Dorji Choden

The National Statistics Bureau (NSB) launched its National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) 2024–2029 on December 18  in Thimphu.

The event was graced by the Cabinet Secretary.

The strategy aims to ensure that data and statistics are not only accessible but also effectively utilised to guide policymaking, planning, and service delivery.

Its successful implementation is expected to transform Bhutan’s public sector into a dynamic, results-oriented body that emphasizes accountability, effective management, and robust governance.

Aligned with the 13th F Plan, the NSDS lays out a clear vision and strategic framework to improve the country’s statistical capabilities over the next decade.

The strategy focuses on five Key Performance Indicators designed to address current gaps and elevate the quality and availability of data to support evidence-based decision-making.

NSDS was developed with support from Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century (PARIS21), a global partnership that advocates for better use of statistics based in France.

PARIS21 works to enhance statistical systems in the least developed, low-income, fragile, and small island developing states aiming to provide reliable data and statistics to support sustainable development.

It will also serve as a foundation for securing funding from the government and development partners to strengthen financial and operational support for Bhutan’s statistical programmes.

The strategy’s key areas of focus include improving the quality of administrative data, publishing more frequent and detailed statistics, and developing a comprehensive data governance framework to ensure data security, privacy, and inter-operability.

It also emphasises the availability of high-quality data for forward-looking policies and services, such as thematic reports and inequality assessments.

Furthermore, the NSDS highlights the importance of building human capacity within the National Statistical System (NSS) by providing targeted training in data science, predictive analytics, and statistics, ensuring that staff are equipped with the skills needed for advanced data management and analysis.

Implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the NSDS will be led by the NSB in collaboration with other NSS agencies.

The strategy is designed to promote data-driven governance and decision-making, enabling Bhutan to achieve its broader development goals.