Election: India elected to the top UN statistical body for a 4-year term
Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: In a significant development, India has overwhelmingly been elected to the United Nations 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.
Of the 53, India secured an overwhelming 46 votes, more than twice what China got.
The media reported on Thursday that the balloting process will resume later in the day for electing the remaining Asia Pacific States member from among China and South Korea.
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 1 January 2024! Congrats Team @IndiaUNNewYork for coming through so strongly in a competitive election,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted.
He said India’s “expertise in the field of statistics, diversity & demography has earned it a seat on the UN Statistical Commission.”
The current members from the Asia-Pacific States are Japan, Samoa, Kuwait, and the Republic of Korea, whose terms are ending this year.
The United Nations Statistical Commission, established in 1947, is the highest body of the global statistical system bringing together the Chief Statisticians from member states from around the world.
It is the highest decision-making body for international statistical activities, responsible for setting statistical standards and developing concepts and methods, including their implementation at the national and international levels.
The Commission comprises 24 member countries of the United Nations elected by the UN Economic and Social Council on the basis of equitable geographical distribution.
The organization’s 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.
