20 October 2010
The Department of Statistics in Tonga marks the
first ever World Statistics Day in Tonga by releasing the report of the
Household income and Expenditure Survey 2009, together with other statistical
bulletins to His Majesty's Cabinet Ministers.
On 20 October 2010,
(20.10.2010) the World celebrate the first World Statistics Day (WSD) ,
to raise awareness of the many achievements of official statistics premised on
the core values of service, professionalism and integrity.
In acknowledgement that the
production of reliable, timely statistics and indicators is indispensable for
informed policy decisions and monitoring implementation of the Millennium
Development Goals, the United Nations Statistics Division, International
Agencies and all Statistics Offices in the world have unanimously agreed to
designate 20 October as World Statistics Day.
Over 100 countries and territories and 40 international
agencies will mark this Day with special events and activities.
"Statistics are a vital tool for economic and
social development, including our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development
Goals. For development to succeed, we need data collection and statistical
analysis of poverty levels, access to education and the incidence of disease,"
states UN Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon in his Message on World Statistics Day.
Mr. ‘Ata'ata Finau, Tonga's
Government Statistician said, " WSD is a day set out to pay tribute to
statisticians' outstanding work in producing and disseminating the necessary
data to respond to the everyday new challenges and to measure progress in
people's lives."
"Statistics are a daily part of national
and international life and policy-making, but never before did the international
community officially to pay tribute to Official Statistics through dedicating
them an international day."
"This year, the Statistics
Department has distributed posters to mark the day, however, no public events
have been set, but the Department is pleased to mark this with the release of second
Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2009 report," Mr. Finau said.
The report which costs TOP$35.00 presents a summary
of major findings of the 2009 HIES, which will provide a useful material for
planners, policy makers and other interested users.
It is the Department's vision "to develop an integrated and
comprehensive statistical information system to facilitate better
decision-making and discussions and to encourage education and learning for the
people".
The Tonga Department of Statistics is the official source responsible for
providing statistical data in the Kingdom of Tonga. The Department undertakes
statistical activities, carrying out the general census of population, and the
count of housing and establishments. It conducts economic and social
statistical surveys and publishes statistical books and bulletins for the
Kingdom of Tonga as a whole.
ENDS
Issued
by the: Ministry of Information and Communications, Nuku'alofa,
2010.