India elected to highest UN statistical body for four-year term

India has achieved a significant milestone as it has been elected to the highest statistical body of the United Nations (UN) for a four-year term beginning on January 1, 2024. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar proudly announced this news on Twitter, terming it as a moment of pride for the country.

“India elected to the highest UN statistical body for a 4-year term beginning on 1 January 2024! Congrats Team @IndiaUNNewYork for coming through so strongly in a competitive election,” he said.

India secured 46 out of 53 votes in the UN Statistical Commission election, which was a multi-cornered election with four candidates competing for two seats. Rivals ROK (23), China (19), and UAE (15) were far behind. India was elected by secret ballot while Argentina, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Ukraine, the United Republic of Tanzania and the United States of America were elected by acclamation for a four-year term of office beginning January 1, 2024.

The United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC) is the highest decision-making body for international statistical activities and is responsible for setting statistical standards and developing concepts and methods. It brings together chief statisticians from member states around the world and is the highest body of the global statistical system.

The commission oversees the work of the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and is a Functional Commission of the UN Economic and Social Council. Its term of office of members is four years, and its members are elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council based on an equitable geographical distribution.