COVID-19: How the Data and Statistical Community Stepped Up to the New Challenges

Over the last year, the data and statistical community has faced unprecedented disruptions in statistical operations and a spike in demand for data to monitor the effects of the global pandemic. Many National Statistical Offices adapted quickly to challenges raised by COVID-19, and many of them have played a major role in governments’ COVID-19 response. New partnerships have been crucial in responding to new data demands, helping National Statistical Offices introduce measures that are permanently changing the statistical production process in many countries. However, the pandemic has exacerbated critical funding gaps in national, regional, and global statistical offices, making the mobilization of international and domestic resources to support data for sustainable development more urgent than ever.