Shaping a Global Network of Institutes for Statistical Training
13 - 15 September 2017, Beijing, China – UNITAR was one of the entities invited to contribute during the Seminar on Statistical Training “Towards building sustainable statistical capacity for the implementation and review of the Agenda 2030 and the SDGs” organized by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China in Beijing from 13 to 15 September 2017. The main objective of the event was to discuss the establishment of a Global Network of Institutes for Statistical Training (GIST) with a view to promoting a more harmonized approach and identifying and addressing critical capacity gaps among data producers and users by leveraging the expertise of the existing global, regional and national training centres.
The seminar was comprised of panel discussions and work in groups. On Day 1, new data and related capacity needs were discussed in connection with the 2030 Agenda and the Cape Town Global Action Plan on Sustainable Development Data. Representatives from UN Statistics Division, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China, International Institute of Statics and other statistical offices and training entities were key contributors. UNITAR representative, Ms. Elena Proden, shared UNITAR’s experience with approaches and tools for training needs assessment and evaluation emphasizing the importance of reflecting on how training can contribute effectively to broader institutional changes and development results. On Day 2, the focus of the panel discussions featuring experts from IMF, PARIS21, ILO, World Bank, UNSIAP, ENSEA and EASTC shifted to regional networks of training institutions and training initiatives at regional and global levels. Finally, on Day 3 several national training institutions had an opportunity to present their regional and global initiatives during the discussion moderated by Mr. Alexander Mejia, Senior manager, UNITAR, which was followed by a final round of group discussions.
It is expected that the outcomes of the group discussions held during the Seminar will inform the shaping of this new Global Network of Institutes for Statistical Training, including its overall objectives and strategic action areas. The Network will be officially proposed in the coming months.