AFRICAN STATISTICS DAY TO BE OBSERVED ON 18 NOVEMBER
Press Release
ECA/668
AFRICAN STATISTICS DAY TO BE OBSERVED ON 18 NOVEMBER
19951117 ADDIS ABABA, 15 November (Economic Commission for Africa) -- The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has invited all its member States to celebrate African Statistics Day on 18 November as a reminder of the essential functions which statistics and development information systems serve in Africa's economic and social evolution.This year's observance marks the sixth occasion on which African Statistics Day is being commemorated since its initiation in November of 1990. The idea for such an observance originated in May 1990 with the adoption of the Addis Ababa Plan of Action for Statistical Development in Africa in the 1990s. It was thought that the celebration would serve to draw public awareness to the pivotal role which statistics plays not only in the social and economic spheres, but in all aspects of life. The aim this year is to draw attention to the core competence within the statistical process, which is data production, analysis and dissemination. For that reason, the theme chosen for this year's celebration is Enhancing Data Production and Dissemination for Effective Socio-Economic Policy Analysis and Management.
The Commission hopes that the theme would help national development planners and the general public alike to come to a better understanding of the role which statistics is playing in national development.
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