New Delhi: The meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices (NSOs) of BRICS countries– Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)– is scheduled to be held under India’s Chairship from August 3 to 4 in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, according to an official statement issued on Sunday.
India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026 is guided by the overarching theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability (BRICS).” Within the BRICS Statistics track, India has adopted the theme “Quality Statistics as Driver of Change”, reflecting an unwavering commitment to data quality, innovation, effective dissemination, and people-centric statistical systems that are responsive to rapid technological advancements, the growing demand for high-frequency and granular data, and the increasing reliance on official statistics to support evidence-based, sustainable, and inclusive development, the statement said.
Modern BRICS policymaking relies on robust statistics to track development, guide decisions, and build mutual understanding. Since 2010, member countries have published the Joint Statistical Publication (JSP) and Snapshot BRICS JSP (introduced in 2020) to offer accessible, harmonised data. Over time, BRICS statistical cooperation has evolved from basic data collection into deeper alignment on data standards, harmonisation, and innovation for policymakers, researchers, and the public. Two main events on statistical matters are held every year, along with side events that include a technical meeting of NSOs and a meeting of heads of NSOs.
The technical meeting was held during April 16-17, 2026, primarily to facilitate discussions on the chapters of the BRICS JSP and Snapshot BRICS JSP. The discussions were focused on developing a mutually agreed framework for the JSP and Snapshot 2026, as well as determining the allocation of responsibilities and establishing timelines for contributions from each NSO.
The BRICS Statistics Track aims to deliver outcomes under the priority areas, which include strengthening core BRICS statistical products, innovation and reform in national statistical systems; and data dissemination and accessibility, as well as strengthening macroeconomic and sectoral statistics.
The Meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices of BRICS Countries is expected to be attended by representatives from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE, with the objective of further strengthening cooperation in the areas of dissemination of statistics, innovation in statistical systems, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
Two half-day side events with participation from National Statistical Offices of BRICS countries, policymakers, academia, think tanks, civil society organisations and technical experts are also being organised alongside the BRICS Heads of National Statistical Offices meeting on the following themes: Unlocking the Potential of Administrative and Al Readiness in the Evolving Data Ecosystem, the statement added.
(IANS)
