India elected to UN statistical body for 4-year term

In a significant victory, India has been elected to the highest statistical body of the UN for a four-year term beginning January 1 next year.

India won the UN Statistical Commission election by securing 46 out of 53 votes, leaving rivals ROK (23), China (19) and UAE (15) far behind, ANI reported. This was a multi-cornered election. Four candidates were vying for two seats.

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.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said this on Twitter. 'India elected to the highest UN statistical body for a 4-year term beginning on 1 January 2024! Congrats Team @IndiaUNNewYork for coming through so strongly in a competitive election,'' he said.

Jaishankar said India's expertise in the field of statistics, diversity and demography has earned it the seat on the UN Statistical Commission.

Established in 1947, the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC) is the highest body of the global statistical system, bringing together chief statisticians from member states from around the world.

It is the highest decision making body for international statistical activities and is responsible for setting of statistical standards and the development of concepts and methods, including their implementation at the national and international level, as per the UNSC website.

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. Five members are from African States, four from Asia-Pacific States, four from Eastern European States, four from Latin American and Caribbean States and seven members from Western European and other States.