Approximately 70 representatives of central public authorities, other institutions and organizations involved in the production of official statistics participated, on 20 September this year, in a workshop on strengthening the capacities of the National Statistical System (NSS) to use international standards in official statistics. The training was organized by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) with the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The workshop, held in a hybrid format, was delivered by UNECE experts Steven Vale and Trevor Fletcher, in the context of their mission to strengthen NSS capacities through the use of statistical standards such as GSBPM, GSIM, SDMX, etc. The mission took place at the NBS during 19–21 September.

During the event, participants were introduced to the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM), the Generic Statistical Information Model (GSIM), as well as Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange (SDMX). In this context, UNECE experts emphasized the importance of using internationally applied statistical models, including in European countries, which can serve as key elements in the modernization of national systems for the production and dissemination of statistical data.

The three models—GSBPM, GSIM and SDMX—represent key standards for the modernization of official statistics, aiming to provide common frameworks, improve communication about statistical production within and between organizations, and facilitate collaboration and the exchange of good practices in the field. These models are widely used by EU Member States, as well as by other countries worldwide. Their practical implementation by NBS specialists and other NSS institutions will enable the standardization of statistical processes, harmonization of terminology used by different institutions, and alignment with international quality standards in official statistics.

Another topic discussed during the workshop concerned the importance of using alternative data sources, including administrative data, for statistical purposes, as well as assessing the quality of such data in terms of their compliance with official statistics criteria.

At the same time, participants were provided with guidance on the use of international statistical resources and tools, in line with the UN Handbook on the Management of Statistical Organizations.