The Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS) celebrated World Statistics Day 2025 at its headquarters in Suva, focusing on the vital role that data plays in national development planning. Observed every five years, the event emphasizes the necessity for high-quality, reliable statistics to inform government policies and drive sustainable progress in the nation.
The global theme for this year, “Driving change with quality statistics and data for everyone,” highlights the importance of innovation, inclusivity, and accuracy in utilizing data to foster positive change. The celebration gathered FBoS staff from across Fiji, including regional offices in Ba, Nadi, and Labasa, along with representatives from various government ministries, agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Esrom Immanuel, the Assistant Minister for Finance, was the Chief Guest and commended the FBoS for its commitment to providing credible and timely data crucial for evidence-based decision-making in all governmental sectors. He stated, “Reliable statistics are the foundation of effective policy,” recognizing the bureau’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the data systems that support Fiji’s national development goals.
FBoS expressed its gratitude to all partner agencies who participated in the event, reaffirming its dedication to advancing the use of data to create a better future for Fiji. This highlights the bureau’s designed approach to facilitating data accessibility, ensuring that statistical information is beneficial for policymakers, researchers, and even local communities.
Building on the discussions during the celebration, the bureau’s preparations for the upcoming National Population and Housing Census in 2027 were underscored. This significant endeavor reflects FBoS’s commitment to enhancing data collection and governance. Moreover, it positions Fiji to address existing gaps in the tracking of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where around 42% of indicators currently remain untracked due to insufficient data.
Fiji’s proactive stance on improving its statistical infrastructure aligns with its broader ambitions to fulfill its development goals leading up to 2030. By focusing on quality data, the FBoS not only steers its strategic planning but also empowers governmental and civil sector leaders to make informed decisions that enhance the well-being of all Fijians, setting an optimistic trajectory for the nation’s future.