India elected to UN Statistical Commission for four-year period

In a significant victory, India has overwhelmingly been elected to the UN Statistical Commission for a four-year period in a “competitive” election in which China and South Korea are still vying for the remaining seat from the Asia Pacific category. India secured an overwhelming 46 out of 53 votes. A second candidate is yet to be decided between South Korea and China and the balloting process will resume later in the day for electing the remaining Asia Pacific States member. 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. “India elected to the highest UN statistical body for a 4-year term beginning on January1, 2024! Congrats Team @IndiaUNNewYork for coming through so strongly in a competitive election,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a tweet.

PRESS RELEASE

#India elected to:
➡️ UN Statistical Commission,
➡️ Commission on Narcotic Drugs &
➡️Programme Coordinating Board of UNAIDS by ECOSOC

: https://t.co/gUnT32i0I5 pic.twitter.com/qm8fvOHrUm

— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) April 5, 2023

The Statistical Commission is the highest body dealing with international statistical activities and is responsible for standards setting in the field of statistics. India was a member of the Statistical Commission last in 2004. Thus, India is returning to the Statistical Commission after a gap of two decades. The experience of India in the field of official statistics especially with regard to its diversity and demography is immense and will be a value addition to the functioning of the Statistical Commission.The Commission on Narcotic Drugs supervises the application of international drug control treaties, while the Programme Coordinating Board of UNAIDS supports and provides strategic direction for an international response to HIV/AIDS.