There is no doubt that we are currently experiencing many difficulties in social and economic life. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine, but also countless other armed conflicts or a smaller-scale of epidemics constitute a great challenge for the systems of official statistics. The economic effects of the pandemic cannot be overestimated, a massive impact on global supply chains, issues of raw material and commodity security, restrictions in the workplace and interpersonal contacts, a complete halt to selected sectors of the economy, or the rapidly growing public debts of countries, are just some of the effects of the still unfinished pandemic. As if that was not enough, the acute refugee crisis in Europe, with the massive blow to the affected economies, the blockage of air routes and the Black Sea ports, and the collapse of fuel imports and exports of agricultural products have further disruptive effects on a national and global economy. The session aims to discuss these issues that charge official statistics with new tasks and challenges. We wish to demonstrate the contribution of statistics to such knowledge not only by recording the horrors of the war but also by providing statistical evidence on cross-border and transnational human solidarity and empathy, as well as the concern for the shared values of all societies which want to live in peace. Not only through a simple listing of subsequent activities and changes introduced in connection with the course of the pandemic but also an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms necessary to establish the tools that will ensure the sustainable use of the experience gained in the future.

The session is devoted to statistical data production during times of great hardship. It will bring together speakers from the national statistical offices, academia, and international organizations. We will encourage an open exchange of views and discussions on, but not limited to, the following topics:

-production of official statistics in pandemic conditions, agility in adapting to changing conditions, and ability to respond quickly to new information needs;

-war conditions and on the role of official statistics in documenting the effects of aggression on the economy and society with the emphasis on statistical sytems of countries affected by war;

-Issues relating to the humanitarian crisis and the degradation of people’s well-being;

-reconstruction and strengthening of national statistical systems, with particular focus on development aid for Ukraine including support to the NSS;

-the issues of ensuring efficient coordination of development aid.

Organiser: Dr Misha Belkindas

Chair: Dr Misha V. Belkindas

Speaker: Dominik Rozkrut

Speaker: Ilana Ron-Levey

Speaker: Dr Jan Robert Suesser

Discussant:  Dr Haishan Fu 

Discussant: PROF. DR. Lisa Grace Bersales