In the Samoa Bureau of Statistics’s (SBS) ongoing effort to make official statistics accessible and understandable for the general public, the launch of ‘Interactive Data Visualisation Dashboards’ was held at Taumeasina Island Resort on Tuesday, 18th June 2024. The event was officiated by Afioga Leota Aliielua Salani, Government Statistician, and Miss Claire McGeehan, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia, Samoa High Commission Office.
Leota emphasized the importance of data visualization by stating, “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.” This initiative aims to simplify access to statistics, featuring interactive charts, graphs, and images of official statistics on the SBS website’s Dashboards page (www.sbs.gov.ws\Dashboards). Key statistics include Samoa’s 10-year population growth, age and sex distribution, annual GDP, monthly contributors to inflation (CPI), and growth of Samoa’s fiscal net operating balance.
Miss Claire McGeehan highlighted the “power of data to drive meaningful change… as accurate numbers are powerful.” She noted that the Government of Samoa, through the Bureau and in collaboration with the Government of Australia via the Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program (Tautai), is committed to improving access to simplified and valuable statistical products. This commitment aligns with the national priorities outlined in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2022-2026, utilizing innovative information, communication, and technology.
The event featured live presentations showcasing the impact of data visualization in building trust and credibility in official statistics. These presentations demonstrated the interactive capabilities of the Dashboards through a live walkthrough on the SBS website, sparking interactive discussions among attendees and garnering appreciation and support for continued statistical services. Leota concluded by affirming the Bureau’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders, ministries, and the private sector to enhance information sharing and service delivery in Samoa.
For further information about this event, please contact 62000 or email Alaiula Ioasa at [email protected] or Siala Lova at [email protected].
