(5th meeting) Statistical Commission, 57th Session

Good morning. Please take your seats. The 5th meeting of the 57th session of the Statistical Commission is called to order. Before proceeding further, I would like to inform delegations Before proceeding further, I would like to inform delegations that we are running behind schedule. A busy day awaits us as we seek to conclude our consideration of items 3, 4, and 5 today before moving on to items 6, 7, and 8 tomorrow. Tomorrow morning, as many delegates have flights scheduled for Friday afternoon. Therefore, with a view to maximizing the use of the time available to us, ensuring a meaningful discussion, and listening to all speakers and their valuable contributions, I would like to seek your support cooperation in helping the Commission manage its time. Time limits will be enforced for each item on the agenda, and they will be announced before each debate. And those limits may be further reduced as necessary. The microphone light will start blinking once the set time limit has elapsed, and the speaker will be asked to kindly wrap up. Furthermore, the list of speakers under all sub-items of item 3 will close 15 minutes into each debate, after which I will read out the speakers' list. No further requests for the floor will be accommodated after those 15 minutes. Therefore, please make sure to press the microphone button to request the floor within those 15 minutes if you wish to speak on an item. Furthermore, while recognizing the importance of interactive professional exchange, which is at the core of our work, I would like to urge all participants to avoid including detailed expositions of methodology or the reporting of routine activities and national practices their interventions. Lastly, please send copies of the statements that you will deliver to estatements@un.org in order to facilitate the work of interpreters. Thank you once more for your kind understanding. I would also like to ask delegations to to use the QR code that you can find at the back of the room to add their email addresses, and thus you will receive the informal document containing the draft decisions. And lastly, as was announced yesterday, I wish to remind delegations that as far as the subjects for the adoption of decisions, item 4 of our agenda, and in order to make the best possible use of the time that we have available, Those will be presented and summarized individually this afternoon, but there is not any plan for a further debate. The Commission will adopt decisions on those subjects tomorrow, Friday. However, the Bureau recognizes that it may be necessary to hear interventions on some matters related to these subjects. In order to make the best use of the time that we have available, I urge delegations to inform Ms. Linda Hooper as early as possible if they intend to take the floor on the subjects for the adoption of specific decisions. I invite the Commission now to continue its consideration of agenda item 3J, entitled Data Governance, and to hear the 5 remaining speakers in the debate on this item. No further requests for the floor on this item will be accommodated. Delegations are reminded to adhere to the time limit of 2 minutes and to send to estatements@un.org a copy of the statements they will deliver during the meeting. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Indonesia. Good morning.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Indonesia welcomes the summary analysis of the Global Survey on Data Governance and National Statistical Systems. The survey findings resonate with Indonesia's experience particularly in highlighting both the growing availability of diverse data sources and the persistent challenges related to coordination, interoperability, capacity, and institutional alignment across the national data ecosystem. We support the planned work of the working group, including the development of a common glossary of data governance terminology and a proposed Data Governance Framework for Official Statistics. Such outputs are expected to provide valuable conceptual clarity and practical guidance for NSOs while remaining sufficiently flexible to accommodate different national contexts and level of institutional maturity. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Indonesia. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Lithuania.

Good morning. Thank you, Madam Chair. Lithuania supports the Working Group on Data Government report and work done. I would like to highlight several practical proposals to strengthen the role of the national statistical offices within modern data ecosystems. First, national statistical offices should strengthen their role as data stewards by promoting responsible reuse of administrative and public sector data. By focusing on quality and methodological consistency, they can avoid duplication, IT functions, while ensuring coherence and efficiency across the data ecosystem. Second, statistical offices should take a stronger role in maintaining and promoting national— and international classifications across government systems to ensure interoperability, comparability, and high-quality data integration as foundation of reliable statistics. Third, greater use of well-structured record-level data from public informational systems can improve accuracy, timeliness, and flexibility while reducing reporting burden. Finally, Practical guidance tailored to centralized, decentralized, or hybrid governance model would support effective implementation. The steps would help strengthen the role of official statistics in national data systems, promote coherent data governance, and enhance the overall quality and usability of public sector data. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Lithuania. My list now includes Jordan, Malaysia, the OECD, CISSTAT, and OHCHR. No further requests for the floor will be accepted for this item. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Jordan.

Madam Chair, Jordan, on behalf of the Arab Group, a member of ECOWAS, would like to support the document because this document stresses data governance, which is an essential point for making use of emerging technologies such as metadata and artificial intelligence in the area of statistics. We call for accelerated efforts to promote data and statistics convergence processes to make— without impinging upon statistical frameworks. We must strengthen cooperation with the Commission on Science and Technology for Development. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Jordan. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Malaysia.

Chair, Malaysia welcomes the report of the Working Group on Data Governance and commends its inclusive approach, especially the engagement with diverse stakeholders. We emphasize that data governance is not only a technical framework but a framework of trust. Citizens trust ethical use of individual data, responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, and resilience in times of crisis. Must remain at the core. Chair, National Secretaries of Peace are increasingly transforming complex data sets including administrative records, big data, and individual-level information into actionable insights. This strengthens government, government ability to anticipate and respond to emerging challenges with timely, evidence-based decisions. In this context, we propose that Governance frameworks should consider allowing, under strictly controlled and exceptional conditions, the sharing of non-anonymized individual-level macrodata during crisis or security threat. Such access must be purpose-driven, granted strictly on a need-to-know basis, limited to designated agencies, and governed by strict safeguards, minimum necessary use, formal authorization, secure environment, audit trail, and post-event oversight. This balanced approach ensures decision-makers can act swiftly when it matters most, while protecting privacy, reinforcing trust, and upholding the integrity of the national cybersecurity system. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Malaysia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the OECD.

Thank you, Chair.

Good morning, everybody. I'm providing a joint statement on behalf of the Committee for the Coordination of Statistical Activities, the CCSA, which consists of 45 international and supranational organizations promoting interagency coordination and cooperation on statistics. The Committee welcomes the comprehensive report of the report of the Working Group on Data Governance, agrees that data governance is critical to ensuring the availability, integrity, usability, and security of data in a rapidly evolving data landscape. The Committee also emphasizes that coherent data governance offers significant opportunities for the statistical community while also presenting important challenges that need to be addressed. The Committee commends the survey undertaken and the high response rates to that survey, and takes note of the key findings, in particular the lack of national data strategies, fragmented data governance frameworks across sectors, limited awareness and technical capacity among non-statistical actors, and a lack of interoperability between administrative and statistical statistical systems, insufficient incentives for voluntary adoption of standards, and legislative gaps hindering compliance with international standards and methodologies. The Committee supports the development of a glossary of terminologies regarding data governance, and the Committee suggests it would be useful to define a number of elements including data, data governance, data sovereignty, data ecosystems, and also clarify the distinction between institutional national and international data governance frameworks.

This will help foster a shared understanding and facilitate more effective collaboration across stakeholders.

The Committee welcomes the collaboration with the CSTD Working Group on Data Governance at All Levels and also requests that the United Nations Statistical Commission Working Group on Data Governance also collaborate with the recently established CCSA Working Group on institutional data governance to ensure alignment and synergy. Finally, the committee endorses the work streams and in particular welcomes the linkages made to data quality, which is fundamental to the credibility and utility of statistical outputs. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Chair. I would like to thank the Working Group on Data Governance for the outcome report. We highly value the initiative of the group to work on the glossary of terms on data governance, helping a draft system of governance for statistical data and exchange of experience and knowledge at the national, regional, and global levels. The CIS Stat Group is making great efforts in this area. We've created a data governance system for statistical methodology and classification. And we have also made many efforts to develop a glossary of terms for statistical methods. We also take part in international events on popularizing and spreading our experience and experience of CIS countries. As part of this work, we have established an international hub for data and metadata, and this is meant to help integrate data from various sources on this single platform in Russian and English. Currently, it's already integrated not only statistical data that we have been receiving for more than 30 years from statistical agencies of CIS countries, but also from open data from 15 international organizations. We've established hundreds of interactive information panels to help facilitate search for this data. As part of this hub, we have developed a semantic system for information management. This has helped us in a short time to describe and semantically establish a number of data exchanges and published SMART data formats for more than 300 datasets. As part of our work for data governance, the STAT has also been working on using AI for statistical purposes, especially for comparison using various types of data classifiers as well as handbooks and tables. We also are using it to translate Russian documentation for SDMX 3.1 type data. In closing, I would like to note that the CISSTAT supports the efforts to issue recommendations on creating a sustainable ecosystem for data governance to support intergovernmental dialogue between statistical agencies and other producers of statistical data. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of CISSTAT. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of OHCHR.

Thank you and good morning. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights associates itself with the statement of the CCSA. OHCHR welcomed the establishment of the Working Group on Data Governance and commenced its leadership in articulating common terminology and advancing a data governance framework for official statistics. National statistical offices do not operate in a vacuum. They function within broader national and international data and legal ecosystems. Within this architecture, international human rights standards, including universally agreed human rights norms and principles relevant to data, form an integral part of the institutional and legal environment for data governance. From a human rights and statistical perspective, the fundamental question is not only how we should govern data, but why and for whom. Data governance ultimately should ensure the respect, protection and fulfillment of human rights. Human rights and the fundamental principle of official statistics are mutually reinforcing and together help situate official statistics within today's complex data ecosystems, including those involving private actors. For data to be trustworthy, data governance must be rights-respecting. While strongly supporting the development of a common glossary, OHCHR recommends continued articulation of the linkages between data governance and the human rights-based framework to data. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of OHCHR. We have heard the last speaker in this debate. I invite Mr. Gabriel Gamez Chief of the Statistical Capacity Management Section of UNSTD, to summarize our discussion on this item.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Esteemed delegates, the Commission welcomed the report of the Working Group on Data Governance and its background documents and expressed appreciation for the work of the Working Group including open— the open, transparent, and inclusive working modalities and linkages with other international initiatives on data governance. Took note of the 2025 Global Survey on Data Governance, as detailed in the background documents, and welcomed the value of the survey results. Supported the Working Group in advancing 6 workstreams grouped into 3 clusters and a 4th cross-cutting cluster on the Data Governance Glossary to inform the development of a proposed data governance framework for official statistics and encourage member states and relevant stakeholders to contribute to the work of the 4 clusters to ensure regional balance and a diversity of experiences. Requested the Statistics Division to continue updating and maintaining the knowledge repository to facilitate the exchange of practices and experiences, endorsed the planned work program of, of the Working Group for 2026 to 2028.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank Mr. Gámez. The Commission has concluded its discussion of item 3J. I now invite the Commission to turn to Agenda Item 3K, entitled Data and Indicators for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, under which the Commission has before it for discussion and Decision, the Joint Report of the Interagency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators, and the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, contained in document E/CN.3/2026/12, and the report of the Secretary-General on the work for the review of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals contained in document E/CN.3/2026/13. Background documents are also available on the Commission's website. The Commission will discuss the two official documents one by one. We will start with Document E/CN.3/2026/12. I give the floor to Mr. MacDonald Obuto, Director-General of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and co-chair of the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to introduce the report.

One moment, we will—

Okay, thank you. Distinguished delegates, dear colleagues, as a co-chair of the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I am pleased to introduce the joint report of the Interagency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators and the High-Level Group. The Commission is invited to take note of the High-Level Group's work, including preparation for the 6th UN World Data Forum to be held between 9th and 12th November 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia. Thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its General Authority for Statistics. The report invites the Commission to review and approve the proposed work plan, including the strategy for implementing the Medellín Framework and the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. Turning to the expert group, the Commission is invited take note of the work carried out in 2025, including the ongoing methodological reviews of the indicator framework, updates to tire classification, and the annual refinements. The Commission is invited to express its views and adopt both the proposed refinements to the indicator framework and as contained in the Annex 1 of the report and, uh, and the expert groups proposed work plan for— work program for 2026. Finally, the task team on lessons learned from monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals has completed the first phase of its work and submits to the Commission a background document titled Lessons from a Decade of Sustainable Development Goal Monitoring. The Commission is invited to Take note of this document I submit, Chair. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Obudo. I now open the debate on the Joint Report. The list of speakers will close in the next 15 minutes. Therefore, please press the microphone button so that your name can be added to the list, as no further requests will be accommodated after the list closes. I will read out the list in 20 minutes. Before giving the floor to the first speaker, I also remind delegations that the time limit is 2 minutes per speaker. The microphone light will start blinking once that time has elapsed and the speaker will be asked to kindly wrap up. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bulgaria.

Thank you, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. Bulgaria endorses the Joint Report of the Inter-Agency Expert Group on the SDGs Indicator and the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity Building. The work of the SDGs is extremely important and the report confirms the significant progress made by the global statistical community in building a robust operational system for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals. As a member of the High-Level Group, we would like to commend its effort in planning the next UN World Data Forum, in the preparation of position on the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which helped ensure the data were explicitly referenced in the outcome document of the conference, and the concrete recognition and commitment were made to strengthening national data and statistical system. Bulgaria believes that in the final phase of the 2030 Agenda, priority should be given not only to data availability but also to their integration and effective use in policymaking. In this context, we would like to highlight that the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria, in close cooperation with the administration of the Council of Ministers, has undertaken target action over the past 3 years to further develop the MonitorStat information system as a tool for strategic planning. The system has been recognized as an integrated platform for monitoring national strategic documents and their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. It's built on integration mechanism that the databases of the NSI, the United Nations, and Eurostat ensuring comparability, reliable, and timeliness of the information needs. Through the system monitoring of the system progress in the relation to the national priorities, a strong analytical foundation is being established for strategy planning impact assessment, and evidence-based policy. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Bulgaria. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Norway.

Thank you, Chair, distinguished delegates. Allow me, on behalf of the Interagency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goals Indicators, to briefly complement the joint introduction just provided by Mr.

Ogudu.— by focusing on the technical work of the expert group.

Beyond the indicator refinements and tier updates already noted, the expert group has focused this year on strengthening the operational backbone of the Global Indicator Framework. This has included deepening collaboration with custodian agencies on enhancing metadata transparency and coherence in global reporting and addressing persistent data availability challenges. The IEG SDGs Working Groups on Geospatial Information and Statistical Data and Metadata, SDMX, continue to support countries in capacity building and the application of these tools for SDG reporting. Under the data disaggregation work stream, the UN Statistics Division and the partners have also helped advance capacity building on small area estimation through finalized guidance documents and ongoing e-learning courses and workshops. Regarding the lessons learned document, I would emphasize some of the high insights that that have emerged from our decade of experience: the importance of measurability in indicator design, the value of early and sustained engagement of national statisticians in framework development, the need for manageable indicator sets that balance comprehensiveness and capacity, and the critical role of investment in data systems, not as an afterthought, but as a foundational infrastructure. We welcome the Commission's guidance on these lessons and look forward to member states' perspective on how they should inform both acceleration of current SDG implementation and the design of future global monitoring frameworks.

Finally, the expert group would also like to express its appreciation for the government of Japan for hosting its 16th meeting and for providing funds to support participation.

And allow me then, on behalf of Norway, to convey the appreciation of the work of the HLG PCCB, and particularly its engagement to help ensure a strong text on strengthening national data and statistics systems in the Financing for Development, Sevilla commitment.

We also appreciate the continued engagement and support in the work with the Sevilla Platform for Action FFD and the future of data. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Norway. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Portugal.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Portugal welcomes the joint report of the IAEA EGSDGs and the High-Level Group for Partnership Coordination and Capacity Building. We commend the strong progress made in 2025 to strengthen the global SDG indicator framework. We also welcome advances in geographic disaggregation and the establishment of the task team on lessons learned, which will help shape a more coherent and resilient monitoring system beyond 2030. National statistical offices must remain at the center of future monitoring design and implementation. Portugal encourages early clarity on scope, governance, and methodology in post-2030 discussions, as well as stronger alignment across reporting frameworks to reduce the burden on national statistical systems while preserving rigor and comparability. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Portugal. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of the Philippines.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Philippines commends the Interagency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators for its 2025 milestones, notably the achievement of a record 165 Tier 1 indicators and near universal global coverage. This accomplishment reflects the collective determination to uphold the credible and technically sound monitoring architecture for the 2030 Agenda. The Philippines remains committed to this effort, as demonstrated by our active contributions to the 2025 Comprehensive Review and ongoing metadata refinements to ensure methodological clarity and consistency. Consistency. We further welcome the integration of SDMX, AI, and geospatial data, which have modernized statistical systems to meet the demands of the 2030 Agenda. We endorse the Seeds for Future Global Monitoring Frameworks report and express our appreciation to Canada and the UNDP for their leadership. We specifically support the recommendations for differentiated indicator tiers, enhanced coherence between national and global priorities, and a sustained high-level institutional commitment. This seeds a forward-looking foundation for a post-2030 monitoring framework that is technically rigorous, inclusive, and adaptable to evolving development realities. On the 6th UN World Data Forum in Riyadh, We celebrate the forum's expansion to 24,000 stakeholders and welcome the move toward a formal systematic evaluation of its impact. We likewise endorse the Medellín Framework and the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development as critical instruments for addressing the persistent data financing gap and strengthening sustainable support for national statistical systems. Finally, the Philippines supports the High-Level Group's 2026 Work Plan and reaffirms its commitment to the continued modernization, resilience, and innovation of national statistical systems in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of the Philippines. As I announced previously, the list of speakers is now closed and no further requests for the floor will be accommodated. The speakers on my list are the following: Tajikistan, Malta, Saudi Arabia, Russian Federation, Poland, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Japan, Tunisia, Morocco, Indonesia, Sweden, Brazil, Kyrgyzstan, India, Republic of Korea, Georgia, Lao PDR, Colombia, Spain, Switzerland, Mongolia, China, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Hungary, Jordan, the FAO, OHCHR, DESA, UNDP, EEC, UN Women, and CISSTAT. The list is closed. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Tajikistan.

Thank you, Chair, and distinguished colleagues. We would like to congratulate you for the work of the Interagency Expert Group on SDG Indicators, and we also greatly esteem the cooperation that has been facilitated in terms of the global indicators. The SDGs— with the SDGs, we note the progress made and we believe it's very important to develop that system. Tajikistan also supports the government work of the interagency and expert group on SEGI indicators for 2026, which aims to ensure that our national priorities are in line with the overall statistical methods in this area. We also support holding a meeting under UN auspices on this data and also support the participation of national agencies producing sectoral data. We support the FROOKS— the high-level group's plan of work for 2026, and we also support— are willing to continue our active cooperation and support for using high-quality accessible data to improve our work in this regard. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Tajikistan, and I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Malta.

Thank you, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. We wish to express our appreciation to the authors of the report for their diligent and comprehensive work. We take note of the background documents presented under this agenda item and express our support for the proposed refinements to the 4 indicators listed. We also welcome the strong focus on identifying the key elements required for a robust and forward-looking monitoring framework for the post-2030 period. Malta fully endorses the key aspects outlined for consideration in developing the new post-2030 monitoring framework. As highlighted in the report, it is essential that The design of the future framework builds on the lessons learned from the current SDG monitoring system. In this regard, we underline the importance of ensuring that indicators are user-friendly, clearly communicated, and well aligned with the goals and targets of the post-2030 agenda. Given the limited time frame and scope for revisiting the SDG indicator set ahead of the 2030 target, we encourage the IEG SDG DG to reevaluate indicators with persistent data gaps. We further recommend exploring emerging technologies and alternative data sources to help bridge these gaps and urge reconsideration of approaches where methodological robustness cannot be established in the medium term. Malta reiterates its unwavering commitment to supporting the ongoing initiatives of the United Nations Statistical Commission and its expert groups We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Commission, its working groups, and custodian agencies as we collectively work towards establishing a coherent and effective monitoring framework for the period beyond 2030.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Malta. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Chair. Saudi Arabia, represented by General Authority for Statistics, successfully introduced in the last year a major initiative entitled Interactive Data System for SDGs Tracking and International Needs Management, which is an interactive data system to solve key challenges in tracking and managing international indicators requests, including Sustainable Development Goals, from the different UN agencies. Agencies and other international organizations. The system will help improve the efficiency of national reporting and support decision makers for robust and comprehensive monitoring of SDGs indicators. This initiative is very much aligned with the UN Secretary General's continuous emphasis on pivotal role of using innovative approaches and techniques to track and accelerate countries' progress to achieve the different goals and targets of SDGs. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Saudi Arabia. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of the Russian Federation.

Thank you, distinguished Chair. Russian Federation notes the work of the Interagency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators in 2025, which aims to improve the global monitoring framework for the 2030 Agenda. We welcome the regular review of metadata and the updated tier classification for indicators. We welcome the proposed adjustments on certain indicators as well as the group's plan of work for 2026. We also plan to continue exchanging best practices, including through taking part in working groups and international events. We would like to especially thank the Intersecretariat Group on Household surveys for preparing the handbook on individual and household surveys. Given the digitalization of society, it's very important to reduce the burden on respondents, to increase participation of hard-to-reach groups of the population, integrate data from surveys with, with administrative and big data sources. We're especially interested in these sections on sampling and calculating weight coefficients, as well as new approaches toward collecting and treating data. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of the Russian Federation. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Poland.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Poland is honored to address the Commission as a new member of the Interagency and Expert Group of— on SDG indicators. Joining the group at this stage is both a responsibility and an opportunity. As the 2030 deadline approaches, the task between us is not only to produce indicators but also to ensure that SDG data are reliable, comparable, communicable, and above all, used. As the lead of the UNECE review of SDG lessons, Statistics Poland contributes to the work of the IAG SDG Task Team on lessons learned and welcome the strong alignment between the global findings and lessons identified across regions. In our view, one key lesson is that effective monitoring increasingly depends on robust data governance. For us, for Statistics Poland, the SDGs have become a practical filter on strengthening our role as a data steward. We strongly support the work of the Collaborative on Administrative Data and actively advance this agenda at national level. Today, about half of our SDG indicators rely on administrative data, and we are increasingly linking data across different sources, including alternative data. Another important takeaway is that NF future global development agenda should build on the— and of SDG framework. Over the past decade, countries have made major investments in statistical capacities, methodologies, and new data products. As we look beyond 2030, these assets should be preserved and leveraged as the foundation of the future monitoring frameworks. Finally, producing high-quality disaggregated data requires sustained and systemic investment in statistical systems. Statistics Poland stands ready to continue contributing to ensure that the legacy of the SDGs becomes the foundation for stronger monitoring beyond 2030.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Poland. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Azerbaijan.

Thank you, distinguished chair, ladies and gentlemen. Allow me at the outset to express appreciation for the report of the expert group on SDGs. Statistical Society has already done— group has already done more than half of the work set out for it. We've had progress as well as problems— and this was heard as well during the 57th session of the statistical commission— economic and social demographic and other aspects of development that requires the civil community to consolidate its efforts to help quantify development. We believe it's important, as mentioned in the report, to exchange practices and experience when it comes to achieving the SDGs. We believe it's important to expand the scope of the data and use innovations when it comes to work with data. We'd like to present the appearance of— experience of Azerbaijan in establishing a portal on SDG indicators. In 2025, we had a database for SDG indicators that was expanded to 13 indicators. I'd like to note that given that more than 60 countries in the world are facing various threats. The President of Azerbaijan has set goals with regard to changing these— addressing these evolving threats. Given the limited time I have available, if you are interested in our experience, we can provide interested countries with more information on this. In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to statistical Commission of the UN, the EU Statistical Commission, Eurostat, the World Bank, the IMF, and CISSTAT in developing our statistical capacity in Azerbaijan. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Azerbaijan, and I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Barbados.

Chair, Barbados, on behalf of the CARICOM region, recognizes and congratulates the work done by the Interagency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators and the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda. The work completed by these two esteemed groups are crucial to fulfilling their mandates, and we endorse the work programs of both groups. CARICOM welcomes refinements to the indicators for SDG Goals 2, 3, and 13, particularly for indicators 2.2.4 and 3.8.2. While these indicators provide a high level of nuance about the health of our populations, these indicators cannot be ascertained through regular health surveillance and must be garnered through surveys such as a multiple indicator cluster sample survey or household budget surveys, which either stretch the financial resources or are out of budget for many small, small countries, especially SIDS. Therefore, it is imperative that the strategy for implementing the Medellín Framework and the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development must be endorsed and championed by all relevant stakeholders here. A recent assessment of CARICOM countries' status in reporting on the SDG indicators reveals significant underperformance, largely attributable to the absence of a continuous household survey program. Given the positive experience of several member states with a multiple indicator cluster survey program, this instrument could be implemented fairly easily as a practical mechanism to accelerate data production and dissemination. Finally, events surrounding the World Data Forum, the Road to Riyadh, are carefully being curated, and we recognize the efforts made. It is important that the events planned meet the aim of spurring data innovation and mobilizing high-level political financial support for data in order to solidify the relevance of official statistics globally. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Barbados. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Japan.

Merci, Madame la Présidente.

Thank you, Chair Japan. Grateful for the work carried out by the IAEC SDGs and the High-Level Group on Partnership Coordination and Capacity Building 2025, and the co-chairs of the group as well as the UN Statistical Division for their leadership. Last November, Japan had the honor of hosting a meeting of the IAEC and Kyushu in order to implement the SDGs, and we thank those who came to Kitakyushu. During that meeting, we presented the work of Japanese research agencies on indicators linked to the marine environment and the post-2030 We also, as we discuss assessments on this post-2030 agenda move forward, we hope that the indicator framework will be in close coordination with member states and with stakeholders. Japan will continue to contribute actively to this work, and we are fully committed to collaborative statistical work on the SDGs. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Japan. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Tunisia.

Shukran assalam.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. We welcome the report of the Interagency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators and the High-Level Group for Partnership Coordination and Capacity Building for Statistics for the SDGs. We note progress in the methodology of measuring progress. We also stress the importance of capacity building for the purposes of sustainable development. We stress the importance of the use of modern technologies, including geospatial information. My country takes part in the work of this group. We represent, indeed, North Africa, and we present refinements for the framework as well as the action plan for 2026. We highlight that in terms of data, my country endeavors to use administrative and alternative resources of data. We took part in the Data for Now initiative in order to harness data through mobile and through, um, geospatial information for indicators that would allow the monitoring of SDGs. We also put every effort to coordinate and work with various stakeholders in the private and public sectors in order to provide data that would bridge gaps. We are working on a report on these goals for 2026. And in this regard, we thank Saudi Arabia for hosting the 6th Data Forum. We thank all organizers for the preparations and for efforts at the highest level for this forum to be crowned with success. It would be indeed a platform for further discussion. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Tunisia. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Morocco.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Africa Group We'll cap the joint report for the Interagency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators and the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity Building. We recognize the progress reported in strengthening the global indicator framework, including updates to tier classification, ongoing metadata work and efforts to advance SDMX-based exchange and geospatial integration. The Africa Group supports the proposed annual refinements to the Global Indicator Framework and encourages continued attention to clarity and usability of indicators and metadata so that national implementers can apply them consistently and with reduced reporting burden.

At the same time, persistent capacity and financing constraints continue to chip African countries ability to close data gaps, expand disaggregation, and operationalize innovation such as administrative, citizen, and private sector data. The group therefore underscores that technical advances must be matched with predictable long-term investments in national statistical systems, including skills, digital infrastructure, and institutional coordination. On data disaggregation, the Africa Group encourages further practical guidance that can be implemented in low-resource settings, including approaches that integrate geospatial methods and small area estimation while safeguarding quality and confidentiality. We also support strengthening ISDMICs and single source of truth approaches that reduce duplication and improve national dissemination. Looking ahead, the Africa Group takes note of the work on lessons learned for the post-2030 monitoring framework and encourages an approach that balances technical rigor with feasibility, coherence with national priorities, and sustained political commitment for resourcing. Finally, the Africa Group welcomes preparation for the United Nations World Desert Forum and encourages arrangements that lower barriers to participation for developing countries alongside continued implementation of the Middle East Framework and follow-up on financing initiatives emerging from the forum.

Please wrap up.

Thank you, Madam.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Morocco I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Indonesia.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Indonesia congratulates and appreciates the work of the Interagency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators and the High-Level Group in Strengthening Global SDG Monitoring. Indonesia would like to underscore the importance of sustained technical assistance and capacity building to support developing countries in national implementation and reporting. We also welcome lessons learned from SDG monitoring to inform future frameworks beyond 2030, as well as initiatives that strengthen data innovation, administrative data use, and household survey modernization. Finally, Indonesia supports the upcoming UN World Data Forum and the implementation of the Medellín Framework to strengthen partnership and sustainable financing for national statistical systems. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Indonesia. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Sweden.

Thank you, Chair. Sweden would like to begin by expressing our appreciation for all the work done during the past year to support the global follow-up of the 2030 Agenda. Sweden endorses the adoption of the work plans of the two groups as well as their proposed annual refinements of indicators. We also would like to thank the task team on lessons learned for a very clear and useful report. From Sweden's point of view, 3 lessons are especially important. These concerns SDGs as a framework, increased visibility of official statistics, and statistics on vulnerable groups. More on this is sent to the secretariat. Sweden also notes the recommendations in the background document. We are, however, cautious about the idea that the statistical community can influence the formulation of future goals and targets. That space is likely very limited. Instead, we believe our main role is to to provide statistical knowledge to the political process and to ensure a strong voice in developing and maintaining the indicator framework. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Sweden. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Brazil.

Buenos días.

Good morning, Madam Chair. Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, Brazil, on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean countries, recognizes with a great deal of appreciation the work done by the inter-institutional expert group in 2025, and we highlight their essential role in strengthening the global Indicator Framework for the SDGs as a mature, credible, and operational system for monitoring the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We support the annual refinements that have been proposed to the SDG indicators as presented in the Annex I, recognizing their contribution to conceptual clarity, and methodological precision. The Region supports the proposed program of work for the Interagency and Expert Group for the year 2026, and we commend their emphasis on the implementation of the Global Indicator Framework, data disaggregation, the integration of geospatial statistics and information, and the use of innovative data sources and the— as well as capacity building. We stress the importance of strengthening consistency between global and national frameworks for monitoring, which continues to be a strategic priority. We also recognize the work done by the expert group and its members in the compilation of lessons learned from STG monitoring. We consider that this is an essential exercise not only to systematically identify methodological and institutional lessons linked to the 2030 Agenda, but also to continue positioning the value of data within these global processes. And we invite the regional economic commissions to foster cooperation and collaboration with the work of the group. Our countries also recognize the efforts of the Secretariat of the host country and the Interinstitutional Expert Group—

the chair asks the computer to conclude, please—

of the Committee for Organizing the World Data Forum in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We hope that this forum will promote even greater inclusive cooperation, including of developing countries, and will strengthen the links between data innovation statistical standards and the adoption of evidence-based decisions. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm speaking on behalf of a number of countries and that is why I took a little bit more than 2 minutes.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Brazil and I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Kyrgyzstan.

Thank you, distinguished Chair. Thanks the Interagency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators, as well as the High-Level Group on Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity Building for their joint report. We note the significant progress made on SDG indicators and improving methodology and expanding accessibility of the data for monitoring and for implementation of the SDG 2030 Agenda. Kyrgyzstan is working on improving its national monitoring systems for the SDGs. Currently, our national statistical agency is monitoring national SDG indicators, including 217 indicators, of which there are over 100 that are national as well as a number of other regional and global ones. We have a national platform for SDGs indicators. We also have a national monetary system that is working on comparison of data and places it on global and national platforms. And we are working on about 80 indicators for this platform, and we are also working to define the causes for any discrepancies in the data. We appreciate the support from our development partners, including the other agencies working in this regard, and we are hoping that this will help us to improve the data harmonization, increase their dissemination, and make them more useful for all types of users. We support exchange of data methodologies, innovative sources of data, as well as integration of statistics statistical data. These approaches will help us to improve quality and timeliness of statistical information. At the same time, we believe it's important to continue our work to close gaps in data, to build capacity in national statistical agencies, and to ensure sustainable financing for these agencies, including— especially in developing countries. Kyrgyzstan is committed to international cooperation and is going to continue to actively work with the statistical community throughout the world for effectively monitoring the achievement of the SDGs. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Kyrgyzstan. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of India.

Thank you, Chair. At the outset, India appreciates the efforts of the for the expert group in advancing the implementation of the global indicator framework. Chair, we would like to say that India agrees with the proposed refinement to SDG 2.2.4. However, we have reservations about the proposed revision of the methodology for estimating SDG 3.8.2 and reiterates its strong objections as already conveyed during consultations with the WHO and the World Bank. India is also not agreeing for the proposed refinement of SDG Indicator 13.2.1 since the refined indicator is much broader and less precise as it refers generally to reports under the Paris Agreement without clarifying their content or policy relevance. This ambiguity may limit comparability and reduce the usefulness of the indicator for tracking concrete climate action. Apart from the above, in consultation with the WHO regarding the Global Indicator Framework SDG Target 3.8. It has been observed that the data points and comments for the official figures for the treatment coverage and population have not been considered. Government of India has strongly objected to the consideration of the World Population Prospects by the UNSD in the estimation of indicators for the SDG 3.8.1 instead of use of India's population projections, which is the official population data endorsed, approved by the Government of India. India reiterates its full commitment and stands ready to extend all necessary technical support to assist the Commission in its deliberations and any subsequent course of action. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of India.

I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of the Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Chair. Korea expresses its sincere appreciation to the UN SDG, the IAEG SDG, and the High-Level Group for their sustained efforts over the past decade.

The report titled "Lessons Learned from a Decade of SDG Monitoring" provides a balanced overview of both the landmark achievements of the Global SDG Indicator Framework and its institutional limitations. It clearly indicates that future global SDG monitoring should focus on greater streamlining and effectiveness rather than on the addition of further indicators.

In this regard, the report is meaningful in a way that it underscores the importance of measurable targets, a simpler and more actionable structure, and on nationally driven data governance. As a member of the IAEK SDG and the task team, Korea will continue to actively contribute to the advancement of the global SDG monitoring framework.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of the Republic of Korea. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Georgia.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, on behalf of the National Statistics Office of Georgia, I'm honored to address this Commission and contribute to one of the most consequential conversations in global statistics: monitoring progress toward the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Georgia's commitment to the SDGs is not aspirational, it's institutional. From the outset, we embedded the goals at the highest political level, with the administration of the government leading a rigorous nationalization process that aligned global targets with our national development priorities.— across all 17 goals. GeoSTAT sits at the heart of this architecture. We serve as a primary data source for SDG monitoring, covering the vast majority of our national side indicators. This is not a supporting role, it's a central one. In 2024, two milestones reinforce our trajectory. Georgia submitted its third voluntary national review, with GeoSTAT leading the collection, validation, and consolidation of data. Our unified electronic platform, FUSE, ensures that this data remains transparent, accessible, and actionable for decision-making and policy execution. We commend the IAG SDGs and this high-level group for the indispensable work in strengthening the global monitoring framework. Georgia stands ready to deepen partnerships, share experience, and contribute to the innovation in data systems that the 2030 Agenda demands. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Georgia. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Lao PDR.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, Lao PDR appreciates and recognizes the work done by the groups. We have gained critical insight into the complexity of SDG data compilations. While we have achieved measurable success in reducing extreme poverty and expanding access to primary education, and healthcare. Substantial challenges persist regarding data availability for Tier 2 and Tier 3 indicators. Our current statistical infrastructure remains constrained in its ability to produce high-quality, frequently, annually updated data requirements for comprehensive monitoring. LAPIDIA remains in its commitment to the 2030 Agenda utilizing the Global SDG Indicators framework as a vital benchmark for the nation's progress through the submissions of our voluntary national reviews. As the Lao PDR advancing toward the graduation from LDC status, the alignment of the nation's development planning with SDG monitoring is even more critical important. We urge the Commission to ensure that any post-2030 statistical framework commensurate, commensurate with appropriate technical and financial support. Furthermore, we emphasize that the data disaggregation is a non-negotiable requirement for inclusive monitoring in a diverse multiethnic society. Ensuring that no one is left behind requires a statistical system capable of capturing the realities of every segment of our populations. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Lao PDR. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Spain.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Spain is grateful for the work done by the Interagency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators and the High-Level Group. And as relates to the framework, we support the proposed annual refinements and the classification by indicator level. As for the task team on lessons learned, we consider that its work is very important. The inform that is included in the previous— the report in the previous documents on 2030 seeds for future global monitoring frameworks, that's a contribution that should be taken into account with a view to a possible post-2030 agenda. One of the lessons learned that we believe is particularly important is the one relating to structural processes and processes for the development of global frameworks. We believe that the statistics community should be involved in the design of the future agenda to support its exclusively technical nature and also based on the lessons that have already been learned. We also consider that it would useful for there to be coordination between the various groups on initiatives that are working in the same area to create synergies and to share experiences. As for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development held in Serbia, Spain organized a side event entitled Data and Statistics: A Key Tool for Supporting Decision Making, and it saw high-level participation. Participants debated the importance of data for the adoption of informed decisions in modern-day societies. And lastly, we support the work program for 2026. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Spain. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Switzerland.

Madam Chair, allow me first of all to express our gratitude to the AIHSDGs and the HLGPCCB for the valuable work they accomplished in 2025 in support of the 2030 Agenda and its global monitoring framework. Second, let me highlight the work carried out in the context of the 2030 Comprehensive Review of the Global Indicator Framework, as well as the valuable effort in the task team on lessons learned. The virtual seminar on lessons learned was timely and enabled a better understanding of the achievement, challenges, and methodological advances of the global framework. As discussion on the Sustainable Development by 2030 and beyond monitoring architecture will soon begin, it will be essential for our data and statistical community to be engaged from the beginning. Switzerland congratulated the task team on lessons learned from monitoring the SDGs and encourages member states to ensure a strong collaboration with their foreign ministry to support the current approach for the sustainable development by 2030 and beyond. Third, we welcome the important progress achieved in the context of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. We thank and appreciate the collaboration between member states that allow a strong language for data and statistics in the outcome document, Compromiso de Sevilla. Switzerland is committed to actively participate in the future of data initiatives. Initiative. Finally, Switzerland congratulates the High-Level Group, Saudi Arabia, and the Secretariat on the significant progress in preparation of the 6th United Nations World Data Forum. We are looking forward to the forum in Riyadh and are ready to help as part of its membership of the High-Level Group and the success of the upcoming edition. Moreover, Switzerland reiterates its support to the Commit to Data initiative, which strengthens data system and advance sustainable development worldwide and permit its pursuit, the efforts between forums.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Switzerland. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Mongolia.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Mongolia expresses its appreciation to the interagency the expert group for substantial work undertaken in response to the Commission's decisions. We commend the continued technical and methodological improvements to the global SDG indicator framework and take note of the solid progress achieved. We support the adoption of the proposed annual refinements contained in Annex I of the report. These refinements provide important contributions to to strengthening national metadata, enhancing data assessment, and improving methodological consistency across the SDG framework. Mongolia also endorses the proposed 2026 proposed work program for the Interagency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators. We find it key focus— we find the key focus areas are well aligned with our national priorities. In particular, we emphasized the importance of data innovations and responsible use of non-traditional data such as citizen-generated data, administrative, administrative records, private sector data, as well as stronger data integration to help address SDG indicator gaps at both that national and international levels. Mongolia further supports the preparations for the next United Nations World Data Forum and encourages broad participation of the national statistical offices and sectoral data producers to ensure inclusive and productive discussions. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Mongolia. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of China.

Madam Chair, thank you. China endorses the the High-Level Group and the Expert Group for their work done over the past year. They, together with the UNSD, have carried out substantial and productive work which is conducive to implement the SDG statistical monitoring at all levels. We endorse the 2026 work plan of the Expert Group. We hope that following the comprehensive review, the Global Indicator Framework will be more actionable, thus enabling countries, particularly developing ones, to address gaps in indicator data. As we speak, China is actively pushing forward the high level of development in order to realize the Chinese-style modernization drive, and this approach is highly aligned with the core spirit of the 2030 Agenda. In recent years, China has made remarkable progress across numerous areas associated with the 2030 Agenda. For instance, poverty reduction, maternal and infant health, infectious disease prevention and control. Great achievements have been made. China stands ready to share with other countries in terms of experience and the practices. And thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished delegation of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Argentina.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to take this opportunity to extend greetings to you and commend you on the conduct of our work today and to express my gratitude for the report. My delegation takes note of the technical nature of the Commission's work and that of the expert groups. That notwithstanding, we would like to take this opportunity to lay out our position on some of the cross-cutting issues under this agenda item in general terms. Madam Chair, Argentina considers that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is comprised of non-legally binding aspirations that each state in the exercise of its sovereignty has the right to interpret and pursue freely. Argentina also recalls that it disassociated itself from the Pact for the Future and its annexed documents. And on that basis, Argentina disassociates itself from references to the elements mentioned in the documents and decisions that are being considered, and also those elements in the statement made on behalf of our region. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Argentina. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of United Arab Emirates.

Madam Chair, UAE thanks the interagency and expert group on Sustainable Development Goal indicators and that works on a global framework for monitoring the SDGs at the international level. We welcome the refinements that are proposed at the different levels and the fact that indicators, more indicators are transferred to Tier 1 indicators and that it is important to continue modernizing and updating these kinds of indicators according to transparent and agreed-upon criteria. We also support annual enhancements and improvements to indicators annually, as long as we take into consideration their implications nationally and also the ability to compare them across different time periods. We also call for the importance of stability of the framework in order to ensure transparency of producing indicators nationally nationally and internationally. In conclusion, we appreciate the efforts in order to improve the quality and the incorporation of the statistics with also geospatial information to improve the quality of these indicators and support the spatial analysis of these indicators and help decision makers accordingly. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of United Arab Emirates. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Malaysia.

Thank you, Chair. Malaysia appreciates and agrees with the proposed work program by the Interagency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicator for 2026, which is expected to be implemented from March 2026 to February 2027. Malaysia fully supports the work program focused on integrating geospatial information disaggregating data and using non-traditional data sources, which align with Malaysia's statistical modernization agenda. In addition, Malaysia has developed Department of Statistics Malaysia GeoHub, a smart integration platform that combines official statistics with geospatial data for clearer data visualization. This platform was developed based on the Global Statistical Geospatial Framework GSGF to ensure the integration of statistical and geospatial data meets international quality standards. Nisia will also express appreciation— —on lessons learned from monitoring the sustainable development goals and from SDG monitoring in the report entitled Towards Post-2030 Seeds for Future Global Monitoring Framework. Malaysia notes that this, this documentation will serve as useful guidance for other countries in compiling related SDG indicators and also suggests that the future monitoring framework could explore the use of different differentiated indicator tiers for the strengthened coherence between global and national monitoring framework and consider research on relationship among indicators. Finally, Malaysia welcomes the preparation for the next United Nations World Data Forum as important platform for sharing experiences, strengthening partnership, and promoting innovation in official statistics, particularly in support of SDG monitoring, as well as encourage continued inclusive engagement, early dissemination of information, and strengthen support for developing countries to ensure effective participation and meaningful outcome. We also welcome the forum shift toward action -oriented tracks and the Commit to Data Initiative, which will help translate regional discussion into concrete outcome. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Malaysia. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Hungary.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Hungary takes notes of the work conducted and lesson learned by interagency and expert Group 1 Sustainable Development Goals indicator. We support the annual refinement. It is essential that the future framework remain simple and focus on indicators that can be collected effectively. We welcome the use of new data sources and geospatial data. The integration of big data and administrative records is essential for modern and cost-effective statistics. We support the proposed work program of the Interagency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goals Indicator for 2026. We take note of background document of task teams on lesson learned from monitoring on Sustainable Development Goals toward post-2030 seats for future global monitoring framework. We support the Medellín Framework as a guide for the future data strategy, and we acknowledge the proposed work plan for high-level group for 2026 as presented in the Annex 2. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Hungary. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Jordan.

Madam Chair, Jordan and the Arab countries express the desire for the continued work of the two teams and two expert groups to represent the regional and international interests. We support the UN International Forum as the main tool and platform for building capacities. We support the initiatives to improve the quality of the— and its inter—, and the ability to compare them across different countries. And it is important to align the priorities of the work to the priorities beyond 2030. We support what was in the report in terms of integrating a new technology and also our readiness to participate in the working group regarding the use of AI in statistics. We would recommend members to also the Working Group on the main principles for— and working for— of the Working Group. We reiterated the fact that there need to be legal frameworks that are clear for the exchange of data and to invest in administrative and civil registry registers to improve the infrastructure and the metadata for the statistics. We look forward to the success and the outcomes of the International Forum that will be held in Saudi Arabia later this year. We are ready to take part in the report on— in the group that works on AI and also to improve representation of statistics internationally. We are also ready to take part and continue our membership in the expert groups, and we support the establishment of a working group that works works on the use of AI in statistics and our readiness to technically contribute to that group.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Jordan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the FAO.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm providing the joint statement on behalf of the Committee for the Coordination of Statistical Activity, the so-called CCSA, which consists of 45 international and supranational organizations promoting the interagency coordination and cooperation on statistics. The CCSA commends the IAG SDG Task Team on Lessons Learned on its Phase 1 document, Lessons from a Decade of Sustainable Development Goal Monitoring, reviewing the development and operation— operationalization of the global SDG indicator framework. By managing to distill the complexity of the design and implementation of the global SDG indicator framework through 8 key recommendations, the document is a worthy successor to the report on lessons learned from the MDG monitoring. The CCSA welcomed the transparency and inclusiveness of the process, which was— which has accepted contributions from both individual CCSA members and the joint overall contribution by the CCSA. The CCSA highlights that the CCSA contribution is meant as a constructive input that outlines the key successes, challenges, and lessons learned across 6 main areas. While the main document reflects a wide range of perspective and experience, including national statistical offices, international and regional organizations, and non-governmental stakeholders. The CCAC contribution, which can be found in the annex of the background document, better reflects the unique perspective of custodian agencies in the development and implementation of the global SDG indicator framework. The CCAC calls on country and international statistical community as a whole to take stock of the recommendation in the main document and the CCSE Annex and take all necessary steps to implement them with a view to both improving current SDG reporting and to laying a strong foundation for the post-2030 monitoring framework. The CCSE looks forward to supporting the task team on Lessons Learned in its Phase 2, focusing on national, thematic, and regional monitoring. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of FAO. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of OHCHR.

Thank you, Madam Chair. OHCHR associates itself with the statement of the CCSA and commends the IAGS and high-level group for the continued continued leadership in coordinating global SDG monitoring and strengthening the quality, coherence, and use of SDG data. From a human rights perspective, we wish to underline 3 points. First, expanded and systematic disaggregation remains central to realizing the pledge to leave no one behind. Without data disaggregated by key characteristics linked to prohibited grounds of discrimination, inequalities remain hidden. Are hidden, and policy responses risk overlooking those most at risk of exclusion. Second, the increasing use of an integration of administrative data within SDG monitoring presents important opportunities but also responsibilities. Human rights-based safeguards must be applied throughout the data life cycle. Third, capacity building is critical. Many national statistical systems require sustained support to operationalize human rights-based approaches to data, including on disaggregation, ethical data integration, and meaningful use of SDG data for accountability and policy. OHCHR welcomes recent improvement to the Global SDG Database and the IAG reflections through the lessons learned exercise, to which we were pleased contribute. OHCHR stands ready to continue supporting the IAG and member states in advancing human rights-based, inclusive, and ethical SDG data systems, including through strengthening collaboration between national statistical offices and national human rights institutions to improve availability, quality, and use of rights-relevant data. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of the OHCHR. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of UNDP.

Thank you, Chair. The United Nations Development Programme thanks the Commission for its continued leadership in advancing the global statistical system. UNDP plays a plays a central role in supporting member states to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into national development plans, budgets, and financing strategies. In that context, strong and coherent implementation of the global indicator framework is essential. Through the Task Team on Lessons Learned from Monitoring the SDGs, which UNDP co-chairs, we welcome the effort to systematically capture lessons from global, regional, and national experiences. This work is critical to strengthening statistical practices, improving data quality, and ensuring that monitoring systems remain adaptive and responsive. We also recognize the value of the Collaborative on Citizen Data and reaffirm our commitment to support the responsible integration of citizen data into official statistics. Particularly in areas such as governance. With respect to the updated handbook of the Intersecretariat Working Group on Household Surveys, we congratulate all contributors. UNDP was pleased to contribute and looks forward to supporting its uptake and implementation. Finally, on financing for data and statistics, UNDP stresses that the financing gap remains significant and particularly in low-income and fragile contexts.

We view data and statistics as core public infrastructure for effective governance.

As part of the Future of Data initiative of the Sevilla Platform for Action, UNDP will continue to prioritize strengthening national data and statistical systems.

Thank you.

Muchas gracias. I thank the distinguished delegation of UNDP. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of EEC.

Thank you, distinguished chair, distinguished delegates. EEC welcomes the report and is grateful for the work carried out by the leading role of the interagency Expert Group on SDG Indicators. We believe that rethinking the global system for monitoring of SDGs and 2030 Agenda is important, as well as updating the metadata on indicators. That's an important step toward improving these systems. EEC closely follows the topic of SDG indicators and and helps the countries of the EU in this regard. To ensure free movement of goods, services, and capital in our region, the EEC developed its own regional list of SDG indicators in accordance with which it is carrying out monitoring of implementation of the SDG indicators by the European Economic— Eurasian Economic Union. We have a list of regional indicators, and the EAEU was the first integration association to analyze the contribution of the EAEU and the contribution of its member states toward SDGs. In 2016, we presented our first report of SDG indicators to to the UN in the EAU region in 2025, the second report, that is the impact of EAU on member states and member states to the SDGs achievement. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of the EEC. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative from the perspective of UN Women.

Thank you, Chair.

UN Women congratulates the Interagency and Expert Group for the work it has done so far. With 5 years to 2030, progress has been slow. UN Women would last— like to stress the following points. First, SDG monitoring must better inform policy. Stronger links between national statistical offices and policymakers are essential to strengthen data use and drive real impact. We also urgently need methods to better track and effectively communicate data use and impact. As the Commission on the Status of Women meets— here, in this very room, next week. We have limited participation from statisticians, but these connections are more important than ever. Second, inclusive data systems matter. We welcome advances in citizen data, including the Working Group on Gender, which is co-chaired by UN Women. We encourage continued practical guidance and current initiatives to pilot innovative methods. Administrative data is also critical for closing gender gaps, and we urge fuller use of the many tools developed through the Collaborative on the Use of Administrative Data for Statistics, which is also co-chaired by UN Women. Third, financing is critical and declining. UN Women encourages this Commission to strengthen the links between national statistical systems and discussions on financing for development, including deeper engagement with this— in the SEVDA platform for action on the future of data. And finally, UN Women welcomes the new Handbook on Surveys and Individuals and congratulates the excellent team behind it. We welcome the inclusion of a dedicated chapter on mainstreaming a gender perspective, which we developed— co-developed with the UN Statistics Division, and encourage national statistical offices to systematically apply this guidance in surveys. UN Women is developing complementary guidance to support implementation and share country experiences.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of UN Women. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of CISSTAT.

Thank you, distinguished chair.

He insists that how the values he worked to prepare the review and the report presented. CISSTAT makes regular efforts to improve technologies, to improve cooperation with national statistics agencies, in particular yearly updating of information on SDGs. In 2025, We carried out a test automated SDMX system for SDG indicator data for Belarus and Russia. Another 3 countries— Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan— also expressed interest in providing data through this format. The key task for expanding the use of this format, we think, is carrying out trainings on introducing and using the SDMX DMX format on SDG information. To strengthen statistics capacity in national agencies, we propose placing these courses in open accessibility through the UN platform. The data hub of the CISSTAT has a special BI portal for SDG indicators, which currently contains 100 63 dashboards for CIS countries. This information is available for a broad audience and is available in Russian and English. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of CISSTAT. We have heard the last speaker on the debate on this item. I invite Ms. Yongji Min, Officer in Charge of the Development Data and Outreach Branch of UNSD, to summarize our discussion on the report.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Commission expressed appreciation for the Interagency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators' work in enhancing the robustness and transparency transparency of the global SDG monitoring framework and adopted the minor refinements in Annex I. The Commission welcomed the expert group's promotion of good practices and the progress of its working group, stressed the need to develop— to develop practical guidance and sustained capacity building on data disaggregation, data innovation, and integration, including the use of geospatial information, administrative data, citizen data, and on estimates, small area estimation, and AI. So welcome. The Commission welcomed the background document of the task team on lesson learned as a significant contribution to improving current SDG monitoring and shaping future global development for frameworks. The Commission expressed appreciation for the work of the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in preparing for the 6th UN World Data Forum in Saudi Arabia. The Commission welcomed the High-Level Group's work on the implementation of the Medellín Framework for action on data and on financing of data and statistics. Through the outcome of the Fourth International Conference on Finance for Development, FFD4, and on the SEVIA Platform for Action Initiative on FFD4 and the Future of Data, the Commission approved the proposed work program of both groups. Thank you.

Thank you. I thank Ms. Min. We have thus concluded our discussion on the first official documents before us under Item 3K. The Commission will now turn to Document E/CN.3/2026/13 containing the report of the Secretary-General on the work for the review of Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. I give the floor again to Ms. Yong Ji Min to introduce the report.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Distinguished delegates, dear colleagues, it's my honor to introduce to you the report of the Secretary-General on the work for the review of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The Commission is invited to take note of the extensive work carried out by the Statistical Division in cooperation with the United Nations system in support of SDG global follow-up and review, including the release of the annual reports on progress and updates of the Global SDG Indicator Database, as well as its proposed program of work and to comment on the progress of work. And the monitoring and evaluation framework for the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Development States. The Commission is invited to express its view on the following items: the Data for Now initiative, the work of the Collaborative on the Use of Administrative data for statistical purpose, the progress of the global network of institutions for statistical training, the progress of the global network of data officers and the statisticians, the work of the Intersecretariat Working Group on Household Surveys, including the key recommendations of its task force on sustainable demographic and health Statistics on translating into action and shared principles for developing sustainable solution for the production of health and demographic data. As agreed at the technical meeting held from 2 to 4 November 2025, the work on citizen data by the Statistical Division under the Collaborative on Citizen Data, together with its work Plan for 2026. Finally, the Commission is requested to express its views on and adopt the Handbook of Surveys on Households and Individuals: Foundations and Emerging Approaches, which accompanies this report as a background document.

Thank you. Muchas gracias, Helen. I think this is Min. Now, as was the case for our first debate, the list of speakers will be closed in 15 minutes for the debate on the report, and then I will read out a list. Delegations wishing to speak are kindly requested to press the microphone button to be added to the list. As no further requests will be accommodated after its closure. The time limit remains 1.5 minutes per speaker. When the time has elapsed, the microphone light will begin to blink, and you will then be asked to conclude. Again, for the Philippines.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Philippines takes note with appreciation of the extensive work carried out by the Statistics Division to monitor progress toward the 2030 Agenda. We commend the substantial increase in the availability of data for unique indicators within the Global SDG Indicators Database, which now contains records for 232 out of 234 indicators. This achievement, up to 200 indicators in, uh, 2020, underscores a decade of commitment to building a more robust and transparent evidence base for global development. We likewise support the proposed 2026 program of work, particularly its continued emphasis on data disaggregation and the integration of innovative data sources to meet evolving data challenges. We highly value the Data for Now initiative, which has proven instrumental in bridging urgent data gaps through the use of non-traditional data sources, such as mobile phone records and satellite imagery. We specifically commend the core partners for deepening engagement with participating countries and expanding collaboration with data and solutions providers. This agile approach has strengthened national statistical systems and improved the availability of timely, actionable data in critical areas such as migration and disaster response. On the sustainable production of demographic and health statistics, we welcome the key recommendations of the 20— of the November 2025 technical meeting, which the Philippines actively participated in. Through the Philippine Statistics Authority, we are honored to be invited on the task force on sustainable demographic and health Statistics to survey. When it comes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Philippines— Please wrap up. So given the growing interest from the private sector and civil society in contributing to the SDG monitoring, we look forward to the expert group's recommendations on establishing clear platforms for stakeholder participation. Thank you very much, Chair.

I thank the representative of the Philippines, and I now give the floor to Malta.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Malta wishes to acknowledge the extensive work carried out by the UN Statistics Division and all partner organizations. The SG framework continues to play a crucial role in bringing national statistical stakeholders together, strengthening coordination and reinforcing national statistical systems. Would like to underline the importance of further collaboration on the development of statistical registers and the increased use of admin data, which can significantly reduce the reliance on large-scale household surveys. Achieving this requires that guidance provided by international organizations be well aligned with national data flow architecture. Sectors, enabling countries to build robust registers and integrate administrative data effectively. Malta remains committed to working closely with the international statistical community to advance this shared progress.

Thank you. Thank you, Distinguished Representative of Malta. I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the Republic of Moldova.

Thank you, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. The Republic of Moldova expresses its strong appreciation for the substantial work carried out by United Nations Statistics Division in cooperation with its partner organizations supporting the monitoring of the 2030 Agenda. We also highly value the important work of the Intersectoral Working Group on Household Survey in this respect. At the national level, Moldova continues to strengthen the statistical system to support SDG monitoring. Thus, in 2025, 5 new surveys were conducted to meet these requirements. In 2026, 7 other— 4 additional household surveys will be implemented. The use of alternative data sources for data production is also expanding. In this aspect, we strongly support the adoption of the handbook Network of Service and Households and Individuals, Foundations and Emerging Approaches. Moldova welcomes the progress achieved by the Global Network of Institutions for Statistical Training and encourages continued effort to strengthen sustainable statistical training and statistical literacy. Moldova extends its sincere appreciation for the work of the collaborative on citizen data and supports further development of responsible approaches to production and use of citizen-generated data.

Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Moldova. And I now give the floor to representative of Norway.

Thank you, Chair.

Norway welcomes the report of the Secretariat and commends its efforts in supporting the implementation of programs related to Statistics and the 2030 Agenda. We highly value the approach and the results of the Data for Now initiative. Allowing countries to take the lead in prioritizing the areas of work, with emphasis on bringing national stakeholders together, has shown a strong, strong level of ownership and concrete results, as we saw again at this year's Data for Now meeting.

We highly appreciate the progress made by UNSD on establishing a Data for Now trust fund. We also appreciate the collaboration, for example, through to joint support for an address register in Jamaica, or the joint engagement with UNODC and pilot countries on operationalizing the statistical framework for measuring corruption.

Administrative data remains a data source that holds much potential in many countries. We believe the continued work of the Collaborative on Administrative Data in taking a holistic and practical approach to making better use of these data is very valuable, particularly now when funding for primary data collection may be limited.

Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Norway, and I now give the floor— I'm now going to read a list of speakers that are on my list, which was closed. Burundi, Jamaica, China, Belize, Antigua-Barbuda, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, and Dessa. I now give the floor to Burundi.

Merci, Madame la Présidente. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Burundi is making a statement on behalf of the African Group. The African Group is pleased with the support, as well as the focus on innovation, improving methodology, and transparency, especially when it comes to exchange of data and metadata, as SDMX and global monitoring. However, Africa makes the following Remarks. The report for 2025, in its full and abridged versions, ought to be translated into the various official languages. Secondly, the Data for Now initiative is an excellent way of obtaining high-quality data that is disaggregated based on SDGs because it focuses on ownership and coordination at the national level. Thirdly, innovations when it comes to data management and governance as well as privacy protection supported by sustainable financing should be encouraged. Fourthly, the use of communication systems to monitor and evaluate the Antigua and Barbuda Action Program for Small Island Developing States should also be supported. Please wrap up, says the Chair.

Merci, Madame.

Thank you, Madame Chair. As for the handbook for household and individual surveys, the African group would like this handbook to be translated into the official languages to be better disseminated. Lastly, Africa supports the framework on citizen data and the reintegration in national systems. Of countries. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Burundi.

I now give the floor to the representative of Jamaica.

Chair, on behalf of the CARICOM subregion, Jamaica takes note of the significant progress in the Global SDG Indicators Database. However, we must highlight that despite the high global coverage, stark disparities exist at the regional and national levels, and data for many indicators remain lagged or insufficient. In this regard, we urge the continued and increased financial and technical support for the production of indicators, especially for NSOs and national statistics systems in SIDS, who remain severely resource-constrained. CARICOM highly commends the Data for Now initiative, particularly the impact of the Data for SIDS or DATASS project. We encourage the expansion of the DATAS project and acknowledge the urgent need for sustainable funding through the trust fund to ensure these innovations are scalable and permanent. Chair, CARICOM fully endorses the adoption of the Handbook of Surveys on Households and Individuals: Foundations and Emerging Approaches. We particularly welcome the inclusion of a dedicated chapter providing guidance for SIDS and encourage the continued development of practical hands-on material such as e-learning modules and templates to support its national implementation. We also request support, continued support, for SAE work, which was essential in completing the 2020 census round and will be critical in the 2030 round if current trends persist. Finally, we request the Bureau to formally bring the topic of citizen data into the discussions of the Commission, and as integrating these non-traditional sources is vital to ensuring our statistical systems are truly inclusive. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Jamaica. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of China.

Thank you, Madam Chair. China endorses the report submitted by the Secretariat. We agree to the adoption of the Handbook of Surveys on Households and Individuals. Previously, through the China-UN Trust Fund project, which provided funding, we participated in the revision of the work, and our representatives have been participating in this work. And we have also successfully organized international training workshops to promote sharing of national experiences and best practices. China will continue to support the work of the Working Group to advance the revision of the Handbook and promote its use, actively share China's experience, and do our part to contribute to the work of household survey globally. And I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Belize.

Thank you, Madam Chair. On behalf of CARICOM, Belize also wishes to express our strong support for the Global Network of Institutions for Statistical Training.

We recognize its vital work in fostering a learning culture within national statistical offices and the implementation of the Statistical Training Needs Assessment Tool, which is essential for identifying and addressing skills gap in a modernized statistical system. Furthermore, CARICOM expresses its sincere appreciation for the global network of data officers and statisticians. We value its role as a thriving community of practice and a vital platform for knowledge exchange. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Belize I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Antigua and Barbuda, on behalf of the Caribbean community, wishes to acknowledge the monitoring evaluation framework for the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States endorsed by the UN in November 2025. CARICOM welcomes the strong emphasis placed on data and statistics as central enablers of the agenda, particularly the focus on strengthening data collection, storage, and analysis, the commitments to invest in human institutional capacity, modernize national data infrastructure, and integrate high-quality disaggregated and spatial data into development planning, and especially encouraging for the advancement of our national statistical offices and the broader national statistical systems. In this regard, CARICOM stands ready to collaborate with the United Nations and other development partners to ensure that the statistical dimensions of ABAS are effectively realized. CARICOM also wishes to commend the United Nations Statistics Division and partner agencies, especially UNDESA, ECLAC, for their partnership in convening the first sub-regional capacity-building workshop on ABAS and its M&E framework in December last year. This initiative significantly enhanced awareness of the framework, strengthened understanding of the role of national statistical offices in developing integrated statistical systems for effective national reporting, promoted cooperation among SIDS, and supported their greater inclusion in global and regional statistical processes. We encourage the continuation of such regional initiatives and foster peer-to-peer exchange, establish regional networks, and facilitate the sharing of experiences and continuous learning, continuous learning, thereby sustaining momentum of the ABAS following its endorsement. While we appreciate the efforts to align the ABAS framework with existing frameworks, established methodologies and international standards as to avoid imposing undue reporting burdens. CARICOM states would remain at a disadvantage if—

I ask the speaker to please conclude—

are not urgently addressed. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Antigua and Barbuda. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of the United Arab Emirates.

Madam Chair, the UAE express their thanks to the Global Network of Official Officers and Statisticians for their support. We stress the importance of improving the availability, the quality, and the inter-comparability of data. It is important to improve the related database as well as metadata. This would indeed bridge data gaps and promote database decision-making. Furthermore, we support all initiatives towards further innovation in data production, including the Data4Now initiative. We stress the importance of respecting quality and transparency, as well as governance and the protection of privacy. Nationally, my country has a national data for the SDG indicators in order to monitor progress and enhance integration between statistical data and related national initiatives for coherence and for further integration with the global framework. To conclude, my country looks forward to constructive discussions during the upcoming period, and we remain fully ready to cooperate with the network in order to implement the 2030 Agenda. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished delegation of the United Arab Emirates. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Brazil.

Madam Chair, Brazil, on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean The Asian countries welcomes the work carried out to support the review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The region welcomes progress in the Data for Now initiative and supports its focus on national ownership, sustainability, and the integration of innovative data sources into national statistics systems. We welcome the work of the Group on Use of Administrative Data, and we recognize the group's contribution to the modernization of official statistics, as well as the various products generated that have strengthened the use of administrative systems. The region would like to acknowledge the achievements made through the collective work of the Global Network of Institutions Institutions for statistical training, and we affirm our commitment to working with that network. We note with satisfaction the progress made in the global network of data officers and statisticians, and we welcome their contribution to strengthening coordination between national statistical systems. Lastly, we emphasize the need to strengthen efforts to bolster national statistics systems, ensuring national ownership, sustainability, interoperability, and the relevance of data and statistics so that public policymaking can effectively respond to to the priorities, needs, and challenges of the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Um, I thank the distinguished delegation of Brazil. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of DESA.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

This is a statement— excuse me— this is a statement from the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The work of the Population Division offers a unique global perspective of the— on the importance of household surveys for gathering the information needed to construct key demographic and health indicators. We wish to emphasize the significance of what will be lost due to the termination of core funding for the Demographic and Health Surveys Program if corrective measures are not taken. About 1 in 3 countries globally have used DHS surveys at least once since 2015 for monitoring under-5 mortality, neonatal mortality, contraceptive use, or adolescent childbearing. For some countries, the DHS has served as the only available data source for these indicators. The situation is similar for other critically important indicators, including female genital mutilation, child marriage, extreme poverty, and sexual violence. Without data from the DHS Program, the harms being measured by these indicators could remain invisible in many countries. We thank the Statistical Commission for establishing a task force to address gaps left by recent changes in institutional support for collecting demographic and health data. We appreciate that the task force is prioritizing engagement with national statistical offices, as this will help to ensure the sustainability of data production moving forward. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of DESA. We have heard the last speaker on the list for the discussion of this report. I now invite Ms. Yongying Min of Officer in Charge of the Development Data and Outreach Branch of UNSD, to summarize our discussion on the report.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Commission welcomed the work of the Statistics Division in cooperation with the United Nations system in support of the 2030 Agenda. The Commission commended the Data for Now initiative under the Data for Seeds initiative in helping countries use data innovations in addressing national priorities and to produce timely disaggregated high-quality data for decision-making, encouraged continued support to countries, and noted effort to establish a trust fund. The Commission welcomed the monitoring and evaluation framework for the Iguá and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States and request to support its implementation. The Commission commended the work of the Collaborative on Administrative Data and requested further guidance and peer-to-peer exchanges. The Commission welcomed the effort of the Global Network of Institutions for Statistical Training and the Global Network of Data Officers. And statisticians in strengthening capacity building and knowledge sharing. The Commission commended the work of the Intersecretary Working Group on Household Surveys and adopted the Handbook of Surveys on Households and Individuals: Foundations and Emerging Approaches, called for translation and accompanying training materials and capacity building. The Commission welcomed the key recommendation for sustainable solution for health and demographic data production, emphasizing national ownership, preserve access to existing data as a public good, and sustainable financing, particularly for resource-limited countries. The Commission welcomed the work on citizen data and the implementation of the Copenhagen Framework on Citizen Data. Recognizing— recognize the importance of citizen data as a complementary source and request the practical guidance, knowledge sharing, and the piloting and capacity building. And request for citizen data to be taken up as agenda item in the Commission. Thank you.

I thank Ms. Min. The Commission has thus concluded its discussion of item 3K. I now invite the Commission to begin its consideration of agenda item 3L, entitled Well-Being Measurement, under which the Commission has before it for discussion and decision the report of the expert group on well-being measurement contained in document E/CN.3/2026/14. I give the floor to Mr. Richard Hayes, Deputy Director at the United Kingdom's Office for National Statistics and co-chair of the expert group, to introduce the report.

Distinguished delegates, dear colleagues, I am delighted to introduce the report of the expert group on well-being measurement, which summarizes the expert group's work, and to share with you the latest developments. Since the report was submitted, the expert group has worked to reinforce links with the Quality of Life Initiative run by UN-Habitat and the UN High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP. The work of the expert group to deliver draft chapters and accounting framework helps illustrate the strong degree of potential crossover between these various approaches to the topic.

As discussed under agenda item 3A, the Monday Forum recognizes that the report of the High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP is forthcoming. The expert group therefore will proceed as planned and continue to address the programme of work outlined in the report. The expert group stands ready to deliver appropriate follow-up to the High Level Expert Group's framework on equitable, inclusive, and sustainable well-being through production of a statistical standard.

I draw your attention to the action to be taken by the Commission outlined in paragraph 18, where the Commission is is invited to: a) welcome the work of the Expert Group on Wellbeing Measurement in 2025, including its consultations with key partners and preliminary focus on supporting the High Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP; b) endorse the programme of work for 2026, including the distribution of the first draft chapters of the Framework for Inclusive and Sustainable Wellbeing for global consultation in 2026; 26, and c) support the two-phase plan to develop a complete framework for inclusive and sustainable well-being reflecting the conclusions of the High Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP.

Thank you. I thank Mr. Hayes. The Commission will now begin its debate on the report. Once more, the list of speakers will close 15 minutes, after which I will read out the list. Delegations wishing to speak are kindly requested to press the microphone button to be added to the list, as no further requests will be accommodated after its closure. The time limit will be 1 minute 30 seconds per speaker. The microphone light will blink when the time has elapsed. And speakers will be asked to conclude. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus.

Madam Chair, distinguished colleagues, BELSTAT is pleased to note significant progress achieved by the Group of Experts on Well-Being Measurement during the reporting period. We very much appreciate the work of the 6 task groups to prepare information notes and also the creation of 3 3 additional task forces on environment, healthcare, and education. Such a broad scope of economic, social, and environmental aspects fully corresponds to the task of comprehensive well-being measurement. We wish to note that Belarus is already working to develop its national system for measuring sustainable well-being. We will conduct a review— rather, we will develop a national index based on a balanced set of indicators that are in addition to GDP. Bellstat thus is confirming its commitment to monitoring well-being based on an analysis of indicators that go beyond the traditional framework of GDP. We believe that this international system for well-being measurement will be an important reference point for improving social policy aimed at improving improving the quality of life of our citizens. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Belarus. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Belize.

Thank you, Chair. Belize, on behalf of the CARICOM region, welcomes the work done by the expert group on well-being measurement during 2025 and its focus on supporting the high-level expert Expert Group on Beyond GDP. We commend the expert group's efforts to consult with key partners to build awareness of the work being done by the group, to ensure alignment with existing frameworks and other related works in progress, and to identify areas for cross-collaboration. In this regard, we wish to highlight the IDB's regional public good project for building the statistical framework on measuring vulnerability in CARICOM. This project seeks to strengthen the region's capacity to collect, analyze, and report data on vulnerability, poverty, and other dimensions of sustainable development. It provides for the development of: 1, a harmonized data collection instrument for measuring and assessing vulnerability in CARICOM countries; 2, regional knowledge products and methodological guidelines for administering the harmonized instrument; and 3, training modules for administering multi-purpose surveys for measuring vulnerability. We believe the work being done under this project can support the work of Moving Beyond GDP, as well as the development and implementation of the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index. We also note, however, that there remains a need for funding to support the implementation of this regional public good in CARICOM to ensure a consistent supply of well-being data and statistics for our region. We endorse program of work for 2026 and look forward to the distribution of draft chapters of the Framework for Inclusive and Sustainable Well-being and to the global consultation in 2026. Finally, we support the two-phase approach to the development of a complete Framework for Inclusive and Sustainable Well-being. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Belize. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Portugal.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Portugal welcomes the work carried out by the expert group on well-being measurement and commends its continued efforts toward the development of a comprehensive framework for inclusive and sustainable well-being. We also welcome the proposed program of work for 2026. While we acknowledge its ambition and strategic importance, we note that its scope may pose certain implementation challenges. In this regard, we support the proposed two-phase approach to the development of the full framework as it offers a realistic, structured, and effective pathway to ensure successful delivery. Portugal remains committed to engaging constructively actively in this process. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Portugal and I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of the Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Chair. Korea extends its appreciation and support for various collaborative activities undertaken by the expert group on well-being measurement over the past Korea endorses the two-phase plan to develop a complete framework for inclusive and sustainable well-being, as well as the program of work for 2026.

Going forward, Korea will actively engage in the global consultation process aimed at the development of the framework. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of the Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of the Philippines.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Philippines commends the expert group on well-being measurement for its work, particularly on developing briefing packs and engaging with key partners. We highly appreciate its proactive support to the high the high-level expert group on Beyond GDP and its consistent efforts to ensuring that initiatives remain aligned and complementary. In the Philippines, well-being measurement is a vital component in monitoring our national development plan. In this context, we endorse the work program of the group and remain optimistic about its future outputs. While we recognize the national accounts effectively capture our country's economic performance, they have inherent limitations. As we regularly release quarterly GDP at the national and subnational levels, we complement this with social statistics from various surveys to provide a more inclusive and comprehensive view. Furthermore, we have initiated the groundwork for integrating the 2025 SNA recommendations related to this area in our national program. In fact, through the The PHNCAS Act, the Philippines has started the mechanism to integrate national capital accounts alongside national economic data. The Philippines has begun integrating measures of informality into the Household Labor Force Survey to produce more timely and comprehensive estimates of the informal sector. We are likewise advancing efforts to systematically measure unpaid household and care work, recognizing its substantial contribution to economic and social well-being. These initiatives are key steps toward a statistical framework that are fully— more fully captures well-being and sustainability. Lastly, we express our support for the proposal to have two iterations of the framework for inclusive and sustainable well-being to ensure a more comprehensive and impactful outcome. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of the Philippines. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Slovenia.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Slovenia would like to thank the expert group on well-being measurement for their comprehensive and forward-looking work over the past year. The measurement of inclusive and sustainable well-being is a crucial step toward modernizing global statistical systems and ensuring the public policies reflect what truly matters for people. We welcome the group's strong engagement with key partners. Such cooperation ensures coherence across the global statistical system and strengthens the credibility of the work. Slovenia especially appreciates the close collaboration with the High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP. The global consensus is clear: GDP alone is not sufficient to assess societal progress. We therefore appreciate the experts' group's deep analytical contributions and domain-specific expertise, which support the design of new measures that capture the richness and complexity of human well-being. We are also in favor of the proposed bridging tables approach, which provides an elegant link between a concise high-level dashboard and a more complete set of indicators covering economic, social, environmental, and subjective dimensions of wellbeing.

Slovenia supports the proposed 2026-2027 work program and the two-phase development of the framework for inclusive and sustainable wellbeing.

We consider the planned global consultation in late 2026 essential to ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and robust framework. Finally, Slovenia emphasizes the importance of clear communication and high-quality methodologies. We remain committed to supporting the UN's efforts to modernize measures of progress and to develop statistical systems that place human well-being, equity, sustainability, quality of life at the center of global development. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Slovenia. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Romania.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Romania appreciates the efforts made by the expert group on well-being measurement and considers it particularly useful for the official statistics in the context of developing a conceptual and methodological framework for for measuring inclusive and sustainable well-being. It will complement traditional economic indicators and ensure a better foundation for public policies. The expert group approach to align high-level indicators with the existing statistical system through the use of correlation tables is extremely relevant. Romania endorses the work program proposed by the expert group for the period 2026-2027, and the gradual development of the framework for inclusive and sustainable well-being through a gradual and flexible approach. The proposed activities, including international consultation and cooperation with relevant partners, are useful for the National Statistical Office and can contribute to strengthening the comparability and coherence of statistics on well-being at international level. At the same time, Romania supports the two-phase plan for the completion of the Framework for Inclusive and Sustainable Well-Being, which will allow the integration of the conclusions and recommendations of the High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP into its final version. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Romania. As per my earlier announcement, the list of speakers has now closed and no further requests for the floor will be accommodated. The speakers on my list are as follows: Canada, Japan, Malawi, China, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Italy, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, UN-Habitat, OHCHR. The list is closed. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Canada.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Measuring well-being is a bit like preparing a good plate of meatballs. The final results depend not only on the ingredients but how they are combined. Income, health, environment, and social connections each matter on their own, but the real value comes from how they work together to reflect people's lived experiences. Canada reiterates its continuing support for this important work by the international community to complete the statistical architecture by developing an interface between social, environmental, and economic statistics. This work is not only an important international internationally. It's also becoming ingrained in our domestic policymaking processes. We welcome the proposed work plan and look forward to continued engagement as the first phase of this work is further developed ahead of next year's Commission. We also underscore the importance of convergence and ongoing collaboration, encouraging the statistical community to leverage existing metrics where possible to ensure alignment, avoid duplication, and reduce burdens on statistical offices that will ultimately need to report on them. We note the work plan allows time to integrate findings from the High Level Expert Group, and we are also pleased to see that parallel activities by social statisticians to develop the system of population and social statistics will be integrated as part of a second phase of this work plan. I'd like also to thank the members, um, of the expert community, uh, for your leadership on this work. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Canada. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Japan.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Japan welcomes the activities of the EGWM carried out in collaboration with the FOC Group and the HLEG. In particular, we welcome the flexible approach taken by the EGWM in coordinating its activities with multiple relevant bodies while carefully considering the differing requirements for similar initiatives. As the financial and human resources available to statistical authorities in many countries are not necessarily sufficient to support all of the current initiatives, it is desirable for discussions to be conducted in a concrete and feasible manner. We welcomed the inclusion of subjective well-being in the focus areas of EGEE's tax schemes. We recognize that in order to achieve the improvement of well-being, it is effective to assess the current situation by applying both objective and subjective indicators. We also support the two-phase plan to reach a complete framework for inclusive and sustainable well-being framework.

As the development process moves forward, we expect the EGWM Secretariat to communicate with stakeholders, including those outside of the EGWM, in as transparent a manner as possible.

Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Japan. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Malawi.

Madam Chairperson, I represent the African Group. So the African Group welcomes the report of the expert group on wellbeing measurements and commends the key milestones achieved since its establishment. We recognize the growing importance of wellbeing measurement in complementing traditional economic indicators and supporting evidence-based policymaking. In the African context, it appears more relevant as traditional indicators still struggle to capture several important aspects of economic activity and people's lives. The African Group wishes to highlight a number of considerations for next group's actions, mainly ensuring coherence between the Framework for Inclusive and Sustainable Wellbeing, and ongoing initiatives in population and social statistics, environmental economics, accounting, and national accounts. Clear articulation of linkages with these frameworks will facilitate adoption and practical usage by African countries. Would also like to emphasize the importance of ensuring that the proposed domains and illustrative indicators adequately reflect issues of particular importance relevance to the continent, including inequality, vulnerability, informality, environmental sustainability, governance, and social cohesion. We encourage a better representation of African countries and research institutions in the EGWM member as well as their real implication. Subject to these considerations, Madam Chair, the African Group strongly strongly supports the work of the Expert Group on Well-being Measurement and endorses its proposed program of work for 2026-2027. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Malawi. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of China.

Thank you, Chair. China appreciates the Expert Group and High-Level Expert Group for their work. For China, going beyond GDP is highly aligned with its national development strategy. In 2015, China put forward a new philosophy of innovative, coordinated, green, open, and shared development. In 2017, high-quality development was elevated as the overarching guiding principle of our economic work. The NSO has Japan has also conducted a lot of work regarding going beyond GDP and it has conducted evaluation for many years and it has incorporated economic mix, innovation, input and output, development balance and coordination, and people's livelihood into a unified framework. It has established a multidimensional profile of regional development. And secondly, while maintaining the core proposition of the SA framework, China has improved the statistical indicator system from multiple dimensions. Thirdly, China has advanced its reform of national economic accounting, established nationwide unified accounting system for natural resource asset balance sheets, and provided the China Solution. And regarding specific indicators, we will provide our suggestions, China stands ready to work with the international community to build a more scientific, inclusive, and sustainable framework for going beyond GDP.

I thank the distinguished delegation of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of the United Arab Emirates.

Madam Chair, UAE would like to express appreciation to the expert group on well-being measurement for their report. The report reflects great progress in terms of measurements that go beyond the GDP towards a comprehensive, more inclusive understanding of development. We are member of the workgroup Group, and we call for enhancing collaboration with international partners, with the expert group and the high-level expert group. It is important to ensure complementarity among economic indicators and the different dimensions of social and environmental well-being. UAE incorporated the measurement of quality of life according to the National Strategy Regarding Quality of Quality of Life until 2031, which includes a national framework to monitor the quality of life at the individual, society, and state level. This includes also life skills, among other things. We also support the approach in national policies to include also the quality of life and its measurement to ensure also a safe digital environment. That is positive, that supports the welfare of individuals and the society in the digital era. UAE reiterates the importance of development of national frameworks to measure the quality of life and to link that with statistical indicators that can be comparable internationally and have policy, fact-based and evidence policymaking. On behalf of GCC member states, we also thank the working groups that work on measurement of welfare, and we call for the GCC STAT to participate in the working group as an observer, and importance of measurement of welfare in line with the Gulf priorities as it is also linked to the quality of life and national strategies. We call for strengthening the capacities and to provide technical support by benefiting from the regional center as a pivot for regional development. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of the United Arab Emirates. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Indonesia.

Indonesia. Thank you, Madam Chair. Indonesia appreciates the work of the Expert Group on Well-being Measurement in 2025. Indonesia views the work of the Expert Group on Well-being Measurement in 2025 as a strong commitment to a paradigm shift from narrow economic measures to a more holistic and human approach. This approach is not merely an addition but a fundamental shift in how to understand a country's progress and success. Indonesia welcomes the engagement with the Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights to ensure the framework reflects poverty eradication, inequality, and human rights consideration beyond GDP. Indonesia supports continued work to ensure the framework captures extreme poverty and inequalities through multidimensional and distribution-sensitive measures, while remaining flexible and relevant to national contexts. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Indonesia. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Lao PDR.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, Lao PDR appreciates support the work of the expert group to create a new framework for inclusive and sustainable well-being. Lapidia committed to refine this well-being module in accordance with the emerging international standard to facilitate the tracking and cross-country comparability. To align with this global shift to to move beyond GDP by adopting more holistic framework that capture the multidimensional nature of well-being. The household survey already collects data on living standard, services accessibility, and the time use data. For our next survey round, we plan to update this module using the new international guidance so that we can track our progress over time. We also urge the Commission to ensure that well-being measurement frameworks are grounded in the social and economic reality of frontier developing nations, where the materialized conditions and basic needs remain primary indicators of quality of life. Such a resource should provide scalable methodology for integrating well-being indicators into existing household service structure without imposing prohibitive financial or operational burden. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Lao PDR. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Malaysia.

Malaysia welcomes the work undertaken by the expert group. Malaysia also recognizes the need to advance inclusive and sustainable well-being measurement frameworks that complement GDP, in which the Malaysia Well-Being Index serves as one of the key indicators. Malaysia endorses the work program for 2026-2027, including the distribution of draft chapters of the framework. Malaysia is currently moving forward with the implementation of a national Beyond National Time Use Survey as part of the effort to strengthen the data on work-life balance. Malaysia supports the two-phase approach to completing the Framework for Inclusive and Sustainable Well-being, ensuring that the framework can fully incorporate and reflect the conclusion, recommendation, and guidance provided by the High Level Expert Group. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Malaysia. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Uzbekistan.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Distinguished colleagues, Uzbekistan welcomes the work of the expert group on well-being measurement to develop a framework for measuring inclusive and sustainable well-being, and its coordination with the Secretary-General's High-Level Expert expert group on Beyond GDP. We support the proposed approach of connecting a small set of headline measures with bridge tables that link outcomes to the wider system of economic, social, and environmental statistics, improving interoperability and policy usefulness. Uzbekistan is strengthening the measurement of living standards and well-being through modernization of official including digital transformation and more user-oriented dissemination. And we are ready to contribute to the global consultation on draft chapters planned for 2026. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Uzbekistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of UN-Habitat.

Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Chair. UN-Habitat welcomes the progress made by the expert group on well-being measurement. From an urban perspective, inclusive and sustainable well-being must be spatially grounded. From our work, we do note that well-being is not evenly distributed across urban areas. It often varies across neighborhoods, settlement types, and metropolitan peripheries. We therefore welcome and encourage the full integration of territorial disaggregation within the emerging well-being framework, as well as the need to ensure full alignments and coherency with many existing housing, social, and demographic statistical frameworks. As noted by the co-chair from UK, UN-Habitat has worked very closely with the expert group, including supporting the work on the housing pillar and other methodological alignment From our recent side event attended by over 100 delegates and building on the back of many consultations, member states noted the need for joining our efforts on leading the Quality of Life Initiative and the work of the expert group. As noted under Agenda Item 3C, the Quality of Life Initiative that UN-Habitat leads works through a network of over 100 more than 100 global cities and offers practical experiences in linking well-being metrics to local governance and policy processes. Therefore, we do agree with the need for the Commission to recognize this work under the Quality of Life Initiative and endorse its full integration within the work of the Expert Group on Well-Being Measurements. We stand ready to provide the relevant text to the Secretariat and the co-chair ask to support this recommendation. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of UN-Habitat. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of OHCHR.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomes the progress report of the expert group. We fully support the goal of developing a framework framework for inclusive and sustainable well-being and welcome the efforts undertaken to connect this work to related ongoing initiatives, including the High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP. We also welcome the efforts to draw on the work on eradicating poverty beyond growth led by the Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights. Well-being cannot be achieved in the absence of the to the fulfillment of human rights. We encourage the expert group to embed rights-relevant domain in its conceptual framework, including civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights. We also call for inequality perspective and deep disaggregation to be integrated as a core part of the framework, since realization of the right to non-discrimination and equality is an integral, integral part aspect of well-being. OHCHR stands ready to support the work of the expert group and help further align well-being measurement with human rights, and in this context, to introduce the expert group to the global human rights indicator framework developed by OHCHR, incorporating guidance from international human rights mechanisms. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of OHCHR. I see no one else on the list. I now invite Mr. Matthias Reister, Officer in Charge of the Economic Statistics Branch of UNST, to summarize our discussion on this item.

Distinguished delegates, Madam Chair, the Commission welcomes the report and commends the Expert Group on Wellbeing Measurement on the progress achieved in 2025, including its consultation with key partners and the High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP. Requests the Expert Group to coordinate and align its technical work with relevant groups, and to consider linkages with relevant frameworks and existing global and regional initiatives and existing and ongoing work of countries while maintaining the clarity of its mandate and avoiding duplication. Stresses the importance of developing a coherent and complete framework for inclusive and sustainable well-being, anchored in transparent, practical, comparable, and policy-relevant indicators; stresses the importance of ensuring that the proposed domains, bridging tables, and indicators adequately reflect issues of particular relevance to different regions; and requests a stronger inclusion of countries not yet well represented in the work of the expert group. Endorses the program of work for 2026, including the distribution of draft chapters of the framework for global consultation in 2026. Endorses the two-phase approach to develop a complete framework for inclusive and sustainable well-being.

Thank you very much. I thank Mr. Ooster. The Commission has concluded its discussion of Item 3L. I now invite the Commission to begin its consideration of Agenda Item 3M, entitled Presentation of Statistical Data and Metadata, Dissemination of Statistics and Open Data, under which the Commission has before it for discussion and decision a report of the Secretary-General on the matter contained in document E/CN.3/2026/15. I now give the floor to Ms. Yongying Min, Officer-in-Charge of the Development Data and Outreach Branch of the United Nations Statistics Division. To introduce the report.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Distinguished delegates, dear colleagues, it's my honor to introduce you to the report of the Secretary-General on the presentation of statistical data and metadata, dissemination of statistics through the Statistical Division and its publications and open data. The report covers: A, the progress made on the modernization of the UN Data platform, which provides a unified, authoritative, open access to statistical data and metadata produced by the United Nations system. B, the adoption and implementation of common standards such as statistical data and metadata exchange, SDMX. And C, the support to national statistical offices in advancing open data initiative. The report also highlights the importance of open and AI-ready official statistics., and reviews countries' progress towards data openness and AI readiness, and outlined the key legal structure and the technical challenges that must be addressed. Lastly, the report reviews work carried out by the Statistics Division on publications, highlighting challenges faced due to financial constraints and identifying opportunities for modernizations. The Commission is invited to take note and comment on the work of the Statistical Division on open data, review and provide guidance on the modernization of the UN data platform, comment on the challenges in— and opportunities for making official statistics open and AI-ready, and provide us strategic input on the future of the statistical divisions publications.

Thank you. I thank Ms. Min. The Commission will now begin its debate on the report. Once more, the list of speakers will close before we adjourn the meeting, after which I'll read it out, and those delegations that would like to take the floor are kindly requested to press the microphone button to be added to the list as no further requests will be accommodated after its closure. The time limit will be 1.5 minutes per speaker. The microphone light will blink when the time has elapsed and speakers will be asked to conclude. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana. Thank you very much.

Ghana, as co-leads of the Task Force on Sustainable Demographic and Health Statistics, welcomed the key recommendations identified under the report E/CN.3/2026/15. We emphasize the importance of national ownership eng leadership in building resilient systems that respond to country priorities through the UN Statistical Commission, while also preserving continued access to existing data as a global public good. We underscored the need to clearly identify essential data requirements that support national policymaking and service delivery, to guide the development of a key set of indicators for international comparability. We also highlighted the value of internationally agreed standards and guidance to promote quality, consistency, and interoperability. Finally, we stressed that these efforts must be matched with sustainable financing, including practical long-term approaches that enable resource-limited countries to maintain core demographic and health statistics as part of strong nationally owned statistical systems. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ghana. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Costa Rica, on behalf of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean that are members of ECLAC, welcomes the work done by the United Nations Statistics Division in the area of open data and the dissemination of official statistics, recognizing its contribution to strengthening transparency, access to public information, and the strengthening of official statistics as a public good. It is considered that the modernization of the UN Data platform is an important step towards having an international statistical community that can— Open Access can be an open access point to official statistics and a good example of the promotion and dissemination of data in an easier, more reusable way. We support the future work to support open data and to prepare for AI, to make it AI-ready, as well as the strategy on using open accessible digital data formats that are accessible to all. As part of this, It would be valuable for digital publications to more explicitly stress the link between narrative tables and metadata, thus strengthening the consistency between what is published in a report and what is disseminated. It is also important to ensure the traceability of updates. Thank you, Madam Chair. Muchas gracias.

I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Albania.

Thank you, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates.

Albania appreciates the report on data presentation, dissemination, and open data, recognizing efforts to modernize, modernize statistical platforms and make data more open, interoperable, and AI-ready. We welcome the transformation on the UN Data Commons for SDGs into an AI-enabled knowledge graph and emphasizes on statistical interoperability. And SDMX standards supporting national statistical offices in advancing open data initiatives. The Institute of Statistics of Albania values the work of the steering group for statistical legislation and is pleased to continue participating in the UNA's EC lead update on the generic law on official statistics.

Generic law on official statistics has been key in consulting Albania's legal framework for statistics, ensuring compliance with EU principles, and strengthening the national statistical systems.

We emphasize the importance of addressing the evolving role of NSIs in managing national data ecosystems. Albania looks forward to continued collaboration with capacity building, data governance, and open data ecosystems supporting the monitoring and implementation of 2030 Agenda. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Albania. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Algeria.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Algeria, on behalf of the Arab states members of ESCWA, the Arab states appreciate the efforts made by the Statistics Division to enhance the availability of official statistical data and develop dissemination, in a way that supports policymakers and researchers in accessing reliable and usable data. In this context, they highlight the importance of updating the UN Data Platform in order to strengthen its role as a unified and trusted access point for data. They also welcome the expanded adoption of SDMX standard for the exchange of data and metadata, given its direct impact on enhancing interoperability between statistical systems, improving data quality, and increasing the potential of for data reuse. We attach particular importance to the readiness of official statistics for artificial intelligence applications and call for the development of clear legal and technical frameworks that ensure the responsible use of these data. Arab countries stress the need to take into account the differences in national capacities among countries and avoid imposing additional burdens on developing countries. They also emphasize the importance of continuing to support capacity building in developing countries, especially in the area of open data management and the development of national statistical infrastructure. In addition to the above, and in my national capacity, I would like to emphasize that Algeria highly values the efforts made in this field and stresses the importance of continuing to develop international data platforms in a way that ensures ease of access and use in support of development policies. We are ready to contribute to these initiatives and to help Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Algeria. Distinguished delegations, we've heard the last speaker for this morning on agenda item 3M. We will continue the debate on this item this afternoon. As per my earlier announcement, the list of speakers has now closed and no further requests for the floor will be accommodated. The speakers on my list are as follows: Bahamas, Peru, Cameroon, Kiribati, Singapore, Slovenia, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Mongolia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, United Arab Emirates, and UNFPA. Before joining the meeting, I once again ask delegations to use the QR code located at the back of the room to add their email addresses so that they can receive the informal documents document containing the draft decisions. What's more, as was announced yesterday and at the beginning of our meeting as well, I wish to remind delegations that as for the subjects for the adoption of decisions, item 4 of our agenda, and in order to make the best use of the available time, they will be introduced individually this afternoon, but there is no plan to have a debate on them. The Commission will adopt decisions on those decisions tomorrow morning, Friday. However, the Bureau recognizes that it may be necessary to hear some statements on some of the matters related to these items. So as to make the best use of the time that we have available, I urge delegations to inform Ms. Linda Hooper as as soon as possible and before 3 PM if you have the intention to take the floor in relation to the sub-items for the adoption of specific decisions. The Commission will meet again this afternoon at 3 PM in this same room. The meeting is adjourned.