In a remarkable achievement for Sierra Leone, Andrew Bob Johnny, the nation’s Statistician-General, has been unanimously elected as the Rapporteur of the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC) for a two-year term.
This esteemed position places Mr. Johnny among the Bureau members of the UNSC, where he will bear the important responsibility of documenting, summarizing, and reporting on the discussions and decisions made during the commission’s sessions. As Rapporteur, Mr. Johnny will oversee the reporting on critical issues, proposed standards, and agreed-upon actions related to international statistical best practices for the years 2024 and 2025.
This role is typically entrusted to highly experienced statisticians who possess extensive expertise in international statistical standards and practices, underscoring the significance of Mr Johnny’s election. His appointment is a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work in advancing Sierra Leone’s National Statistics Office.
Through innovative approaches and the integration of technology in data collection methods, Mr Johnny has played a pivotal role in ensuring the production of credible data necessary for national development. Upon his election, Mr Johnny expressed profound gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for the trust and confidence placed in him, which empowers him to carry out his duties effectively.
He emphasized that his election reflects the transformative efforts and significant progress being made in Sierra Leone’s data collection and analysis sector, which is increasingly gaining recognition on the global stage. Established in 1946, the UN Statistical Commission serves as the highest decision-making body for statistics worldwide, responsible for setting statistical standards and methods for implementation at both national and international levels.