Strengthening statistical capacity in support of progress towards

the Internationally Agreed Development Goals in countries of

South Asia

United Nations Statistics DivisionColombo, 21 July 2008

First Steering Committee Meeting South Asia Development Account Project

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Background information

Funded by the UN Development Account

6th Tranche

Budget – US $683,000

Timeframe – 3 years (2008-2010)

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Governance structure

UNSD – leading agency in executing the project and administering the budget

Maintains regular contacts with the Steering Committee members to monitor the preparation and execution of project activities according to the established project timeline

UNESCAP – cooperating agencySteering Committee

Formed by the Chief Statisticians of South Asia countries

Provides guidance on the direction of the projectAssists with the decisions taken throughout the project

in accordance to the region’s needs Takes active role in project implementationTakes immediate action in case of any emerging issues

and/or project adjustments need to be addressed

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Objective

To strengthen the capacity of countries in South Asia for the production and analysis, on a regular basis, of benchmark socio-economic statistics required for national development planning and for the monitoring of the progress of internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs

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Expected accomplishments

Improved organization of the statistical systems and user-producer relations in South Asia countries

Strengthened communication and coordination among countries

Production of quality, timely and relevant data on indicators of internationally agreed development goals

Increased adoption of international statistical methods and standards

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Overall strategy (1)

Project ComponentsStatistical capacity-buildingKnowledge management tool

Use and strengthening of local expertise and making it available to all countries

Reinforce the existing south-south cooperation

Create opportunities for experts to learn from their peers

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Overall strategy (2)

Combination of activities

Workshops (4)Working Group meeting (1)Study tours (upon approval by the

Steering Committee) Advisory servicesWeb-based knowledge management

tool

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Knowledge management

Establishment of an IT network of experts

Aim at providing a forum for a technical dialog among countries in the region

Promotion of knowledge management in the form of common platforms for data and metadata exchange and sharing of information on methodologies and statistical practices

Establishment of a website with interactive technology (electronic forum, wiki, etc.)

Will serve as a dynamic repository of information on all aspects of statistical methodology and country practices

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Project monitoring and evaluation

MonitoringUNSD, UNESCAP and the Steering

Committee

EvaluationThrough the indicators set out in the logical

framework Progress reportsProject evaluation by an independent

professional evaluator

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Questions to the SC

The Steering Committee is invited to deliberate and agree on:

Priority areas to be addressed by the ProjectThematic areasImplementation modalities of the Project

activitiesSchedule and venue of future events within

the Project frame

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Thank youThank you