The demand for good-quality statistical data continues to increase. Timely andreliable statistics are key inputs to the broad development strategy.Improvements in the quality and quantity of data on all aspects of developmentare essential if we are to achieve the goal of a world without poverty.
Good data are needed to set baselines, identify effective public and privateactions, set goals and targets, monitor progress and evaluate impacts. They arealso an essential tool of good government, providing means for people to assesswhat governments do and helping them to participate directly in the developmentprocess.
At the World Bank, the Development Data Group coordinates statistical and datawork and maintains a number of macro, financial and sector databases. Workingclosely with the Bank’s regions and Global Practices, the group is guided byprofessional standards in the collection, compilation and dissemination of datato ensure that all data users can have confidence in the quality and integrityof the data produced.
Much of the data comes from the statistical systems of member countries, andthe quality of global data depends on how well these national systems perform.The World Bank works to help developing countries improve the capacity,efficiency and effectiveness of national statistical systems. Without betterand more comprehensive national data, it is impossible to develop effectivepolicies, monitor the implementation of poverty reduction strategies, ormonitor progress towards global goals.
Measurement of Development Progress
World Bank databases are essential tools for supporting criticalmanagement decisions and providing key statistical information for Bankoperational activities. The application of internationally acceptedstandards and norms results in a consistent, reliable source ofinformation.
Global Statistical Strategy
To be of use, statistics must be both reliable and relevant. They needto be compiled correctly, following standard practices and methodology.They must also meet the needs of users and answer the questions posed bypolicymakers.
Developing countries face a number of problems in providing statisticsthat meet these criteria. They often find themselves caught in a viciouscycle—under-investment in national statistical systems constrainsactivities and results in data of poor quality, which policymakers areunwilling to rely on. This lack of demand for the data leads to fewerresources being made available for their production and quality control.The World Bank is committed to helping developing countries break out ofthis cycle. Our work includes investments in statistical activities,creating and implementing standards and frameworks for data collection,analysis and dissemination, strengthening the international statisticalsystem, and compiling global data sets.
There is also much to be done in raising awareness of the value ofstatistics among governments, decision makers and other users. Asadvocates for statistics, we work in close partnership with developingcountries and our partners in the international community.
A priority of the World Bank’s efforts to improve the statisticalinfrastructure of developing countries is the preparation of nationalstrategies for the development of statistics as recommended intheMarrakech Action Plan for Statistics. These country-drivenplans look at the needs of the whole statistical system and provide thebasis for coordinated and prioritized donor assistance. Other componentsof the World Bank’s statistical capacity building program include:
- Improving Statistical Capacity
- Trust Fund for Statistical Capacity Building
- International Comparison Program
The International System
The World Bank works closely with the international statisticalcommunity including the agencies of the United Nations (UN), theOrganisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), theInternational Monetary Fund (IMF), the regional development banks, anddonors by:
- Participating in the UN Statistical Commission and other statisticalforums to develop appropriate frameworks, guidance and standards ofgood practice for statistics
- Building consensus and defining internationally agreed indicators,such as the indicators for the Millennium Development Goals
- Establishing data exchange processes and methods
- Assembling, analyzing and disseminating data online and in print
In addition to compiling international data sets, which are generallybased on data generated by national statistical systems, the World Banksupports a number of programs to collect transnational data. These aredata that can only be collected by a globally coordinated program. Theyinclude:
- Marrakech Action Plan for Statistics
- PARIS21
Training and Client Services
Providing training courses on new and regular data practices and toolsis an important element of the Bank’s data business. These courses arefree of charge and attended by Bank staff and some participants fromvisiting client countries.
The “customer support” for the growing number of users of data anddata tools includes responding to large volumes of queries and requestsfrom inside and outside the Bank; increasing the accessibility andavailability of data knowledge; providing technical and knowledgesupport to internal and external clients; and responding to client needsfor the presentation and understanding of the data.
Publications
The World Bank produces an array of data publications invarious formats (print and electronic) that cover a wide range ofdevelopment issues. These publications reflect the scope of the datawork and the wide range of user interests. They also make the data moreavailable and accessible, especially through the use of maps, charts andgraphs.\u2028
For general information about data, publications and time-series,contact the World Bank Development Data Group:
Email: data@worldbank.org
Phone: (202) 473-7824 or +1 (800) 590-1906
Further Reading
- Country and Lending Groups
- Principles Governing Our Statistical Data
- Methodologies for Using Data
- Data Quality and Effectiveness
- Data Updates and Errata
