Press Release

Training Workshop to Enhance the Use of Administrative Data for Official Statistics Production

29 May 2023

[29 May 2023, Male’] - The importance of administrative data to produce official statistics cannot be overstated for developmental monitoring and reporting. Recognizing the underutilization of this valuable resource in many countries, Maldives Bureau of Statistics in partnership and the UN Statistics Division (UNSD) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), collaboratively organized a comprehensive training workshop from 29 May to 1 June 2023 aimed at strengthening the capacity of National Statistical Systems (NSS) to leverage administrative data sources effectively.

Under the auspices of the Collaborative on Administrative Data, the UNSD, with funding support from the UN DESA Development Account 13, has developed a training program that targets both administrative data holders and official statisticians. The workshop aims to foster a common understanding of the value of data sharing and collaboration between these stakeholders, paving the way for improved official statistics and informed decision-making.

The training workshop, titled "Increasing the Use of Administrative Data Sources for Official Statistics Production," covered a range of essential topics, including:

Understanding the concept and benefits of administrative data.
Mapping and assessing the usability of administrative data sources.
Quality management of administrative data.
Data sharing, interoperability, and data linking.
Data confidentiality and security
Formalization of data sharing through legal frameworks and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
Follow-up and implementation strategies.

The objectives of the workshop are to increase capacity and foster a joint understanding among participants which include the Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS) and various line ministries responsible for administrative data sources, regarding the optimal use of administrative data sources for official statistics production. It is envisaged that with this training the participants will gain a better understanding of the subject matter and possess a toolkit to facilitate effective collaboration between administrative data holders and official statisticians.

In the context of the Maldives, the workshop focused on migration and labor statistics, addressing key areas that require accurate and detailed data. Through interactive sessions and case studies, participants gained practical insights into harnessing administrative data to strengthen statistical outputs in the country including those related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UN in Maldives hopes that this initiative will address the key challenges of data gaps and capacity for analysis that are being identified in the 2024 Voluntary National Review of the SDGs and bring to the forefront the initiatives needed by the Maldives to reinvigorate the country’s commitment to enhance the monitoring of the SDGs in the lead up to the SDG Summit.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Ms. Vibeke Oestreich Nielsen

Interregional Advisor on Statistical Training and Capacity Building Development Data and Outreach Branch

United Nations Statistics Division

Email: vibeke.nielsen@un.org

Aminath Mushfiqa Ibrahim

Director, HR,

Maldives Bureau of Statistics

Email: mushfiqa.ibrahim@stats.gov.mv

Shaha Shakeeb

Associate Development Coordination Officer, Data Management and Results Monitoring / Reporting

UN Maldives Resident Coordinators Office