21 September 2006
General Data Dissemination Standards (GDDS) is the International Statistical
Framework endorsed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to guide member
countries with the dissemination of statistical data. The purpose of the
framework is among others to encourage member countries to improve data quality
and to provide a framework for evaluating needs for data improvement and
setting priorities in this respect. GDDS also guides member countries in the
dissemination of comprehensive, timely and reliable, economic, financial, and
socio-demographic statistics to the public.
Statistics South Africa in collaboration with the IMF and the Department for
International Development (DFID) is hosting delegates from Africa to develop
mechanisms for strengthening links between capacity building in statistics and
national development strategies.
This workshop will take place:
Where: The Protea President Hotel, Cape Town
When: 26 - 28 September 2006.
The workshop will further launch the DFID General Data Dissemination
Standards (GDDS) Phase II: Modules for Strengthening Statistics and review the
needs and activities of this development project.
The new three year project is a successor to the GDDS project for Anglophone
Africa and aims at the expanding sustainable capacity to disseminate quality
data in participating countries. It envisages small, manageable steps and the
promotion of regional co operation. The project will be executed jointly by the
IMF and the World Bank and will cover macroeconomic, financial and socio
demographic statistics.
Although an SDDS (Special Data Dissemination Standards) country, South
Africa, represented by Statistics South Africa will play a leading role in
interacting with the participating countries, provide expertise and also act as
beneficiary.
The project will be implemented through a series of modules with each module
covering a specific topic. Countries will set their own targets or agreed upon
improvements that can be implemented within two to three years. Some three to
five countries will participate in a module and emphasis will be placed on the
exchange of experience within the group.
For more details or to book interviews with representatives from different
countries contact:
Trevor Oosterwyk
Statistics South Africa
Cell: 082 908 9104
Issued by: Statistics South Africa
21 September 2006
