Labour market statistics
Pacific nations strengthen labour market data systems through ILO training
Policymakers and statisticians from 11 Pacific Island countries enhance skills in labour market data collection, analysis and international standards at ILO-led academy in Fiji.
19 February 2025
Nadi, Fiji (ILO news) – The capacity of Pacific nations to gather, analyze and make use of high quality statistical data on their labour markets been reinforced following training provided by the International Labour Organization.
Policymakers, statisticians and labour market analysts from 11 Pacific Island countries gathered in Nadi, Fiji from 17-21 February 2025 to take part in the Labour Market Statistics & Analysis Academy.
Organised by the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO), the event underscored the critical importance of strengthening statistical systems to enhance labour market data collection, analysis, and dissemination in the region. This is the second edition of the Academy in the Pacific, organised on a regular basis.
“The Pacific region faces unique challenges in labour market data collection, making it all the more important to strengthen national statistical systems,” said the Officer-in-Charge of the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries, Christian Viegelahn. “Through this Academy, we have fostered deeper regional collaboration and helped ensure that labour statistics align with international standards. The knowledge and skills shared will empower national statistical offices and policymakers to make informed decisions that drive inclusive development in the region.”
With the world of work evolving rapidly, timely, reliable and relevant labour market data has never been more essential. The Academy focused on equipping participants with the latest global statistical developments and methodologies. The sessions covered key advancements introduced by the 19th, 20th, and 21st International Conferences of Labour Statisticians (ICLS), including new international standards on work statistics, work relationships, informality and labour migration.
Participants engaged in-depth discussions on how to operationalize key international statistical standards, including those on work relationships, gender-disaggregated labour data and the measurement of recruitment costs of migrant workers. Furthermore, the Academy emphasized the modernization of labour market data collection systems to ensure resilience in the face of future crises.
The event brought together labour statisticians from national statistical offices and ministries of labour, including officials responsible for producing, analyzing and reporting on labour market data for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) national reporting. The contributions of the Pacific Community (SPC) further enriched the exchange of ideas and best practices.
Wilhemina Kiri from the National Statistical Office of Papua New Guinea said "This course has been extremely valuable. As Papua New Guinea prepares for its first Labour Force Survey, this training equips us with the necessary skills to enhance data collection, analysis, and reporting. By collaborating with the Department of Labour, we will be better prepared to produce accurate and reliable labour force statistics."