High-level Session on Official Statistics - How can we collaborate to provide more relevant data and statistics for informed decision making?

I extend a very warm welcome to the Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Mr. Mohamed Aslam, officials from the Government of Maldives, and my colleagues from the UN family. It is a pleasure to see such diverse representations from various government agencies gathered here today. And a very special welcome to our UNDESA colleagues, you are warmly welcomed back to the Maldives again.

Your collective presence signifies the importance we place on collaboration and the value we attribute to data and statistics in our pursuit of national development and progress. Why? Because we can’t measure what we can’t see. More importantly, we can’t prioritise and improve our outcomes where we don’t know the base from where we start, nor the outcome we aim to achieve. Without data and statistics, we can be navigating through a sandstorm without the necessary lights that keep us moving in the best direction.

In our ever-evolving world, where strategic decisions shape the course of nations, the role of good quality statistics cannot be overstated. It serves as the bedrock for an informed society, facilitating evidence-based decision making across various sectors. Whether it is shaping policies, designing interventions, or monitoring progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reliable and comprehensive statistics are vital to our success.

We must acknowledge that we live in an age characterized by an abundance of misinformation. In such times, it is imperative to establish national structures that collects, processes, and publishes independent and reliable statistics. It is through this framework that we can empower our citizens with accurate information, dispel misconceptions, and foster trust in our governance.

I am pleased to witness the convergence of agencies here today, from across Government and partners. This gathering not only provides an opportunity for fruitful exchange and interaction but also holds the promise of further deepening cross-agency collaboration on data and statistics. Together, we can leverage our collective expertise, share best practices, and establish robust mechanisms for data-driven decision making.

Moreover, let us recognize the importance of optimizing our existing resources. And we do not need to start from scratch. We know that there is already a lot of data collected in the Maldives, but it is often not well structured, or grounded in a comparative system, which means its potential value is greatly underutilized. With the data already collected for administrative purposes, we can enhance our statistical production and efficiency. It is heartening to know that a workshop is scheduled next week, where agencies will have the opportunity to come together and explore ways to better utilize this valuable data. This workshop holds the potential to unlock synergies, streamline processes, and strengthen our statistical systems. And a major achievement was the successful completion of the 2022 Census, of which the UN was proud to support. As we currently sit at the halfway mark of the 2030 Agenda, we look forward to the processing of this data and its use as soon as possible to help us to frame the most effective and prioritized policies that help us to accelerate progress on the SDGs in the Maldives.

Furthermore, as we embark on this journey, it is crucial that we advocate for increased support to developing countries in strengthening their data collection and monitoring efforts, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of the upcoming SDG Summit, we understand that this would also be one of the requests from the Government of Maldives. By providing the necessary resources, capacity building, and technical assistance, we can ensure that every nation has access to accurate and reliable data, enabling them to effectively measure progress, identify gaps, and make informed decisions. Most importantly, that we are using the best known data and information to ensure that no Maldivian is left behind.

I am eager to hear about the outcomes of this meeting and the subsequent work that will unfold. I have no doubt that our collective efforts will pave the way for a more prosperous and equitable future. Together, let us strive towards generating reliable statistics, fostering an informed society, and empowering decision makers at every level.

Thank you once again for your presence here today, and I wish you all productive discussions and fruitful collaborations. Let us march forward in our quest for knowledge and progress.

Thank You