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The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) is holding a series of activities to join the United Nations and the world in celebrating the first World Statistics Day (WSD) on October 20.
At its 64th Session, the General Assembly of the United Nations decided to designate October 20 as WSD to acknowledge the importance of reliable and timely statistics to informed policy decisions. Under the general theme "Celebrating the Many Achievements of Official Statistics", the first WSD aims to raise awareness of the many contributions of official statistics premised on the core values of "service, integrity and professionalism".
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-moon, said in a message on WSD, "Statistics permeate modern life. They are the basis for many governmental, business and community decisions. They provide information and insight about the trends and forces that affect our lives. Collected in surveys and censuses-three billion people will participate in population and housing censuses this year alone-statistics affect the planning of schools, hospitals, roads and much else."
Mr Ban commended the dedication that many statistical experts brought to their reports and publications, and said that they carried out an essential public service.
The United Nations and statistical agencies around the world have arranged a wide array of activities to celebrate this momentous occasion. Among others, the United Nations Statistics Division and the National Bureau of Statistics of China will jointly stage an observance event for the first WSD at the United Nations Pavilion of World Expo 2010 Shanghai China on October 20. Details of all the celebration activities are available at the website dedicated to WSD (http://unstats.un.org/unsd/wsd/Events.aspx).
The Commissioner for Census and Statistics, Mr Fung Hing-wang, said, "The momentous occasion serves to advocate the importance and contributions of official statistics in a wide range of endeavours. It is also an opportune time for statistical practitioners around the globe to reflect on the past and to sculpt the future on many statistical fronts.
"As many territories are conducting their population censuses around 2010, the choice of 2010 as the year for this celebration will help reinforce recognition of the services provided by the official statistical systems."
C&SD has organised various activities since early October to mark the first WSD. These include:
* A sub-regional course on "Measuring and Improving Survey Quality" in Hong Kong jointly organised with Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific from October 18 to 22; and
* A one-month mini-exhibition on official statistics starting from October 19.
"The one-month mini-exhibition on official statistics is held at the ground floor lobby of Wanchai Tower in Wan Chai. It outlines the planning for and highlights the new features of the 2011 Population Census. The public may also learn from the exhibition how official statistical work plays a role in building and consolidating the statistical infrastructure, as well as inculcating and nurturing a customer-oriented culture," Mr Fung said.
Members of the public may visit the C&SD website (http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/major_projects/wsd2010/index.jsp) to obtain further information on WSD and related activities.
Ends/Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:02
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