This paper explores some of the obstacles and challenges in securing funding for statistical development, both in developing countries and in institutions supporting statistics. The paper studies, for example, to what extent the current financial crisis has had an impact on the availability of funds for statistics. The paper offers some possible solutions to address these issues. The design and implementation of a National Strategy for the Development of Statistics is identified as a good framework around which countries and their donor communities can agree on priorities and align/co-ordinate funding.

Keywords: Statistical capacity development; Funding; National strategies for the development of statistics; PARIS21

Biography: Since 2002, Mr. Bensel has worked in the Secretariat for the Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Cebtury (PARIS21), based in the OECD in Paris. He manages the PARIS21 programme of methodological studies, the regional programme for Asia and the Pacific, and the coordination of partners. Prior to joining PARIS21, he worked for 4 years in the U.S. Agency for International Development in Washington, DC. He holds advanced degrees in philosophy, French literature, and translation.