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India joins UN expert committee to shape global data standards

India’s inclusion in the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data strengthens its role in shaping global statistical practices, leveraging data science for sustainable development, innovation, and informed policy-making.

India has secured a place on the esteemed UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD). This committee, formed to explore both the benefits and challenges of Big Data, plays a crucial role in advancing the use of data to monitor and report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India’s inclusion comes at a time of significant transformation in the country’s engagement with global statistical practices, coinciding with its recent membership in the United Nations Statistical Commission after a long hiatus.

This milestone represents not only a recognition of India’s evolving role in global statistics but also a powerful leap forward in its domestic data ecosystem. As a member of the UN Committee of Experts, India will now be at the forefront of shaping global standards and best practices for utilizing big data and data science in official statistics. This participation underscores India’s commitment to harnessing the power of data and technology for informed decision-making, marking the country as a growing leader in the field.

India’s involvement in the committee offers a platform to showcase its innovative initiatives, including the pioneering establishment of the Data Innovation Lab. This lab serves as a hub for exploring alternative data sources like satellite imagery and machine learning, which are being increasingly integrated into policy-making efforts. As India takes its seat at this influential global forum, the country has the opportunity to align its domestic progress in big data with international standards, reinforcing its role as a leader in transformative data initiatives.

The strategic importance of big data and advanced data science cannot be overstated, particularly as these technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way official statistics are produced and shared. By integrating non-traditional data sources, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), satellite imagery, and private sector data, India aims to modernize its statistical infrastructure. This modernization is expected to enhance the accuracy of data estimates, reduce the time lag in data availability, and provide timely insights for policy formulation.

India’s engagement in the committee also aligns with its ongoing efforts to address key challenges within the country’s statistical landscape. These include streamlining the production of statistics, improving decision-making through real-time data insights, and fostering international collaboration. By sharing its expertise while learning from global best practices, India is positioning itself as a key player in building robust, future-ready statistical frameworks.

Joining the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science is not just a moment of recognition for India, but a strategic step toward revolutionising how statistics are produced and disseminated. It marks the beginning of a new era where data will drive more informed, agile decision-making, and contribute to building a more resilient, data-driven world.