Kuala Lumpur: The Department of Statistics Malaysia’s (DOSM) participation at the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC56) ensures the country’s statistical practices align with global standards, reinforcing its commitment to reliable and internationally comparable data. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin stated that Malaysia highlighted significant achievements in statistical development, stressing the need to enhance technical capabilities and implement capacity-building initiatives to address emerging global challenges.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Uzir emphasized that Malaysia’s presence at this prestigious global forum reaffirms its commitment to enhancing statistical capacity, fostering innovation, and strengthening international collaborations. Leading a Malaysian delegation to UNSC56 from March 4 to 7 at the UN Headquarters in the United States, Mohd Uzir said DOSM’s participation allows Malaysia to exchange expertise, learn from global best practices, and contribute to the evolution of statistical methodologies for the benefit of all nations.
“Malaysia remains committed to advancing global statistical development through collaboration and capacity-building. We will continue ensuring high-quality, reliable data to drive informed policymaking,” he said, reaffirming Malaysia’s support for the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the UN World Data Forum 2025 in Medelln, Colombia. He also highlighted DOSM’s efforts to expand its global network and enhance knowledge exchange.
During UNSC56, 34 agenda items were discussed and endorsed, including 22 items for discussion and decision, two for item decision, and 10 for item information. “Malaysia actively participated in these discussions, submitting 34 written national statements and delivering seven oral statements,” Mohd Uzir reported. Key focus areas included the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics (FPOS), National Accounts, Population and Housing Census, Economic Statistics, and other critical statistical domains.
Malaysia engaged in high-level discussions, expert group meetings, and ancillary events, sharing national experiences and best practices with other National Statistics Offices (NSOs) and international statistical agencies. “DOSM contributed to initiatives such as enhancing governance statistics, integrating big data, and advancing the digital transformation of official statistics,” Mohd Uzir added.
Notably, Malaysia played a role in global statistical initiatives, including the Handbook of Household Surveys, the System of National Accounts 2025, and international guidelines on e-commerce statistics. As an active member of global expert groups, Malaysia participated in platforms such as the Governing Board of the International Comparison Program (ICP), the Bureau of the ESCAP Committee on Statistics, and other significant statistical commissions.
This year’s UNSC56 attracted almost 500 participants from 98 countries and 38 international agencies and non-governmental organizations. The primary objective of UNSC56 remains the pursuit of ‘Better Data, Better Lives’ through global statistical cooperation and innovation.