United Nations Statistical Commission

Why in news?

• India has been elected to the UN Statistical Commission for a four-year term.

About United Nations Statistical Commission:

• It was established in 1947 with headquarters in New York, USA.
• It is the highest body of the global statistical system bringing together the Chief Statisticians from member states from around the world.
• It is responsible for setting statistical standards and the development of concepts and methods, including their implementation at the national and international levels.
• The commission also oversees the work of the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), and it is a Functional Commission of the UN Economic and Social Council.

Members and Tenure:

• The Commission consists of 24 member countries of the United Nations elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council on the basis of equitable geographical distribution.
• The term of office of members is four years.

Add ons:

• India was a member of the Statistical Commission last in 2004 and the country is returning to the UN agency after a gap of two decades.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

With reference to ‘United Nations Statistical Commission’, consider the following statements:

1. Its members are elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council on the basis of equitable geographical distribution.

2. The term of office of members is four years.

3. India has never been a member of the Commission

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer