European Statistics Day – October 20
"Official Statistics, a window for understanding society" is the motto of the 9th European Statistics Day. It is celebrated on October 20 with the mission of drawing public attention to the crucial role of data in understanding and shaping the present and future of European citizens.
In a modern world saturated with misinformation, fake news, and manipulation, official statistics serve as a compass for making rational decisions. Reliable data are an indispensable foundation for the work of those who shape socio-economic policies and manage development, as well as for businesses, civil society organizations, and citizens in their daily lives.
By applying methodologies based on international standards, best practices, and innovations, official statistics have long been produced according to the principles of independence, integrity, and responsibility. However, modern times constantly impose new demands. Rapid technological advances, particularly in the fields of digitalization and artificial intelligence, have opened up numerous possibilities, such as the use of new types of data, sources, and tools. It is encouraging that, thanks to technology, statistics have become closer to citizens than ever before. Nevertheless, to fully utilize the potential and transformative power of data, it is necessary to continuously raise public awareness of the importance of statistics, its proper use, and to strengthen capacities to effectively tackle challenges in areas such as cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy.
Merely possessing large amounts of data is no longer sufficient. Given their vital role in decision-making and planning processes, it is essential to strengthen statistical institutions to respond more quickly to the new and urgent needs of users, expand the portfolio of products and services, strengthen resilience to crises, and develop the ability to adapt to societal changes. These are precisely some of the key goals of the Innovation Agenda of the European Statistical System (ESS) and the Climate Change and Nature Plan of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB).
Finally, European Statistics Day is also an opportunity to pay tribute to all those who turn numbers into knowledge – statisticians, analysts, and scientists – whose work behind the scenes helps us understand even the most complex social issues, overcome challenges, and identify opportunities for growth and sustainable development.
On the initiative of the European Statistical Advisory Committee (ESAC) and with the support of the European Statistical System (ESS) and the European System of Central Banks (ESCB), October 20 was first celebrated as European Statistics Day in 2016.