Pressures on statistical systems are intensifying globally. Political dynamics, governance reforms, incentive structures, and emerging technologies are reshaping how official statistics are produced, protected, and used.
This closed-door, off-the-record roundtable will convene a small group of senior statistical leaders to reflect candidly on the realities of maintaining independence in practice. Moving beyond formal principles, the discussion will explore lived experiences, current dilemmas, and forward-looking questions for the official statistics community.
Held under the Chatham House Rule, the session will provide a trusted space for peer exchange and collective sense-making. No public outputs are planned.
Moderated by Sam Annim (UN Economic Commission for Africa) and Jenna Slotin (Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data).