Press Releases

The 9th European Statistics Day will be celebrated on 20 October 2024. The celebration of the European Statistics Day, which complements World Statistics Day taking place every five years, aims at highlighting the important role of official statistics in our society. The Statistical Service supports this year’s motto “Official Statistics, a Window for Understanding Society”.

Official statistics provide a key perspective for gaining comprehensive and reliable insights into society. They are essential for making informed decisions based on evidence, both for the present and future.

Merely having access to data and information is no longer sufficient. For many years, official statistics have been produced with a commitment to independence, integrity, and accountability, following international standards, best practices, and scientific methods, while continuously striving for innovation. As trustworthy, high-quality statistics have become a cornerstone of policymaking, the encouraging news is that official statistics are now more accessible to citizens than ever, leveraging the vast potential of the digital era.

Advances in technology, such as the artificial intelligence (AI), are unlocking new technical possibilities, including the use of new data types, sources, and tools to reduce the reporting burden and more swiftly address emerging trends and user needs.

However, for official statistics to fully serve their purpose they must continue to engage the public and enhance citizens' ability to correctly interpret and use data. Additionally, in the digital era, official statistics face critical challenges, such as data protection and cybersecurity.

In conclusion, the central message for European Statistics Day 2024 is that official statistics serve as a dynamic window for all citizens, offering a deeper understanding of society and the reliable information needed to plan for a collective future.

In Cyprus, the competent Authority for the compilation and dissemination of most of the official statistics is the Statistical Service (CYSTAT). In the framework of the celebration of the European Statistics Day, CYSTAT, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus Statistical Society, will announce the launch of the European Statistics Competition in Cyprus, on the 21^st of October 2024. The competition aims to promote the use of official statistics and will be held amongst secondary school students during the school year 2024-2025.

(IA/MS)