UN COMMITTEE ON BIG DATA: INTERNATIONAL RELATION

UN COMMITTEE ON BIG DATA: INTERNATIONAL RELATION

NEWS: India joins UN committee on big data for official statistic

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

India has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD), reinforcing its role in shaping global standards for using Big Data to improve official statistics and monitor Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established under the UN Statistical Commission in 2014, the committee addresses challenges and opportunities in harnessing Big Data for evidence-based policymaking.

 

India’s Membership in UN-CEBD

  • Significance:
  • India’s inclusion in UN-CEBD highlights its rising prominence in global statistical governance.
  • It demonstrates India’s proactive role in integrating technology and Big Data into policymaking frameworks.
  • Focus Area:
  • The committee explores how non-traditional data sources, including satellite imagery and IoT, can improve official statistics and SDG tracking.

 

 

India’s Contributions to UN-CEBD

  • Global Standards:
  • India will participate in developing international best practices and standards for Big Data in official statistics.
  • Key Agency:
  • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) will represent India in the committee.
  • Showcase of Initiatives:
  • India will highlight its innovations like the Data Innovation Lab, which focuses on new data collection methods.
  • Technologies such as satellite imagery, IoT, and AI will be promoted as tools for modernizing global statistics.

India’s Innovations in Big Data for Statistics

  1. Data Innovation Lab:
  • A government initiative exploring new statistical techniques and methodologies.
  1. Satellite Imagery and IoT:
  • These tools are employed to enhance the precision of estimates and monitor activities in real time.
  1. Machine Learning & AI:
  • These technologies help reduce data collection time lags and provide actionable, real-time insights.

 

Strategic Importance for India

  • Global Alignment:
  • India’s advancements in Big Data will align with international goals, strengthening its role in global frameworks.
  • Evidence-Based Governance:
  • Modernized statistical systems will provide policymakers with real-time data to address socio-economic challenges efficiently.
  • Enhanced Decision-Making:
  • By reducing the time lag in data availability, India will strengthen its governance and planning frameworks.

 

Understanding Big Data

  • Key Characteristics:
  • High Volume: Massive amounts of data generated continuously.
  • High Velocity: Rapid production of data at unprecedented speeds.
  • Wide Variety: Data originating from diverse sources and in various formats (structured, unstructured).

 

 

UN-CEBD Formation and Functions

  • Establishment:
  • Formed during the 45th session of the UN Statistical Commission.
  • Created to explore the potential of Big Data in improving official statistics and achieving SDGs.
  • Core Functions:
  • Investigating methodologies to adapt statistical systems to Big Data.
  • Maintaining data quality, privacy, and security standards.
  • Addressing challenges like fair data access and cost management.

 

Key Issues Addressed by UN-CEBD

  1. Methodology: Ensuring statistical techniques are suited for Big Data integration.
  2. Quality: Maintaining the reliability and accuracy of data used in official statistics.
  3. Technology: Employing advanced tools for processing vast datasets.
  4. Privacy and Legislation: Safeguarding individual privacy while using Big Data.
  5. Data Access: Addressing equitable and secure access to data sources.
  6. Cost Management: Ensuring the financial feasibility of Big Data solutions.

 

Benefits of Big Data in Official Statistics

  1. Integration of Non-Traditional Data Sources:
    • Data from private entities, IoT devices, and satellites improve data richness.
  1. Real-Time Insights:
    • Policymakers can access up-to-date data for quick and evidence-based decisions.
  1. Improved Accuracy:
    • Enhances the precision and timeliness of official statistics.
  1. Innovative Collection Techniques:
    • Advanced technologies streamline statistical production, reducing redundancies.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-joins-un-committee-on-big-data-for-official-statistics/article69088267.ece