“What are good statistics? The litmus test of good statistics is their quality and accessibility and the efficiency with which they are produced. Good official statistics must have many characteristics. Most basically, official statistics are good only to the extent that they meet the needs of users. ”
— NSDS Document, March 2005

The National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) concept was developed and promoted by PARIS21 (Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century).

Background of PARIS21

  • PARIS21 was established in 1999 as a global partnership to promote better use and production of statistics in developing countries.

  • It was founded by a consortium that includes the OECD, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations, and the European Commission.

  • The partnership emerged from the need to strengthen national statistical systems to support evidence-based decision-making and development planning.

Origin of the NSDS Concept

  • In the early 2000s, developing countries faced challenges in producing reliable, timely, and relevant statistics.

  • To address these challenges, PARIS21 introduced the NSDS framework as a strategic planning tool for countries to improve their statistical systems systematically.

  • The NSDS concept was designed to align statistical development with national development plans, including international frameworks such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and, later, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • See the document from March 2005 on NSDS.

Key Milestones

  • 2004: The Marrakech Action Plan for Statistics (MAPS) recommended that all low-income countries design and implement an NSDS to strengthen their statistical capacity.

  • 2005: The NSDS became the recommended approach for planning and implementing statistical development in developing countries.

  • Ongoing: PARIS21 continues to refine the NSDS framework and support countries in developing and implementing their NSDS.

Goals Behind the NSDS Concept

  1. Strategic Planning: To provide a long-term vision and actionable roadmap for statistical development.

  2. Capacity Building: To strengthen the ability of national statistical systems to produce high-quality statistics.

  3. Coordination: Enhance collaboration among statistics producers, users, and stakeholders.

  4. Sustainability: To ensure continuous and sustainable improvements in statistical infrastructure.