See Samoa’s Story through DATA

NEWS RELEASE: “See Samoa’s Story through DATA”

In continuation of Samoa Bureau of Statistics’s (SBS) pursuit of making official statistics easy to understand and accessible by the general public, the launching of ‘interactive data visualization Dashboards” was held at the Taumeasina Island Resort on Tuesday 18th June 2024. The launch was officiated by Afioga Leota Aliielua Salani, Government Statistician, and the Deputy High Commissioner of Australia, Samoa High Commission Office, Miss Claire McGeehan.

As stated by Leota, “a picture is worth a thousand words, so today is not just an unveiling of a new tool, but a transformative step in how we engage with all users and utilize data for the benefit and development of Samoa.” The continuous attempt of ‘making statistics easy to access and use’ by the Bureau, has initiated not only the release of statistical communication products, but the use of interactive charts, graphs and pictures of released official statistics on the ‘Dashboards’ webpage of the SBS website (www.sbs.gov.ws\Dashboards). Statistics include Samoa’s ’10-year’ population growth, age and sex population distribution, ‘billions-worth’ of total GDP annually, ‘monthly-measure’ of contributors to Samoa’s inflation (CPI), ‘millions-worth’ growth of Samoa’s fiscal net operating balance, and much more.

The Deputy High Commissioner, Miss Claire McGeehan, highlighted the “power of data to drive meaningful change… as accurate numbers are powerful”. The Government of Samoa through the Bureau, in “…shared commitment to change with the Government of Australia through the Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program (Tautai)”, continually commits to further improve access to simplified and valued statistical products, by utilising ‘innovative information, communication and technology’ as per the national priorities identified in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2022-2026.

Multiple live presentations utilising the Dashboards included ‘show-casing’ the impact of Data Visualisation to further develop trust and credibility in the official statistics released. The presentations emphasised the ‘interactive’ concept driving the ‘Dashboards’ by demonstrating a ‘walk-through’ live on the Samoa Bureau of Statistics website (www.sbs.gov.ws\Dashboards). The live presentations triggered interactive discussions from the attendees, along with appreciation and support to continuous statistical service. Leota closed off with a positive remark that the Bureau is continuously engaging with stakeholders, ministries and private sector for efficient, convenient and trusted information sharing to improve the service to Samoa.

For further information about this event please contact 62000 or email Alaiula Ioasa at alaiula.ioasa@sbs.gov.ws or Siala Lova at siala.lova@sbs.gov.ws.