United Nations Statistical Commission

The Statistical Commission considers special issues of concern in international statistical development, methodological issues, coordination and integration of international statistical programmes, support of technical cooperation activities in statistics and organizational matters.

Within the terms of the above resolutions, there is flexibility for the Commission to adjust, where necessary, its priorities and methods to meet new requirements and maintain a balance between matters of current concern and the longer-term development aspects of the statistical system.

• Agenda items considered from 2000-2010
• Agenda items considered from 2010-2018

In July 1999 the Economic and Social Council decided that the Commission should meet annually for four days each session, starting in the year 2000.

The Commission submits a report on each session to the Economic and Social Council. The report contains an account of the Commission's proceedings and the action taken on each agenda item.

The Commission may submit to the Council, in the form of draft resolutions, recommendations to States Members of the United Nations, the Secretary-General or the specialized agencies. Any financial implications of the draft resolutions must be brought to the attention of the Commission and the Council before being adopted and must subsequently be approved by the organs of the United Nations having the necessary authority.

The Commission consists of 24 member countries of the United Nations elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council on the basis of an equitable geographical distribution according to the following pattern:

• (a) Five members from African States;
• (b) Four members from Asian States;
• (c) Four members from Eastern European States;
• (d) Four members from Latin American and Caribbean States;
• (e) Seven members from Western European and other States.

The term of office of members is four years.

The officers of the Commission, also referd to as the Bureau, are the Chairman, 3 Vice-chairmen and the Rapporteur.

In between sessions of the Commission, members of the Commission, the Bureau and the Secretariat consult on the election of the Bureau for the upcoming session. A Bureau is elected for a one year period with the expectation that they will be re-elected to a second one year term if available. Nominations are made by members of the Commission. Elections are held at the beginning of a session. In practice elections have been by acclamation.

At its thirtieth session the Commission decided to give the officers of the Commission (if necessary complemented by any others whose participation is deemed useful by the Chairman) more of a steering role.