expanding the number of countries implementing the use of mobile phone big data. Finally, we invite countries to contact the ITU and other members of the task team for information on using mobile phone big data for official statistics. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the ITU for their intervention and I give the floor to the distinguished delegates of the IMF.

Thank you, Chair. The IMF supports the proposals before the Commission for advancing the work of the Committee of Experts on Big Data and data science. We acknowledge and appreciate the outputs produced by the task teams, the regional hubs, and the Data Science Leaders Network to strengthen data science capabilities in official statistics. The IMF established a Big Data Center in 2024 to foster innovation in macroeconomic and financial statistics. The IMF Big Data Center is actively contributing to the work of the Data Science Leaders Network. Task teams, and regional hubs. Notably, we conducted a successful workshop on big data for macroeconomic statistics at the UN Regional Hub for Big Data in Rwanda. We are organizing a second edition this year at the IMF African Training Institute in Mauritius in collaboration with the African Development Bank. Looking forward, the IMF Statistics Department is committed to working with the UN Statistics Division to formalize the collaboration between the IMF Big Data Center and the UN Hubs for Big Data. Through this partnership, we plan to coordinate efforts with the 4 regional hubs in Brazil, Indonesia, Rwanda, and the UAE, and the 2 global hubs in China and Spain to build data science capabilities for the statistical community. We also plan to support the UN Global Platform as a key instrument for strengthening global cooperation in leveraging big data for official statistics. Thank you.

Thank you, the distinguished delegate of the IMF. This was the last speaker on my list, and I now invite Mr. Ronald Johnson, Chief of the Data Innovation and Capacity Branch of the UNSD, to summarize our discussion on this item.

Thank you, Chair, and I would like to thank all the delegates for a very positive and rich interventions, and I hope that I can do justice in this summary. The Commission endorsed the updated terms of reference and mandate of the Committee of Experts, supported the outputs of the task teams, the regional and global hubs, the United Nations Global Platform, and the Data Science Leaders Network. Specifically, the the work on the playbook on integrating data science in the work of statistical offices for improvement of operational efficiencies and keeping outputs relevant, and for its work on privacy-enhancing technologies. The Commission appreciated the work of the regional and global hubs regarding their training activities and sharing of knowledge. And requested to support and strengthen the existing hubs and encouraged close collaboration among the hubs, including the IMF Big Data Centre. The Commission emphasized the importance of the United Nations Global Platform for the Global Statistical Community as an international collaboration environment, especially for collaborative projects and training activities, for data sharing and sharing of use cases, for exchange of knowledge, and offered support for further enhancement of the platform. In this regard, the Commission stressed stressed the continued need for technical and financial assistance in this domain, for example also in the use of mobile phone data. The Commission encouraged national statistical offices to lead digital transformation efforts and establish strategic partnerships with private sector, academia, and civil society. Encouraged continued international collaboration on AI, data science, and the use of big data and alternative data sources, especially on fostering AI readiness and working on metadata and data interoperability and FAIR principles for traceability of data. Finally, the Commission encouraged the urgent establishment of a task team on the use of large language models. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Johnson. The Commission has concluded its discussion for item 3Q. I invite the Commission to begin its consideration of agenda item 3-R entitled National Quality Assurance Framework, under which the Commission has before it for discussion and decision the report of the expert group on National Quality Assurance Framework contained in document E/CN.3/2025/21. Background documents are available on the Statistical Commission's website. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom, of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to introduce introduce this report.

Thank you, Chair. Um, distinguished delegates, it is my honor to introduce to you the report of the expert group on national quality assurance frameworks. The Office for National Statistics in, in the United Kingdom strongly supports the work of the expert group and the opportunity to co-chair the group with one of our colleagues from the Philippines. In its report, the expert group informs about the efforts to support countries in the development and implementation of a national quality assurance framework. The expert group developed a module for quality assurance to assist statistical agencies in systematically evaluating and addressing the challenges in using administrative and other data sources by identifying possible areas for improvement and improvement actions. The expert group also developed a maturity model on quality culture in official statistics, stemming from the realization that shared values and behaviors are important for producing and disseminating official statistics. Both tools are accompanied by easy-to-use assessment checklists. I would like to thank all of the countries and experts who provided inputs and participated in the testing of these two new important tools for quality assurance. Over the next two years, The expert group wishes to continue its efforts to support countries in implementing a national quality assurance framework. A focus of its work will be on further developing the relationship between quality assurance and the use of the Generic Statistical Business Process Model to facilitate their joint use. The Commission is invited to comment on the work done by the expert group over the last 2 years. It is also invited to endorse the proposed draft module for quality assurance when using administrative data and other data sources to produce official statistics, and the draft maturity model on quality culture for official statistics. Finally, it is invited to express its views and approve the proposed work programme of the expert group for the next 2 years and its updated terms of reference. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. The Commission will now begin its debate on the report of the expert group of national quality assurance framework. Again, the first 3 countries, then I close the list, starting with Burundi and then Equatorial Guinea and then the Philippines, then I close the list. The floor is to the distinguished delegate of Burundi.

Merci, Monsieur. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of African countries, Burundi wishes to contribute to the report of the Group of Experts on National quality assurance frameworks. We welcome the expert group on the high quality of the report that has been submitted for the consideration of the Commission, specifically vis-à-vis the quality assurance modules for— during the use of administrative sources and data and other information, as well as the quality— statistical quality frameworks. Africa, uh, well appreciates these complementary modules for statistical production and at national quality assurance frameworks. We welcome a regular updating of these instruments taking into account lessons drawn and their implementation in the various countries. We welcome opportunity to be presented in the group with national experts from South Africa, Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Namibia, and Niger, as well as the Economic Commission for Africa. The tools that have been developed by the group of experts will largely be used in Africa to improve official statistics as well as to be a part of other tools used in the peer review exercises that are carried out on an annual basis and voluntarily. The African Group recommends that the group of experts focus, in addition to the activities set out in the report before consideration, to focus on development of digital training applications on the tools that have been developed. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

The floor is to the distinguished delegate of Equatorial Guinea.

Mr. Chair, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea endorses the intervention made by Burundi just now on behalf of the African Group. We just wish to add that Equatorial Guinea includes administrative records for the production of official statistics. Consequently, we have created and implemented statistical services across all administrative departments, publicly speaking. Consequently, we believe that the maturity model, the draft maturity model on quality culture in official statistics and the draft maturity module to that end is It's a step in the right direction because countries will have a guide which can contain standardised processes to manage the quality of data coming from those sources. As things stand, our country is currently adopting its national data quality assurance framework for statistics. That was drawn up with the technical support of the Statistical and Economical Observatory of Saharan Africa, better known as AFREESTA. So we endorse the program of work and the updated mandate of the group of experts, bearing in mind that this program of activities could help both us and other countries to implement national data quality assurance frameworks. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Equatorial Guinea and now give the floor to the distinguished Delegate of the Philippines.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Philippines, through the Philippine Statistics Authority, extends its gratitude to the expert group on National Quality Assurance Framework and to the two subgroups for their diligent work over the past two years. We commend its comprehensive approach in addressing the challenges associated with administrative and other data sources, and in fostering a quality culture within the statistical agencies. As co-chair of the expert group, the Philippines fully endorses the draft module for quality assurance when using administrative and other data sources to produce official statistics and the draft maturity model on quality culture for official statistics. We highly appreciate the guidance and assessment tools— in ensuring the quality of statistics derived from diverse data sources and in assessing the maturity level of adoption of quality in NSOs. We support the proposed program of work and updated terms of reference of the expert group. The planned initiatives are vital for strengthening the approaches and tools as well as in guiding national statistical systems in implementing quality assurance in the end-to-end process of the data value chain. The alignment and development of guidelines to support NCAAF is an initiative that would be helpful in supporting our work in developing our Philippine version of the NCAAF, which we call the Philippine Statistical Quality Assurance Framework, or PISQAF, which will help boost the implementation of quality practices in the whole Philippine statistical system. In conclusion, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to quality assurance and will actively participate in future initiatives of the expert group. We look forward to continued collaboration and successful implementation of the proposed guidelines. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, distinguished delegate of the Philippines. Now the list is closed. We still have an impressive list of countries who want to speak, so please really take your 1 up to 3 most important points and the rest you can send the full statement to eStatement. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Cameroon. Okay.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for giving me the floor. Cameroon supports the African position that was voiced by Burundi, and we wish to recall the fact that Cameroon is among the first African countries to have designed our national quality assurance framework to guarantee official statistics. Cameroon thanks Afrostat, Statistics Canada, Paris 2021 for their expertise in the design of the framework in 2018. As a member of the group of experts, Cameroon contributed to the drafting of the manual for the National Quality Assurance Framework for the UN in 2019, and we undertook to translate this in French in 2021. Presently, we support— we are supporting 5 African countries as they are incorporating national assurance frameworks in statistics production as part of South-South cooperation. And this is in cooperation with Afristat, CEMAC, the CA— ECAS, ECA, the World Bank. And with respect to new tools, new tools that are presently being developed by— have been developed by the group of experts, we have tested them in the education sector within the ENS, and we plan to to leverage them to identify differences in administration in the establishment of statistical information systems. Lastly, Cameroon thanks the Commission and partners who have been supporting this initiative. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, distinguished delegate of Cameroon. And I give the floor to distinguished delegate of the Dominican Dominican Republic.

Muchísimas gracias. Many thanks indeed, Mr. Chair. We are taking up your suggestion to save time. We recognize and value the work done by the group of experts. We endorse the suggestions made by the delegations of Equatorial Guinea and the Philippines regarding the use of administrative data, bearing in mind that these are crucial data to address challenges posed by such sources of information. And the growing number of data sources mean that we need mechanisms guaranteeing integrity and clarity so that they can be effectively used to develop official statistics. Moreover, the maturity model for quality assurance and having a quality— and the model for quality culture is vital to ensure good practices within statistical organisations. The This methodological approach makes it possible to consolidate an organisational quality focused on continuous improvement. It also means that we can ensure that statistical quality is sustainable over time and a cross-cutting commitment. Finally, we support the adoption of both drafts and we support the proposed programme of work and the updated mandate and terms of reference of the expert group. This programme of work lays out a clear roadmap to buttress progress achieved and to address new challenges in data quality assurance. Thank

you. I thank the distinguished delegate of the Dominican Republic. And I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Mongolia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We sincerely appreciate the work delivered by the expert group. Mongolia highlights that the initiatives and guidelines undertaken by the expert group are significant and practical sources for countries. And Mongolia has applied the initiatives, including Health Assessment Checklist, the roadmap, the quality assurance framework for official statistics as a foundation to enhance the quality assurance of national statistics system of Mongolia. We acknowledge its importance of ensuring the quality of the use of administrative and other data sources in official statistics, and we support the model for quality assurance when using other data sources to generate official statistics. In addition, Mongolia welcomes the maturity model for quality culture in official statistics. They provide valuable insights and guidance for ensuring the quality of statistics derived from various data sources, as well as the linkage between GSBPM. We approved the proposed work program and the group's updated terms of reference. Finally, Mongolia affirms its commitment to quality assurance and actively participating in future actions initiated by the expert group. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Mongolia. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Albania.

Thank you. Thank you, Chair. Albania greatly values the efforts of the expert group on national quality assurance frameworks and the contribution of the subgroup on administrative and other data sources in advancing methodologies that make stronger the quality of official statistical statistics. Integrating quality assurance in the statistical processes alongside the GSBPM, particularly when using administrative data and other data sources, is greatly encouraged. Albania appreciates the efforts put on the majority— maturity model on quality culture, which allows statistical organizations to assess their quality culture and provides guidance for improvement. It brings focus on shared values and behaviors that improve the production and dissemination of official statistics by strengthening the efforts and capabilities to ensure the quality of official statistics. In conclusion, Albania supports the updated version of the National Quality Assurance Framework, recognizing its crucial role in the improvement of of official statistics. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Albania. Now I give the floor to distinguished delegate of Indonesia. Thank

you, Chair. Indonesia welcomes the work of the expert group on national quality assurance framework in enhancing statistical quality globally. We fully support the quality assurance model for administrative and other data sources. That provides practical guidance for managing the integrity of nontraditional data, including big data. We acknowledge the value of statistical quality culture maturity model. It is essential for fostering a culture of continuous improvement within national statistical offices. To further improve the effectiveness of NQAF, we would like to propose the following. First, enhancing flexibility in implementation to accommodate countries with different levels of statistical development. Second, expanding technical assistance for developing countries to facilitate resource-efficient implementation. Third, increasing the frequency of updates to the NQAF website for timely access to guidelines and best practices. And fourth, establishing a digital knowledge sharing platform to enable discussion on quality assurance challenges and solutions. Furthermore, we support the integration of the Generic Statistical Business Process Model with NQAF. And finally, we endorse the updated terms of reference for the expert group emphasizing international collaboration and regional representation. I thank you, Chair. I thank

the distinguished representative of Indonesia. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Grenada. Thank you,

Chair. Grenada, on behalf of the CARICOM region, commend the expert group for its work over the past 2 years and supports the draft model and quality assurance in using administrative data and other data sources. The CARICOM Quality Assurance Framework endorsed by the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians has been piloted in Grenada and 3 3 other countries with EU support. However, funding ends in December 2025, and additional support is needed for continued implementation. Future revisions will include case studies from NSOs across the region. We generally support the draft maturity model and quality culture for official statistics, aligning with our regional approach to continuous improvement in statistical system. We welcome the proposed work program and updated terms of reference for the expert group supporting efforts to advance national quality assurance framework. We urge the continued development of the Statistics Division website and quality assurance as a vital resource for the global statistical community. Grenada and CARICOM remain committed to improving official statistics, and we look forward to increased and urgent collaboration from the global community to advance quality assurance framework. Thank you, Chair. I thank the

distinguished delegate of Grenada, and I give the floor to distinguished delegate of Laos PDR. Thank you, Chair.

Distinguished Delegates, Laos Statistics Bureau appreciates the expert group work over the past 2 years on the quality assurance. We support endorsing this document, particularly the module on using administrative and other data sources to produce official statistics. The maturity model offers a clear pathway to enhance statistical statistical practice and ensure the quality along with GSBPM remain central. However, we acknowledge the challenges faced by the country with limited resources and varying statistical capacity, including inconsistent data management and gap in technical expertise. In our case, building a quality culture in statistics —office requires continuous investment in training, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement. We also stress the importance of the national-international cooperation to address these challenges and narrow the capacity gap. We support the proposed program of work and the updated term reference of the expert groups as they will help guide the countries like us in strengthening official statistics. We look forward to contributing to this important work. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I thank the distinguished

delegate of Laos, PDR, and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the United States. Thank you, Chair. The United

States supports the work done by this expert group, in particular its efforts for using a standardized approach to discuss data quality and the use of a roadmap and checklist to assist in the implementation of the practice. The U.S. Federal Statistical System is actively engaged in promoting data quality frameworks. The efforts by the expert group to focus on data sources, data producers, and data users closely align with these initiatives. We endorse the draft model for quality assurance, including expanding the expert group's work work in '25 and '26 to include the use of machine learning and other issues related to quality assurance. While we see advantages of the structured approach of the draft module, we recommend clarifying whether each critical requirement is mandatory, recurring, or optional. Consolidating overlapping requirements would also streamline implementation. We also recommend key safeguards such as risk mitigation, quality feedback, and reporting to prevent data quality gaps. Regarding the maturity model, we suggest refining the structure to reduce overlap and better reflect the progression from individual competencies to system-wide knowledge sharing. Clear alignment of maturity levels will make the tool more actionable for national statistical offices. The U.S. looks forward to continued collaboration and the refinement of these important tools to ensure official statistics remain credible, adaptable, and fit for purpose. Thank you, Chair. I thank the distinguished

delegate of the United States, and now I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Ecuador. Gracias, señor. Thank you, Mr.

Chair. Ecuador. Commends the efforts taken by the expert group and take note of the report. Moreover, we recommend that the Commission promotes projects to address the need for financial resources, needs on the part, that is, of national statistical organizations for the continued implementation of new evaluation methods. We should development develop strategies which allow the socialisation of agreements and commitments made in various fora, with a goal of ensuring that statistical offices are able to adopt and implement good practices as created in expert group meetings or in their subgroups. Finally, we recommend that the Commission urges statistical offices to promote the continued implementation of quality evaluation and assurance methods in national statistical systems to make them ever more robust when it comes to producing statistical information. Thank you, Chair. Thank you, the distinguished

delegate of Ecuador. And I give the floor to distinguished delegate of Sweden. Thank you, Chair. Sweden welcomes

the outcome of the expert group's efforts and acknowledge the high complexity of the issues addressed in the module and the model. Sweden supports the proposed module and model, and we take note that the focus for the next 2 years will be to promote the new module and methods. We suggest that the expert group be entrusted with evaluating these approaches over the next 2 years and presenting their findings at the UNSC 2020 2017. This evaluation should encompass an assessment of whether the module and the model might benefit from revisions based on the results. Additionally, both the module and the model propose very ambitious and resource-intensive quality assurance measures. With this addition, Swedish— Sweden supports the proposed work program. Thank you. Thank you, distinguished delegate

of Sweden. And now give the floor to distinguished delegate of Afristat. Okay, thank you. Thank you, Chair. Afristat

felicit— Afristat welcomes the work done by the group of experts on national quality assurance frameworks, and we support all of the initiatives that they have undertaken. We welcome the results that the group has achieved, and we support the prospects for work for 2025 to 2026. To date, one-third of member states of AFRESPAT have national quality assurance frameworks or are engaged in processes to design them. This work has been facilitated by the facilitated by the presence of Cameroon and Niger, who are two of our member states participating in the National Quality Assurance Framework Group, as well as active cooperation of Francis Nsé. This contributes significantly to raising awareness among other countries who have not yet engaged in this. The Observatory has set a goal to, by 2026, to double the number of member states who have a a national quality assurance framework or are engaged in a process of establishing one. AFROSTAT welcomes the fact that the expert group produced documents or additional guidelines to ensure that the use of administrative data sources and others does not alter the quality of official statistics. And lastly, we welcome the fact that 2 of the initiatives of the Group of Experts on National Quality Assurance Frameworks for the 2025-26 period are in line with the program of work underway. These are activities related to the promotion, the drafting, and the implementation of national quality assurance frameworks, as well as the establishment of a community of experts. And bringing together best practices. We strongly recommend that the Statistical Division of the United Nations step up initiatives to raise awareness about the results of the Group of Experts on National Quality Assurance Frameworks at the African regional level. Thank you. I thank the representative of AFROSTAT.

This was the last speaker on my list, and I now invite Mr. Matthias Reister, Chief of the Development Data Section of the UNSD, to summarize our discussion on the report. Thank you, Chair. The Commission welcomed

the report of the Expert Group on National Quality Assurance Frameworks and expressed its appreciation to the Expert Group for its work over the last 2 years. Welcomed and endorsed the draft module for quality assurance when using administrative and other data sources to produce official statistics to address the challenges in using administrative and new data sources. Welcome and then welcomed and endorsed the draft maturity model on quality culture for official statistics. Stressed the importance of shared values and behaviors for improving official statistics. Requested the update and refinement of both tools as needed based on country experiences. Recognized the need for capacity development and training for the implementation of a national quality assurance framework and welcomed the planned initiatives of the expert group to support countries, including to the promotion of the manual, e-learning, the UNSD website and knowledge platform, the sharing of best practices, workshops, webinars, and innovative tools for implementation, implementation, with a few of supporting quality assurance throughout the national statistical system and and beyond. Welcomed the efforts to address the integration and joint implementation of quality assurance and the use of the generic statistical business process model in coordination and cooperation with other groups. Welcomed and endorsed the proposed program of work of the expert group for the next 2 years and its updated terms of reference. Thank you. I thank Mr. Reister. Distinguished delegates,

the Commission has to conclude its discussion of Item 3R. I invite the Commission to begin its consideration of agenda— agenda item 3S, entitled Regional Statistical Development, on the which the Commission has before it for discussion and decision the report of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean on Cooperation for Regional Statistical Development containing document E/CN.3/2025/22. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean to introduce this report. Thank you, Chair. Excellence, distinguished delegates,

and dear colleagues. I have the honor to present the report of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean on cooperation for regional statistical development. This report, prepared by ECLAC with the valuable support of CARICOM Secretariat, shows how our region is strengthening statistical capacity, adopting best practices, and using modern tools to meet new challenges. Allow me to highlight some key points of this report. First, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean continue to enhance their legal frameworks and data governance models to keep pace with growing data demands and access new sources. Second, from the adoption of digital data collection methods in the 2020 round of population censuses to novel use of administrative records, We see a trend of modernizing traditional approaches to produce more timely and detailed data. Third, the region is adopting geospatial information systems to enhance accuracy in census and surveys, to broaden the range of indicators available to policymakers, and to improve data dissemination. Fourth, the publication of guides on time use measurements Gender mainstreaming and environmental statistics exemplifies how the regional agenda continues to incorporate cross-cutting concerns. And finally, the document highlights the work toward a new strategic framework of the Statistical Conference of the Americas to address the governance of national statistical systems, leverage technological innovation, and prioritize capacity building for statistical staff. For that, we invite the Commission to provide their insights on the points raised in paragraph 66 of the report. I thank you. I thank you, distinguished representative of ECLA. The

Commission will now begin its debate on the report of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean on cooperation for regional statistical development. We do it like always, after 3 countries are I see now Dominican Republic and Cameroon. At the moment, these are the only two. Okay, Bahamas. I give the floor to the Dominican Republic. Muchísimas gracias. Many thanks indeed, Mr. Chair. In order

to save time, the Dominican Republic is making this statement on behalf of countries from the Latin American Caribbean region that make up We are grateful for the report from ECLAC regarding cooperation for statistical development at a regional level. We welcome the progress made in statistical development across the whole region of Latin America and the Caribbean. Such developments include the modernization of national statistical systems, the improvement of the use of administrative records, the integration of geospatial data, and the improvement of the production of environmental statistics and gender-sensitive statistics. We also hail innovative approaches adopted during the round of censuses in 2020 and the integration of new technologies. And this has been done by— through increased collaboration between countries and regional and international organizations. We praise and value coordination from Chile's International Statistics Organization their participation more specifically in the Knowledge Transfer Network. This is a vital tool to foster ongoing dialogue and dynamic dialogue for the exchange of experiences and capacity building in the region. As regards future work, as things stand, we are currently defining a new strategic plan 2026 to 2035. That is an excellent opportunity to continue to strengthen regional cooperation. It allows us to identify innovative approaches in the field of official statistics production and specific activities which can bring about sustainable capacity building within NSOs and national statistical systems. We underscore the importance of addressing systemic challenges such as the 2030 round of population and housing housing censuses and the implementation of the National Account System for 2025. Finally, we warmly thank ECLAC for all the support given to us during this period. Thank you. I thank the distinguished delegate of the Dominican Republic

and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Cameroon on behalf of the African Group. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of the Africa Group, Cameroon welcomes

the progress that has been achieved in terms of statistical development in Latin America and the Caribbean, specifically the modernization of national statistical systems, the growing use of data from administrative sources, integration of geospatial data, as well as improvement, uh, that environment— that are sensitive to the environment. There's important need to underscore that this progress has been facilitated by innovative approaches that have been implemented during the survey cycle in the 2020s and cooperation that has been expanded between countries and regional and international organizations. The Africa Group supports and appreciates the best practices that are set out in the report, and they deserve to be shared for capacity building for national capacity systems. This includes modernizing systems for drawing lessons and best practices on the use of electronic surveys, as well as integration of geospatial data and cooperation at the regional level. These are mechanisms established for the exchange of best best practices and innovation. And lastly, platforms that have been established to facilitate dialogue on innovative tools and at the same time to promote a better understanding of statistics. To conclude, the Africa Group takes note of challenges that are seen for statistical systems for the Latin America and Caribbean region.— on the horizon over the next decade. We share the idea that these are challenges that can be surmounted, but to achieve that, there's a need for regional and international cooperation that is sustained, as well as innovative approaches in data generation. And there's a need for an ongoing commitment to the core principles of official statistics. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Representative of Cameroon. And now I give the floor to distinguished

representative of the Bahamas. Thank you, Chair. The Bahamas, on behalf of the CARICOM region, supports the regional

position of the SCA. We publicly express our gratitude to the Director of Statistics, his team in Santiago, and the current chair of the Executive Committee of Statistical Conference of the Americas for ensuring that our statistical needs are considered in SCA strategic planning. We appreciate ECLAC's ongoing support in strengthening capacities in the region. In this regard, we would like to recommend the inclusion of the words "and climate change" in the Action 66A. We acknowledge the active presence and strong collaboration of ECLAC's Subregional Office for the Caribbean, fostered through the very close relationship with the CARICOM Secretariat and our member states in building national and regional statistical systems. We wish to express our interest in some of the initiatives mentioned in the report as they align with the broader CARICOM's regional priorities. These include the Unified Continuous Survey System, integrating employment and multi-purpose surveys, the production of ecosystems accounts based on the SEA, access to the e-learning courses to complement our e-learning platform. We strongly support exploring mechanisms to strengthen inter-regional collaboration. However, language differences can present challenges in ensuring, ensuring greater inclusivity within the SCA and encouraging broader participation from CARICOM countries. We hope that the SCA's 2020 2026 to 2035 Strategic Framework will take this into consideration while addressing future challenges. Thank you, Chair. I thank the distinguished delegate of the Bahamas. And now the list is closed, and so

we already come to the final speaker for this agenda item. I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Brazil. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Distinguished delegates, Brazil recognizes the important

progress achieved in terms of statistical development in Latin America and the Caribbean. These include the modernization and strengthening of national statistical systems and also includes extended efforts between countries to cooperate with international and regional organizations. We also recognize the importance of exploring mechanisms to strengthen interregional cooperation in order to promote the exchange of best practices, methodologies, and new innovations, harnessing and tapping into successful initiatives such as the Knowledge Transfer Network. Such initiatives strengthen dialogue and capacity building. We also recognize that regional and international cooperation sustained over time alongside innovative approaches for data production and a sustained commitment to the principles of official statistics as made are all key to address challenges posed— challenges faced by statistical systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. Challenges that will arise over the next decade. Thank you. Thank you, distinguished delegate of Brazil. This was the last speaker on my list, and

I now invite Mrs. Linda Hooper, statistician of the Office of the Director of the Statistical Division, to summarize our discussion. Thank you, Chair. The Commission welcomed

the comprehensive report of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and commended the Statistical Conference of the Americas and other actors for their achievements. The Commission commended the significant progress through collaborative efforts among countries and regional and international entities in the areas of modernizing and strengthening national statistical systems, improving the use of administrative records, integrating geospatial and statistical data, improving the production of of environmental and climate change statistics, and innovative approaches adopted during the 2020 census round and the use of new technologies. The Commission welcomes mechanisms for strengthening interregional collaboration to promote the exchange of best practice methodologies and innovations, building on successful initiatives such as the Knowledge Transfer Network. That contribute to foster dialogue and capacity building in the region. Noted the challenges faced— sorry, noticed the challenges faced by the Latin American Caribbean region statistical system that will be faced over the next decade and how these challenges can be addressed through sustained regional and international cooperation and innovative approaches approaches to data production and a continued commitment to the principles of official statistics. Thank you, Chair. I thank Mrs. Hooper. Miss Hooper, the Commission

has just concluded its discussion of Item 3S. Distinguished delegates, and I invite the Commission to turn to Agenda Item 3T entitled World Statistics Day, under which the Commission has before it for discussion and decision the The report of the Secretary-General of World Statistics Day contains in document 3/CN.3/2025/23. I now give the floor to Mr. Abdullah Skurcalov, Statistician at the Statistical Capacity Management Section of UNSTD, to introduce this report. Distinguished delegates. Good morning, friends.

It is my honor to introduce to you the reports of the Secretary-General on the World Statistics Day. Following celebration of the first World Statistics Day on October 20, 2010, the General Assembly in 2015 adopted Resolution 69/282, in which it decided to celebrate the World Statistics Day every 5 years on October 20. The second World Statistics Day took place in 2015, while the third was marked in October 2020 in conditions of the global pandemic. Nevertheless, a large number of national, regional, and global events to celebrate the day did take place across the globe, mostly in the virtual mode. The fourth World Statistics Day will take place on October 20th, 2025. The Bureau of the Statistical Commission has selected a slogan for the 2025 World Statistics Day. The slogan is: Driving change with quality statistics and data for everyone. A logo has been developed and will be offered in the 6 official languages of the United Nations. A website for the World Statistics Day has been launched. Over the course of 2025, the Statistics Division will publish promotional materials on its website along with a global calendar of events, news and updates, videos, and other related items that are shared with the Division. National statistical offices are invited to coordinate events at the national level and keep the Division informed of developments. The Division will keep the UN Development Coordination Office informed of national events and coordinate with the UN Regional Commissions on regional events. Finally, the Division will take initiative to link the World Statistics Day to the celebration of 80th anniversary of the United Nations on 24th October 2025. The Commission is invited to comment on the status of the preparations towards the celebration of World Statistics Day in 2025. I thank Mr. Kotzoloff. And now I open the debate on the

report of the Secretary-General on World Statistics Day containing document E/CN.3/2025/23. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco on behalf of the African Group. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Morocco, on behalf of the African

Group, Africa Group recommends, recommends the United Nations Statistics Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and takes notes of the status of the preparation for the Fourth World Statistics Day 2025, planned for the 20th of October 2025. Africa Group agrees on the underlying slogan of the World Statistics Day, which is driving change with quality statistics and data for everyone. In addition to translations to 6 official languages provided by UNSD, additional proposals for translation of the World Statistics slogan may be provided in timely fashion to UNSD. Taking into account that African Statistics Day is commemorated on the 18th of November, material developed for the World Statistics Day might be shared in order to optimize resources and the target audience. Thank you, Chair. I thank the distinguished delegate of Morocco. Now

I give the floor to distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea. Thank you, Chair. Republic of Korea sincerely appreciates

the UNSD for its efforts in preparing for the celebration of the World Statistics Day. In Korea, actually September 1st is designed as a National Statistics Day, and we celebrated annually. The history behind this is that during the Joseon Dynasty, back in 1896, we began to conduct household survey by acting household survey rules on September 1st of that year. Considering this moment as the start of modern statistical practice in Korea, we revised the Statistics Act to designate the day as Statistics Day in 1995 and celebrated since then. This year is especially meaningful as it marks 100 years since Korea conducted its first national census in 1925, laying the foundation for today's population and housing census. To promote greater awareness of World Statistics Day, Statistics of Korea will promote it through key institutional events and outreach activities. I thank the distinguished delegate of the Republic of Korea

and give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Japan, Ichiban. After Japan, I will close the list. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On World Statistics

Day, Japan welcomes the opportunity to celebrate this event, and in cooperation with the relevant ministry and local bodies, as well as academia and universities, we welcome the initiative to raise awareness among the public about the importance of international statistics. These initiatives will not just be for for the general— there will be for the general public in addition as well as young people. And 2025 will mark the survey in Japan, and we will have initiatives to ensure better understanding about the importance of statistical data, and we will encourage participation for all people. Next December, Japan will have the honor of organizing in Tokyo the 2025 forum for the World Statistics This forum will be organized to mark the meeting of the Board of Administrators of the Statistics Body for Asia and the Pacific and will bring together national and international officials, including representatives of national statistical institutes of the Asia-Pacific region, through an in-depth exchange about recent trends and challenges faced by official statisticians. We hope to facilitate a shared understanding about their key role and the value of statistics to our society. Thank you. The distinguished delegate of Japan, the list is now closed. I give

the floor to the distinguished delegate of CARICOM. Thank you, Mr. Chair. The CARICOM Secretariat, on behalf of the Caribbean

community, is pleased with the status preparations for the celebration of World Statistics Day 2025. This year holds particular significance for our Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians with the declaration of the Year of Statistics in CARICOM on the 4th November 2024 in recognition of the committee's 50th anniversary. Fortuitously, the celebration of World Statistics Day will culminate our commemoration of the Year of Statistics. It is important to highlight that our subregion commenced celebrating Caribbean Statistics Day, which preceded the global observance of World Statistics Day. Therefore, the 15th October 2025 will mark the 7th annual— the 17th annual observance of Caribbean Statistics Day. The slogan, Driving Change with Quality Statistics, Statistics and Data for Everyone is fitting and aligns with the very essence of our Year of Statistics theme, Improving Lives Through Statistics: Strengthening and Innovating Together. Both themes embody the power of statistics and data in driving positive change for everyone. Moreover, good quality data and statistics can only be achieved by strengthening the systems that produce them. Therefore, in the same spirit of World Statistics Day, the observance of the Year of Statistics aims to promote the importance of statistics in advancing sustainable development, encouraging innovation in statistical systems, and foster national, regional, and international cooperation. As we continue to commemorate our Year of Statistics in CARICOM, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of World Statistics Day. 60. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, distinguished delegate of CARICOM. And if now Albania would

fit within 1 minute, then we could be able to finalize this agenda item. I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Albania. So 1 minute is impossible, but I'll try it. Thank you, Chair, distinguished

delegates. The Statistical Office of Albania is committed to actively participate participating in the Global World Statistics Day 2025 campaign, adopting the official logo and promotional materials provided by UN Statistical Division as soon as they become available. At the national level, INSTAT is dedicated to enhancing statistical literacy among high school students by integrating official statistics into their educational experience. To achieve this, INSTAT will host high school students in its on campus premises, offering them the opportunity to engage directly with statistical experts. Through presentations and interactive discussions, students will gain insights into how official statistics inform policies and impact everyday life. Furthermore, we will leverage social media to expand our reach, sharing event highlights, infographs, and student-driven content under the hashtag #WorldStatisticsDay. Statistics Day 2025. This will amplify awareness and encourage broader engagement with official statistics. Through these initiatives, INSTAT aims to inspire the next generation to appreciate the power of the data, ensuring that they become informed citizens capable of making evidence-based decisions. We believe that by investing in statistical education today, we are building a more data-literate society for the future. Thank you. I thank the distinguished delegate of Albania. This was the last speaker

now on my list. I now invite Mr. Abdullah Gotslov, Statistician at the Statistical Capacity Management Section of the UNSD, to summarize our discussion on the report. Thank you, Chair. The Commission welcomed the reports of the Secretary-General

on World Statistics Day and thanked the Bureau and the Secretariat for the work done thus far, expressed support for the slogan "Driving Change with Quality Statistics and Data for Everyone" and the logo, took note of the plans for national, regional, and global events, and requested the Secretariat to continue the development of multilingual promotional materials, engagement through the website, social media, and other channels, and coordinate preparations for the 2025 World Statistics Day, taking into account suggestions made during the discussion. Thank you for the report. Uh, the Commission has concluded its discussion of, um, Item 3T. And the Commission

will meet again tomorrow morning, Friday, 7th March at 10 AM in this conference room to commence its consideration of agenda item entitled Items for Decision. As announced on Tuesday, 4th March, the agreed revision to E/CN.3/2025/L4 entitled System of National Accounts 2025. Contained in A/REF/1 and the agreed revision of the draft resolution in Annex II, E/CN.3/2025/3, entitled 2030 World Population and Housing Census Programme, are contained in E/CN.3/2025/L.5. Both draft resolutions are available on ODC in all 6 UN official languages and post it on the website of the Statistical Commission. In line with the past practice, the Secretary will circulate the informal paper with the draft decision to— in two parts tomorrow morning. This evening and tomorrow morning. Before adjourning the meeting, I give the floor to the Secretary for no announcement. There is no announcement. I thank the Secretary for the information. The meeting

is adjourned. Woo! That's hard

work.