International Forum “Digital Transformation of National Statistical Systems” has started in Astana

Today, the International Forum “Digital Transformation of National Statistical Systems” opened in Astana. The event is dedicated to the 105th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s state statistics. The forum has brought together more than 150 participants, including heads and representatives of statistical offices from China, Singapore, Georgia, Hungary, Indonesia, Serbia, and CIS countries. Representatives of international organizations – the UN, UNECE, OECD, UNIDO, UNFPA, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank – as well as government agencies, academia, and the expert community are also taking part.

The forum focuses on current trends in the digitalization of statistics, data quality and value, as well as the use of big data and artificial intelligence technologies in public administration.

Opening the plenary session, Asset Irgaliyev, Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, noted that over the years of independence, Kazakhstan has made significant progress — from statistical accounting in a planned economy to a modern system fully aligned with international standards of the UN, OECD, IMF, and other organizations.

“Statistics remains a guarantor of openness and trust. An anniversary is not only a time to reflect on results but also an opportunity to set new horizons. Thanks to international cooperation, Kazakhstan’s statistical system will continue to make a substantial contribution to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” Irgaliyev emphasized.

“Today, the global statistical community faces serious challenges arising from the development of the information environment and changes in public life. On behalf of the CIS Statistical Committee, I am pleased to congratulate our Kazakhstani colleagues on the anniversary and thank them for the high level of organization and warm hospitality. Kazakhstan’s statisticians have accumulated valuable experience, and I am confident it will benefit all CIS countries. Only through joint efforts can we effectively respond to global challenges and advance statistics for the benefit of our nations,” said Konstantin Laykam, Chairman of the Interstate Statistical Committee of the CIS, in his congratulatory remarks.

The forum’s program includes sessions on digital transformation of national statistical systems, data quality, the use of big data and artificial intelligence, and communication with users of statistics. Signing ceremonies of memorandums of cooperation with the Asian Development Bank, UNFPA, Halyk Bank, KazAID, and the Statistics Office of Indonesia are also expected.

Maxat Turlubayev, Head of the Bureau of National Statistics of the ASPR of the RK, presented the Bureau’s vision for digital transformation.

“Our goal is to create a digital ecosystem that integrates the collection, processing, and analysis of data on a single platform. This will improve the accuracy of statistics, enable timely responses to changes, and ensure transparency for society,” Turlubayev said.

The forum is organized by the Bureau of National Statistics of the ASPR of the RK in cooperation with the Interstate Statistical Committee of the CIS.