The Pacific is leading the global community in marking the fourth-ever World Statistics Day this 20 October, celebrating the critical role of quality statistics and data in driving change for everyone.
Established by the United Nations and observed every five years, the Pacific is marking World Statistics Day on 20 October 2025, highlighting and celebrating the role of official statistics in guiding good public policy, strengthening transparency, and improving lives.
“Societies must have confidence that official statistics are guided solely by scientific, ethical and professional standards,” wrote Mr António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General in a letter to representatives of United Nations member states and observers.
“As we mark this year’s World Statistics Day, I urge you to reaffirm your commitment to the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, which call for impartial, professionally produced data that upholds the right of the public to trustworthy information.”
Each World Statistics Day observance has built upon the last, from 2015’s ‘Better data, better lives’, 2020’s ‘Connecting the world with data we can trust, and now ‘Driving change with quality statistics and data for everyone.’
Together, the themes speak to data as a cornerstone of evidence-led decision-making for resilient development, a vision similarly central to the Strategic Framework for Pacific Statistics and Pacific Data Hub.
“Like everywhere, Pacific Island countries and territories depend on sound statistics to plan infrastructure, monitor population trends, manage natural resources, and measure progress toward national and regional goals like those in the 2050 Strategy,” commented Mr Peter Ellis, Director of SPC’s Statistics for Development Division.
“As the Pacific region joins this global celebration, it’s also a chance to showcase how Pacific national statistics and data institutions are translating the day’s theme into practice—using data to empower communities, strengthen resilience and drive effective change.”
A 24-hour global relay of data and ideas
For the first time, World Statistics Day will feature a 24-hour global webinar marathon, uniting voices and innovations from every corner of the world.
From Bangkok to Beirut, Addis Ababa to Geneva, Santiago to New York, participants will move with the sun, passing the virtual baton across time zones. The online event will showcase how data powers sustainable development and inclusive decision-making, and how countries are adapting their statistical systems to meet new challenges.
The Pacific Community (SPC) will host a 90-minute regional spotlight session (11:30–13:00 NCT / 12:30–14:00 FJT) on the theme ‘Driving change through engaging the whole of society.’
Presentations will highlight regional initiatives that bring statistics closer to people—from youth data storytellers and national awareness campaigns, to community partnerships and data innovation.
Speakers will join live from Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, showcasing creative approaches—including competitions, data visualisations and short films—that make statistics engaging and accessible to all.
Around the Pacific
Activities are also taking place around the Pacific, led by national statistical offices with SPC’s support.
American Samoa
The American Samoa Statistics and Analysis Division will host its inaugural World Statistics Day event, with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor as special guests, and the public invited to join in celebrating the vital role of data in shaping the territory's development.
Kiribati – The power of data
Kiribati’s World Statistics Day participation follows a major milestone earlier this year—the release of its Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2023–24 results.
Opened by President Taneti Maamau, the launch in June 2025 marked a Pacific-first, delivering 11 statistical products from a single survey, covering topics ranging from labour and food consumption to digital literacy and climate resilience.
Participating in the Pacific regional spotlight of the 24-hour webinar, Republic Statistician Ms Aritita Tekaieti of the Kiribati National Statistics Office will present her country’s experience in planning and executing a high-impact statistical programme anchored in strong political support and effective partnerships.
Nauru – Singing for statistics
Nauru’s Bureau of Statistics is leading one of the region’s most creative community engagement campaigns, blending learning with outreach.
Ahead of World Statistics Day, the bureau is running nationwide essay, poster and logo competitions, a radio campaign, hosting public giveaways to spark curiosity about the role of statistics in Nauru’s future, and even developing a unique theme song.
The initiative aims to build visibility and trust in data while inspiring students and citizens to view statistics as part of their daily lives. A live cross to the Nauru Bureau of Statistics’ programme will be featured in the 24-hour webinar.
Fiji – Data for now
Fiji’s Chief Statistician, Mr Kemueli Naiqama, will present in the 24-hour webinar on his country’s ‘Data For Now’ initiative. The programme is building Fiji’s capacity to produce timely, high-quality data that supports local and national policymakers in designing effective strategies to achieve the 2030 Agenda and improve people’s lives.
French Polynesia – Data in motion
In French Polynesia, the Institut de la statistique will host a half-day conference at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Trades, featuring five presentations on data protection, price indices, surveys, careers in statistics, and the territory’s social and economic outlook.
The afternoon will feature hands-on workshops on open data, data visualisation, and survey methods—also covering the Pacific Dataviz Challenge, which invites participants to turn open data into compelling visual stories accessible to all.
Samoa – Driving change with quality statistics
Samoa Bureau of Statistics will lead a full day of activities aligned with the global theme, supported by Tautai (Samoa–Australia Partnership) and the United Nations Development Programme.
Highlights include school engagement activities, the national digital identification campaign and awareness, and the presentation of the Samoa Bureau of Statistics’ new corporate plan and statistics strategy review.
Key leaders in attendance include the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Australian High Commissioner, and SPC’s Mr Peter Ellis, underscoring the importance given to data for policy, progress and prosperity.
Tonga – Returning data to the people
The Tonga Statistics Department is taking a community-centred approach to this year’s celebration, hosting a showcase of its services and products, and sharing how census data is being returned directly to villages across the Kingdom.
Since the 2021 census, the department has produced and distributed over 200 village-level reports, ensuring communities can use their own data for local development planning.
Chief Statistician Mr Sione Lolohea will present during the 24-hour webinar on how this outreach effort is strengthening trust, participation and evidence-based progress ahead of Tonga’s next census in 2026.
SPC’s Mr Peter Ellis also gave a talk to the Statistics Department, in country ahead of World Statistics Day for CRGA55 and the 14th Conference of the Pacific Community.
Vanuatu – Data science for resilience
Vanuatu’s Bureau of Statistics is showcasing an innovative data-science initiative that integrates satellite imagery, environmental data and population statistics to improve disaster preparedness.
Through automated analysis and interactive dashboards, the system provides rapid insights for decision-makers and communities facing climate risks.
During the 24-hour webinar, Government Statistician Mr Andy Calo will present how open-source, locally owned systems are helping Vanuatu build resilience and set an example for data-driven climate adaptation across the Pacific.
Data for everyone
“From essay contests to satellite analytics, Pacific countries are showing how statistics can engage, empower and inform communities,” commented Ms Evelyn Wareham, Deputy Director of SPC’s Statistics for Development Division at a regional workshop held in Nadi, Fiji, on geographic information systems (GIS) and censuses where World Statistics Day was toasted.
“World Statistics Day 2025 is more than a celebration, it’s a reminder that quality data drives change when it’s accessible, trusted and shared by all.”
