Standards in social statistics: The capacity of national statistical systems to adapt to the international standards, problems, challenges

Abstract

National statistical systems have been faced with the demand for more timely and granular social statistics. Addressing the demand is a challenge but new data sources have become available. In this context, a strong foundation in the generation of statistics is needed for national statistical systems given the availability of data sources outside of the traditional ones. Many statistical systems have gained trust by using international statistical standards and they should continue to benefit from newer standards that result from the Sustainable Development Goals requirements and the availability of newer sources of data. However, challenges persist. Focusing on those related to standards, the following are the challenges: lack of resources and technical knowledge on international standards; lack of inventory of international standards for entities within the national statistical system; lack of knowledge by line ministries on professional and technical independence and code of ethics; inadequate human and financial resources; insufficient awareness among line ministries on the importance of implementing international standards. To address the deficiency of data, especially on social sector statistics, traditional methods and tested frameworks should be augmented by new sources of information. The implementation of the Cape Town Global Action Plan for Sustainable Development (CT-GAP) is crucial in addressing the challenges. The national statistical systems of Mexico, led by the Instituto Nacional de Estadistica y Geografia (INEGI), and the Philippines, led by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), are examples of how developing countries address challenges to producing official statistics.