Statistical Capacity Development - Japan’s Experiences

1. International Forum on Monitoring National Development: Issues and Challenges Beijing, 27 - 29 September 2011 Statistical Capacity Development - Japan’s Experiences Shigeru Kawasaki Statistical Research and Training Institute Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan

2. Outline 1 National Statistical Capacity Development 2 Bilateral Technical Cooperation Projects 3 Support for the UNSIAP 4 Conclusion

3. 1 National Statistical Capacity Development - For national statistical training, the Statistical Training Institute was founded in 1921. (Later to include “Research”.) - It provides statistical training for the statistical personnel of the central and local governments. Main Target: Central Government: approx. 5,000 Prefecture Governments: approx. 2,000 - This year, it offers 18 courses for about 1,000 trainees. Courses include: Comprehensive Course, National Accounts, Demography, Economic Analysis, Survey Design, Microdata Analysis, etc. - Distance-learning course is provided to local government staff. - To reflect the recent training needs, emphasis is shifting to application of statistics and methods to public policies, researches in collaboration with academia, and dissemination through education.

4. 2 Bilateral Technical Cooperation Projects - In the bilateral technical cooperation projects for developing countries, statistical capacity building is an important element. - The Statistics Bureau of Japan was engaged in the projects funded by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), for example: Indonesia (1980 Population Census) Sri Lanka (1991 Population Census - not implemented) Tanzania (Data utilization and dissemination) - Since 2005, the Statistics Bureau has been engaged in the Statistical Capacity Development Project for Cambodia funded by JICA, assisting the Population and Economic Censuses. - Technical cooperation projects have advantages because they provide both end-products and capacity development, provide customized program to meet the country’s needs, provide opportunities to learn from practice in real work.

5. 3 Support for the UNSIAP (1) UNSIAP (UN Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific), located in Chiba, Japan, has been providing training for the statistical personnel of developing countries in the region since 1970. - In the four decades since its foundation, UNSIAP conducted more than 500 courses. Over 12,000 statisticians from about 120 countries were graduated from the courses. - UNSIAP closely collaborates with ESCAP and its member countries as well as international organizations such as UNSD, UNDP, UNFPA, IMF, World Bank, etc. The Japanese government provides financial and in-kind supports as the host country. - With its 5-year strategic and implementation plans, UNSIAP provides a variety of courses, e.g. Tokyo-based training courses, outreach program, research based training, management seminars, distance training, etc. - The Governing Council commissioned by ESCAP Committee on Statistics reviews and advises on the operation and work plan.

6. 3 Support for the UNSIAP (2) Table 1 Number of Participants in UNSIAP Courses (1970-2010) Source: “SIAP-ESCAP: fifth decade of statistical training” E/ESCAP/SCT(2)/INF/30 Paper presented at the ESCAP Committee on Statistics, December 2010

7. 4 Conclusion Some important elements of statistical capacity development: - Appropriate training at the appropriate timing - Building professional networks for further self-development - Customizing the courses to meet varied and changing needs - Developing programs under a good governance and framework - Experiencing the real examples of the good practices - Forging partnership with NSOs and international organizations and more ……

8. The End Thank you!