66th ISI World Statistics Congress

66th ISI World Statistics Congress

The Future of the Friends of Official Statistics Network: From Advocacy to Strategic Action in a Changing Data Ecosystem

Organiser

MB
Misha Belkindas

Participants

  • B
    Dr Misha V. Belkindas
    (Chair)

  • R
    Dr Juraj Riecan
    (Presenter/Speaker)
  • FOS work in Middle East

  • P
    Mr Stephen Penneck
    (Presenter/Speaker)
  • Future of FOS

  • GB
    Dr Grace Bediako
    (Presenter/Speaker)
  • FOS work in Africa

  • H
    Dr Hermann Habermann
    (Presenter/Speaker)
  • FOS Network and UNSC

  • DR
    Prof. Dominik Rozkrut
    (Discussant)

  • P
    Dr Jurate Petrauskiene
    (Discussant)

  • D
    Mr Gary Dunnet
    (Discussant)

  • Category: International Association for Official Statistics (IAOS)

    Proposal Description

    Session Structure
    1. The FOS Network in 2030: Vision and Strategic Priorities
    • What should success look like in five years?
    • What gaps in the international statistical system can FOS uniquely fill?
    2. FOS and the Protection of Statistical Independence
    • Lessons from recent country experiences.
    • Relationship with emerging international mechanisms supporting the FPOS.
    • Relationship with emerging international mechanisms supporting the FPOS.
    3. FOS in the Age of AI and Data Stewardship
    • Developing guidance and thought leadership.
    • Supporting NSOs in navigating new technologies.
    4. Building Sustainable Partnerships
    • Collaboration with academia.
    • Cooperation with regional statistical bodies.
    • Engagement with civil society and development partners.
    5. Governance and Sustainability of the Network
    • Membership and succession planning.
    • Regional representation.
    • Financing and institutional support.

    Discussion Questions
    1. What should be the primary mission of the FOS Network by 2030?
    2. How can FOS provide practical support rather than only advocacy?
    3. What role should FOS play regarding AI, synthetic data, and data stewardship?
    4. How can FOS become a stronger voice for statistical independence globally?
    5. How should FOS engage younger professionals and emerging leaders?
    6. What partnerships are essential for long-term impact?
    7. Should FOS develop a formal program of country support and peer assistance?

    Expected Outcomes
    The session will contribute to:
    • A draft FOS Strategic Framework 2027–2030.
    • Identification of priority workstreams.
    • Recommendations for cooperation with the UN Statistical Commission and the emerging FPOS advisory mechanisms.
    • A roadmap for strengthening FOS governance and global engagement.