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Reliable data and global collaboration in statistics drive informed decisions for sustainable development and global progress.
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Theme 2025: Driving change with quality statistics and data for everyone

This year’s commemoration of World Statistics Day alongside the United Nations' 80th anniversary highlights the crucial role that reliable data plays in global progress. Statistics have been foundational not only to the UN’s operations but also to addressing worldwide challenges such as peacekeeping, sustainable development, climate change, and public health. The global statistical community exemplifies international cooperation, bringing together professionals from all regions to establish standards, share methodologies, and ensure accurate, timely data. Trusted statistics enable policymakers, businesses, and citizens to navigate complexity and make informed decisions, helping to reveal critical issues and drive meaningful change.

Reliable data underpins effective policymaking, economic planning, and societal development, especially in today’s complex world. Trust in statistical systems fosters transparency and ethical use of data, while collaboration across countries and experts promotes innovation and best practices. Equally important is building data literacy within communities, making statistics accessible and understandable to all. This empowerment helps bridge the gap between data producers and users, promoting inclusivity and better policy outcomes. With evolving technology and new tools, the potential to collect, analyze, and visualize data continues to expand, offering fresh opportunities to advance sustainable development and social equity worldwide.

    

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For the first time, UN Regional Commissions will host a 24-hour nonstop global webinar marathon, featuring voices, stories, and innovations from around the world. The event will span multiple time zones, from Bangkok to New York, highlighting how data supports sustainable development and inclusive decision-making. Join us for World Statistics Day 2025 — 24 hours, 5 regions, 1 global data community.

Date: 20 October 2025
Format: Virtual, MS Teams, 24 hours, streamed globally
 

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Background

At its 41st Session in February 2010, the United Nations Statistical Commission proposed celebrating 20 October 2010 as World Statistics Day ().

Acknowledging that the production of reliable, timely statistics and indicators of countries’ progress is indispensable for informed policy decisions and monitoring implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, the General Assembly adopted on 3 June 2010 , which officially designated 20 October 2010 as the  under the general theme “Celebrating the many achievements of official statistics.”

In 2015, with , the General Assembly decided to designate 20 October 2015 as the under the general theme “Better data, better lives,” as well as to celebrate World Statistics Day every five years on 20 October.

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Data for a changing world

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As structural UN reforms consolidate, we are focused on building the data, digital, technology and innovation capabilities that the UN needs to succeed in the 21st century. The Secretary General’s “Data Strategy for Action by Everyone, Everywhere” is our agenda for the data-driven transformation. Data permeates all aspects of our work, and its power—harnessed responsibly—is critical to the global agendas we serve. The UN family’s footprint, expertise and connectedness create unique opportunities to advance global “data action” with insight, impact and integrity. To help unlock more potential, 50 UN entities jointly designed this Strategy as a comprehensive playbook for data-driven change based on global best practice.

The aims to drive data innovation, foster partnerships, and mobilize political and financial support to advance data for sustainable development. Since its launch in 2017, the Forum has grown from 2,000 participants to a global community of over 20,000 stakeholders. Each Forum has produced an outcome document, beginning with the (CTGAP), followed by the . Recent declarations such as the and the build on the CTGAP, reflecting evolving priorities and broader stakeholder engagement.

The next Forum is planned in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to take place between 9 and 12 November 2026.

 

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International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.