Global data is key for assessing development needs across the globe. It provides knowledge with a double impact on our world – both in the present and in the future. On 13-15 May, the Expert Group Meeting on International Statistical Classifications will take place to discuss statistical classifications and international standards and how to better involve all relevant actors.

From the present perspective, international statistics help us understand the current shape of our world within areas including migration, population, life quality and natural resources. This know-how also allows organizations and governments to make better decisions in key areas such as public policy, development, health and education, directly affecting the future of the global population.

Crucial in this process is for international statistics to be updated, consolidated and standardized, providing current indicators that allow comparison among countries, ethnic groups and economic sectors .To achieve this and in order to meet international standards, it is important to provide guidelines to the producers of statistics like countries, NGOs and other organizations.

A key element in ensuring the comparability of statistics is the use of common classifications, which define the detailed building blocks of statistics and the categories that are used for their publication.

On 13-15 May, experts will gather at UN Headquarters in New York to focus on statistical classifications and international standards for statistical information, and how to better involve all relevant actors in this process.

This meeting is part of the ongoing effort to keep the international classifications up-to-date with modern economic and social developments, to ensure that statisticians produce relevant data for analysts and policy makers. Additional efforts are being made to harmonize the work done on classifications in different areas, improving the use of common concepts and resulting in higher comparability of data being produced.

Four main areas will be on the agenda for the upcoming session: Family of international classifications, role of international standard frameworks, Review of new classifications developments and Management of classifications. The Expert Group will also discuss regional efforts in supporting the implementation of international classifications, like the Working Group on International Classifications of the Statistical Conference of the Americas.

This Expert Group was established to ensure harmonization and convergence among the classifications in the International Statistical System, and to serve as coordinating body in the work on international classifications.