New Delhi, April 6: India has been selected to the United Nations' highest statistical body - UN Statistical Commission - for a four-year term, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

  

 

Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said, "India elected to the highest UN statistical body for a 4-year term beginning on 1 January 2024! Congrats Team @IndiaUNNewYork for coming through so strongly in a competitive election." He also stated that India's expertise in the field of statistics, diversity and demography has earned it a seat on the UN Statistical Commission.

 

 

India have won handsomely in just completed UN Statistical Commission election-securing 46 out of 53 votes, leaving rivals ROK (23) China (19) and UAE (15) far behind. In brief, victory for India. This was a multi-cornered election, four candidates for two seats.

 

 

The United Nations Statistical Commission, established in 1947, is the highest body of the global statistical system bringing together the Chief Statisticians from member states from around the world.

 

It is the highest decision-making body for international statistical activities, responsible for setting statistical standards and the development of concepts and methods, including their implementation at the national and international level.

 

The Commission consists of 24 member countries of the United Nations elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council on the basis of an equitable geographical distribution.

 

Five members are from African States, four from Asia-Pacific States, four from Eastern European States, four from Latin American and Caribbean States and seven members from Western European and other States.

 

 

Yes, India was a member of the Statistical Commission last in 2004. Thus, India is returning to the Statistical Commission after a gap of two decades.

 

"The experience of India in the field of official statistics expecially with regard to its diverse and demography is immense and will be a value addition to the functioning of the Statistical Commission."