The National Institute of Statistics of Djibouti (INSTAD) marked African Statistics Day, celebrated annually on November 18, with a campaign to raise awareness about the significance of statistics in understanding the country's realities and informing public policies. The campaign, which took place in the interior regions of Djibouti, aimed to promote a culture of statistics and highlight the importance of reliable data in decision-making.
This year's African Statistics Day was themed "Institutionalizing water and sanitation statistics for sustainable and climate-resilient development in Africa." The INSTAD campaign focused on the importance of statistics in the water and sanitation sectors, which are critical for improving living conditions and achieving sustainable development goals. The campaign included meetings with local authorities, regional councils, and representatives of decentralized state services.
During these meetings, INSTAD teams emphasized the role of statistical data in designing, implementing, and evaluating public policies. They also engaged in dialogue with local stakeholders to understand the specific needs and challenges of each region. The discussions highlighted the need for accurate information on access to clean water and sanitation, which is essential for addressing the impacts of climate change.
The campaign also aimed to educate the public about the importance of their participation in national data collection efforts. INSTAD stressed that the quality of statistical results depends on the availability and reliability of information provided by citizens. By participating in censuses and national surveys, citizens can contribute to a better understanding of the country's demographic and socio-economic realities.
In addition to raising awareness about statistics, the INSTAD campaign included a social solidarity component. As part of its employment survey, the institute distributed food vouchers to vulnerable households that had been identified in advance. This initiative complemented the awareness campaign and demonstrated INSTAD's commitment to supporting the most fragile populations.
The African Statistics Day campaign is part of INSTAD's efforts to strengthen its relationships with local authorities and stakeholders, while promoting a better understanding of the role of statistics in public policy. By decentralizing its activities and engaging with citizens, INSTAD aims to demonstrate that statistics are not just administrative data, but a concrete tool for understanding national realities and improving public action.
The celebration of African Statistics Day in Djibouti highlights the importance of reliable data in addressing the challenges of sustainable development and climate change. As the country continues to face recurring droughts, flood risks, and increasing pressure on water resources, the availability of accurate statistics will be crucial for informing public policies and building resilience.
Key points
- The National Institute of Statistics of Djibouti (INSTAD) conducted an awareness campaign in the country's interior regions to promote the importance of statistics in public policy and sustainable development.
