Proposal Description

Background
Official statistics operate in an increasingly complex information environment, in which citizens and policymakers are confronted with rapidly evolving technologies and a growing number of data sources. At the same time, public expectations are changing, with users wanting information that is easy to find, easy to understand, relevant to their needs, and available through the channels they use every day.
Artificial intelligence and other digital innovations are creating new opportunities for statistical organisations to improve how they communicate and engage with users. AI-powered searches, conversational interfaces, personalised content, automated dissemination tools, and attractive data visualisations can help make official statistics more accessible and responsive to user needs. However, these developments also raise important questions about data reliability, transparency, trustworthiness and ethics.
Eurostat and National Statistical Institutes of the EU, united in the European Statistical System (ESS), have been exploring how to harness innovation while maintaining the credibility, impartiality and professional independence that underpin official statistics. In this context, effective communication has become a strategic function for building user trust in official figures and strengthening statistical literacy.
As AI tools are being widely employed in the production of official statistics, statistical organisations face the challenge of ensuring that their products and services remain relevant, visible, understandable and trusted by users. This requires not only technological innovation, but also clear communication strategies that explain new methodologies, communicate uncertainty and change, promote data transparency and reinforce the value of official statistics as a trusted public good.
About the session
This session will explore how statistical organisations united in the European Statistical System (ESS) are using communication, innovation and AI to strengthen trust in official statistics. The panellists will examine practical approaches to reaching diverse audiences, responding to changing user expectations, using emerging technologies responsibly and ensuring that innovation supports rather than undermines public trust.
The session will aim to strengthen international dialogue and exchange of good practice on the successful communication of official statistics in the age of AI, contributing to stronger trust and more effective statistical communication worldwide.
Format of the session
• Short introductory presentations by four panellists
• Panel discussion based on three guiding questions
• Q&A with the audience

Session organiser and moderator
Lukasz Augustyniak – Adviser on Strategic Communication, Eurostat
Session panellists
John Byrne – Head of Communications, Irish Central Statistics Office
Hanna Ikäheimo – Director of Communications, Statistics Finland
José Martins – Director of the Dissemination Unit, Communication and Image, Portuguese National Statistical Institute
Celine Zana Rouquette – Head of the Communications and Public Services Department, National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies