India Joins UN Panel on Big Data

India has been included in the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN CEBD). This marks a significant step in India's involvement in global statistical practices and data-driven progress.
 

About the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN CEBD)
 

1. Establishment: The UN CEBD was created in 2014, with Australia serving as the first Chair.
2. Composition: It consists of 31 member states and 16 international organizations.
3. Plenary Meetings: A plenary meeting is held annually, usually alongside the Conference on Big Data for Official Statistics, to review and discuss activities and initiatives.
    

Mandate of the UN CEBD
 

The UN CEBD has a crucial role in shaping global data initiatives and promoting the use of big data in achieving sustainable development:
 

1. Global Big Data Program: It provides direction for a global big data program, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
2. Addressing Data Challenges: It addresses challenges related to data quality, access, privacy, security, and analytics.
3. Training and Collaboration: The committee fosters training, experience-sharing, and collaboration among member states.
4. Policy Applications and SDGs: It promotes the use of big data for policy applications and monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Importance for India
 

India’s inclusion in the UN CEBD brings significant benefits and opportunities:
 

1. Strengthening Global Influence: India's involvement strengthens its influence in global statistical practices and reinforces its commitment to data-driven progress.
2. Alignment with International Goals: Membership allows India to align domestic advancements in big data with international goals, showcasing leadership in data science.
3. Modernizing Statistical Processes: Big data, along with advanced techniques like the Internet of Things (IoT), satellite imagery, and private sector data, will help modernize statistical processes and improve data accuracy.
4. Recent Achievements: This is a key achievement for India, especially following its recent re-entry into the UN Statistical Council.

 

United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC)   Establishment: The UNSC was established in 1946 as the highest body of the global statistical system. Composition: It comprises Chief Statisticians from member states worldwide. Role: The UNSC serves as the top decision-making body for international statistical activities. Functions: It is responsible for setting statistical standards, developing concepts and methodologies for national and international implementation, and overseeing the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD). Affiliation: The UNSC functions as a commission under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).