The key achievements of Belarusian statistics in SDG monitoring presented at the 56th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission

In New York (United States of America) the 56th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission continues its work.

In the session on data and indicators for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Tsimafei Zhyharau, Deputy Chairperson of Belstat, highlighted the key achievements of Belarusian statistics in SDG monitoring: “Currently, the national list of SDG indicators in the Republic of Belarus includes 246 indicators, with 70% harmonization of global and national SDG lists. The level of data availability has reached 94%. Belstat annually assesses the progress of the country's achievement of the SDGs and according to the results of the last assessment (2024) more than 80% of indicators demonstrate progress in achieving the targets. This result confirms the high degree of commitment of the Republic of Belarus to its obligations within the framework of the global initiative and the intention to fulfill the 2030 Agenda”.

The Deputy Chairperson emphasized the quality of work of custodial agencies, which do not always give preference to national data, incorrectly apply estimation approaches and use untrustworthy data sources. As a result, Belstat, being interested in presenting truthful data on the development of the Republic of Belarus, is forced to conduct lengthy negotiations and consultations with custodial agencies on the compliance of national data collection methods and methodologies of statistical indicators formation with international standards.

“I believe that only a conscientious and unbiased approach in the activities of custodial agencies, as well as strict compliance with the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/71/313 will contribute to the presentation of objective and reliable information about countries in the global community,” summarized the Belstat representative.

The 56th session of the UN Statistical Commission is expected to come to a close on March 7, 2025 with adoption of a number of strategic documents, decisions and initiatives in various areas of statistical activities at the global level.