On behalf of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), it is my pleasure and honor to participate in the opening of the Fourth High-Level Advocacy Forum on Statistics. This gathering presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen our ties and foster a sustained exchange of expertise, ideas, and best practices with the countries of the Caribbean.
As a regional commission, ECLAC has a deep-seated mandate to work alongside Caribbean nations, supporting their development goals and priorities. A core area of collaboration is the Statistical Conference of the Americas (SCA), where ECLAC proudly serves as the secretariat. The Caribbean’s role in this conference is significant, with representation by two of eight members in the Executive Committee of the SCA. This inclusion underscores the importance of the Caribbean’s voice and experience within a broader framework that also reflects the diverse subregions of Latin America.
Many topics on our agenda today resonate not only within the Caribbean but across the entire Latin American and Caribbean region. One example is the operationalization of the CARICOM Regional Strategy for the Development of Statistics (RSDS), which aligns closely with the SCA’s current work on a new strategic plan for the period 2026–2035. Such parallel efforts highlight the shared objectives of advancing regional statistical capacity to support development.
This forum also recognizes the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, a milestone that ECLAC celebrates with deep commitment. Through collaborative efforts, we have developed practical tools, including a regional code of good practice, to implement these principles and uphold the highest standards of official statistics.
Innovation is another focal point today, particularly the use of ICT for enhancing data quality, access, and security. In the recent 23rd meeting of the SCA’s Executive Committee, we discussed the critical role of technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, in official statistics. ECLAC’s Statistics Division is actively promoting these innovations, including the integration of statistical and geospatial data, to better serve our region’s evolving needs.
Our collaboration extends beyond technical assistance and capacity-building seminars. ECLAC’s approach to supporting the Caribbean is both comprehensive and globally informed. Notably, the regional report we will present to the UN Statistical Commission in 2025 will reflect CARICOM’s contributions, underscoring our commitment to representing the region’s achievements on the world stage.
Thank you for your commitment to regional statistical development and the collective advancement of data-driven decision-making in our societies. I look forward to the fruitful discussions ahead and the continued collaboration that strengthens our shared goals.
Thank you.
