DILI, 20 October 2025 (TATOLI) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for renewed global commitment to trustworthy and independent data, marking World Statistics Day, celebrated once every five years.
“World Statistics Day is an occasion marked once every five years to spotlight the vital role of statistics in helping to address the challenges of our time,” the Secretary-General said in his message.
He noted that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have played a transformative role in strengthening national statistical systems and expanding access to reliable data worldwide. “The Sustainable Development Goals have helped transform statistical systems and increase the availability of data,” he said.
Guterres praised the resilience of data systems during global crises, pointing to their crucial contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, statistical systems proved their resilience, delivering the data that guided life-saving decisions as well as social and economic recovery.”
Highlighting the growing urgency of global challenges, the UN chief underscored the need for stronger data governance. “As we confront increasingly inter-connected global challenges – from climate change to rising inequalities – timely, accurate, disaggregated, and independent data has never been more essential.”
This year’s observance, Guterres added, renews the world’s pledge to uphold the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, including impartiality, professionalism, and scientific integrity. “Citizens everywhere deserve trustworthy data to inform public policy and strengthen accountability.”
The Secretary-General urged all nations and institutions to recognize the transformative power of data. “Let us use this day to champion the power of data in advancing sustainable development for all.”
World Statistics Day 2025 emphasizes the role of data as a foundation for informed decision-making, transparency, and global progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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