The Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS) recently marked World Statistics Day 2025 at its headquarters in Suva, emphasizing the crucial role that data plays in shaping national development strategies. Celebrated every five years, this year’s event brought to light the need for high-quality, reliable statistics that inform government decisions and drive sustainable progress across the nation.
Under the global theme of “Driving change with quality statistics and data for everyone,” the celebration underscored the importance of innovation, inclusivity, and accuracy in leveraging data to foster meaningful change. Participants included FBoS staff from across Fiji, regional representatives from Ba, Nadi, and Labasa, and various officials from government ministries, agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Esrom Immanuel, Assistant Minister for Finance, served as the Chief Guest and praised FBoS for its dedication to providing trustworthy and timely data that is essential for evidence-based policymaking. He remarked, “Reliable statistics are the foundation of effective policy,” stressing the bureau’s commitment to enhancing the data systems that support Fiji’s national development objectives.
The celebration also highlighted FBoS’s ongoing collaboration with partner agencies, reinforcing its commitment to increasing data accessibility, ensuring that statistical insights benefit policymakers, researchers, and the local community alike.
Additionally, discussions during the event pivoted towards the upcoming National Population and Housing Census scheduled for 2027. This significant initiative underlines FBoS’s dedication to improving data collection practices and governance, while also working to close gaps in monitoring Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Currently, approximately 42% of indicators remain untracked due to a lack of adequate data.
Fiji’s proactive approach to enhancing its statistical framework aligns with its ambitions to reach development goals through 2030. By prioritizing quality data, FBoS empowers governmental and civil leaders to make well-informed decisions, ultimately improving the quality of life for all Fijians and setting a hopeful course for the nation’s future. The agency’s commitment to data-driven development serves as a pillar for fostering sustainable growth and positive change in the years ahead.