9. Building statistical capacity for sustainable development

Abstract: This chapter explores the importance of building statistical capacity in order to track progress toward the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It focuses on the urgent need for collecting, analyzing, and reporting disaggregated data – breaking down statistics by such characteristics as age, gender, and socioeconomic status. The chapter argues that robust national statistical systems and well-functioning national statistical offices are crucial for producing reliable data to inform policies and address inequalities on local and national levels. However, challenges such as resource constraints, limited autonomy of national statistical offices, and high costs of data production hinder many developing and least developed countries from improving their statistical capacities. The chapter uses examples from Latin America and Africa to highlight disparities in statistical capacity and the resulting gaps in reliable and timely data. It concludes by offering actionable recommendations, as per the UN Pact for the Future, to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.