Regional Statistics Governance Progress and Future Trends

(Noumea, New Caledonia, 0305 October 2023) Session 7: Progress and Future of Regional Planning and Statistics Governance Presented by Elizabeth Ragimana Wednesday 4thOctober 2023

Overview Refer to: Working Paper 8: Progress and Future of Regional Planning and Statistics Governance; https://www.spc.int/DigitalLibrary/Get/z44ns Recommendations note progress and lessons learnt on hosting of regional statistics governance meetings discuss and consider options on the future arrangements of HOPS meetings including whether a separate subgroup is needed for planners approve the TORS for the HOPS, PSSC, PSMB and DDPG

Regional Statistics Governance- Progress FIVE REGIONAL STATISTICS GOVERNANCE BODIES Donors and Development Partners Group (DDPG) Pacific Statistics Methods Board (PSMB) HEADS OF PLANNING AND STATISTICS (HOPS) Pacific Statistics Standing Committee (PSSC) FORUM ECONOMIC MINISTERS MEETING (FEMM) Review technical proposals on methodologies, advice on statistical best practises and standards Facilitated a more co-ordinated approach to Statistical assistance and donor co- ordination Senior level strategic oversight, guidance and recommendations and decision Monitor Implementation and Progress of Pacific Statistics Strategy Strategic guidance and decision making 2018-2023 6 standing agenda item papers 2017-2023 12 meetings (bi-annual) 2018-2023 4 meetings (annual) 2005-2023 6 meetings 2018-2022 4 meetings

Regional Statistics Governance Terms of References (TORs) PSSC TORS PSMB TORS DDPG TORS Key Revisions: HOPS TORS Key Revisions: Key Revision: -roles and responsibilities -membership changed from 4 to 5 PICTs reps (at least one from each Pacific sub-region, one small NSO) Key Revisions: -DDPG meeting after PSSC than before so NSO priorities are known -Roles and responsibilities of HOPS, PSSC, PSMB and DDPG -membership remains same (at least 2 reps each from the 3 Pacific Sub-regions, one small NSO, one UN Agency), with people invited if necessary -HOPS meeting every 2 years instead of 3 years -Until 2025 Stats NZ Chair, Samoa Dep Chair -Add one or only 2 new members

Regional Planning Governance Increase regional engagement of planners, though no formal planners governance meetings. Examples, 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific- Planners national consultations Multi-Sector Expert Group (MSEG)-work involve some planners PACMEL Project (2 Convenings) and Network include National Planner Representatives DUAVATA Group (Donor & implementing Partners)-support 2050 strategy implementation CRGA Sub-Committee Meeting June 2022 Implementing Partners ( ESCAP and UNDP), manage relationships with Planners etc

Key Lessons learned and Opportunities COVID-19 significant Impact on SPC s delivery of statistical activities HOPS 2020 meeting delayed due to COVID-19 and delay in TYPSS Evaluation and Strategic Framework development Regional statistics governance mechanism needed to be resourced to function successfully. Future actions to improve governance and partner co-ordination activities Strategic Framework for Pacific Statistics focus on data for evidenced decision making Planners are missing a specific group to bring them together, in this dynamic regional context. Connection with Planners sub-group will influence national, regional and international commitments such as 2050 Pacific Strategy, SDGs, Strategic Framework for Pacific Statistics etc.

Way Forward Updated TORs for the regional governance bodies will strengthen DDPG s ability to play its role, and provide better coordination information, enabling DDPG, PSSC and HOPS to make the right governance decisions. Establishing a subgroup for planners, supported by SPC (and potentially PIFS); adds a mechanism to address specific planning needs and potential capacity strengthening opportunities (for example HOPS6) in addition to statistical mechanisms that enable and empower planners and decision-makers to develop plans and policies that are evidence-based. provides robust governance arrangements that allow all parties to have far greater and more regular strategic engagement foster deeper understanding and cooperation between NSOs, planners, donors and development partners and SPC build relationships crucial to the successful implementation of the Strategic Framework for Pacific Statistics and other statistics initiatives in the region

All Pacific peoples, economies and environments benefit from better data and evidence-based decision-making for sustainable development VISION OUTCOME Strong Pacific Island statistics systems that meet local and global needs for evidence-based policy, planning and monitoring PATHWAYS Statistical production, management and use Statistical support services 3. Prioritise programs to use statistics: Prioritised statistics programs aligned with national, regional and global policy and data needs 1. Strengthen capacity: Stronger national capacities for statistics and evidence- based policy 2. Collect the right data: Relevant, timely, well maintained and accessible data, statistics and indicators 4. Embed good methods: Statistical methods, data assets and indicators tailored to fit Pacific needs 5. Govern and coordinate activity: Regional statistical governance, coordination and financing for national and regional needs KEY FOCUS AREAS Improve data comprehensiveness, relevance, reliability, timeliness and accessibility, and achieve lower cost of data collection Improve capability for data analysis, reporting, dissemination, advocacy and curation (including through Pacific Data Hub, PDH) Evaluate alternative data sources including administrative data, mobile, satellite, spatial and other sources for regional application Conduct capacity and capability needs analysis and identify training programs for national statistics and policy analysis staff Identify, evaluate and embed Pacific appropriate methodologies and technologies Coordinate and direct donor and development partner technical assistance and financing in collaboration with national authorities INPUTS AND ACTIONS Improve funding, staffing and training for statistical capability for data collection, compilation, analysis and effective use at all levels Strengthen statistical support services, including strategies, legislation, standards, processes, classifications, open data, data sharing, data governance and use Donor and development partners Private sector and community organisations Pacific Island governments Pacific regional organisations ENABLERS Effective data advocacy leading to an understanding of the underlying drivers of development, the need for better policy, and the role of evidence-based policy analysis across critical sectors ACTORS

Discussion Questions Do we need more (or less) groups for the regional governance statistics in the region. What do we need to require of our regional governance bodies to progress the Strategic Framework Theory of Change

Session 7 Groups Group 2 lead:2-Ms Marget Sapolu Mrs Taggy Tangimetua Ms Archana Chand Mr Matthew Santos Mr John Igitoi Mr Chris Ryan Mr Christian Viegelahn Mr. Vince Galvin Group 3 lead: Mr Kamal Gounder Ms. Fanuma Sioneholo Ms. Valentino Wichman Mr Ipia Gadabu Mrs. Louisa Baragamu Mr. Leota Aliielua Salani Mr. Kyonori Tellames Mr. Andrew Knott Mr Viliame Cativakalakeba Group 4 lead: Ms Aritita Tekaieti Ms. Mine Timoteo Mr. Henderson Tagaro Mr. Douglas Kimi Mr. Lae Tui Siliva Ms. Seneti Lasike Mr. Samuel Grundler Ms. Reneeta Mogan Mr Mathew Powell Group 1 lead:1-Ms Ma u Leha Mr Kemueli Naiqama Ms Eleanor Vahau Mr Scott Keju Mr Charlington Leo Mr Lae Peleti Ms Denise Carlton Mr Henry Cocker Dr Shailja Sharma Group 5 lead: Ms. Sharon Pelep Group 6 lead: Ms Susan Sulu Ms Aiulu Tolovaa Ms Amelia Tungi Mr. Ramrakha Detenamo Mr Andy Kap Calo Ms Berith Aleni Mrs Rachael Beaven Ms Katrina Lourie Group 7 lead Mr Olivier Fagnot Mr Jean-Paul Goepfert Mr Soane Mailagi Mrs Nadine Jourdan Mrs Elise Desmazures Mrs Laeticia Gooding Mr Bimlesh Krishna Mr Sione Lolohea Mr Wycliff Bakeo Mrs Mereani Vunisarati Mr Fan Jun Mr Chris Ryan Mr Jonathan Perotti