MoSPI Hosts National Workshop on Improving Data Systems for SDGs, Environment and Gender Policy

In a significant step toward strengthening India's data-driven governance, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has launched a two-day national capacity-building workshop in Patna focused on improving statistical systems for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), environmental accounting, and gender statistics.

The workshop, being held on March 18–19, 2026, is organised in collaboration with the Government of Bihar, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India.

Strengthening Evidence-Based Policymaking

The initiative underscores the government's ongoing efforts to build robust, high-quality data systems that can support evidence-based decision-making across sectors.

Officials said the workshop aims to enhance institutional capacity in three critical domains:

• SDG monitoring frameworks

• Environmental accounts and sustainability metrics

• Gender statistics for inclusive development

Participants include representatives from central ministries, state and UT departments, international organisations, and statistical institutions, making it a key platform for knowledge exchange.

High-Level Participation Expected

The event is expected to be attended by senior policymakers, including:

• Bihar's Minister of Planning and Development

• Secretary, MoSPI

• Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar

• Senior officials from MoSPI and state governments

• Representatives from UN agencies

Day One: Focus on SDGs and Gender Data

The first day of the workshop centres on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and gender statistics, two pillars of inclusive and accountable governance.

Advancing SDG Monitoring Systems

The technical session on SDGs will examine:

• The National Indicator Framework (NIF)

• Alignment with State Indicator Frameworks

• Challenges in tracking SDG progress across regions

Officials emphasised that SDG data must evolve beyond reporting metrics to actively inform policy design and governance decisions.

Gender Statistics for Inclusive Growth

A dedicated session on gender statistics will explore:

• The role of data in women-led development

• Strengthening gender-responsive governance frameworks

• Improving data collection on social and economic indicators affecting women

Experts noted that reliable gender data is essential for designing targeted interventions and reducing inequalities.

Day Two: Environmental Accounting Takes Centre Stage

The second day will focus on environmental sustainability and resource accounting, reflecting the growing importance of integrating ecological data into economic planning.

SEEA Framework and Ecosystem Valuation

Key discussion areas include:

• Implementation of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA)

• Methods for valuing forest resources, biodiversity, and ecosystem services

• Integrating environmental data into national accounts

States will also present their experiences in compiling environmental statistics, highlighting best practices and challenges.

Platform for Collaboration and Best Practices

The workshop provides an opportunity for:

• Cross-learning between states and ministries

• Sharing global perspectives from UN agencies

• Identifying data gaps and capacity constraints

Officials said such collaborative platforms are essential to harmonise methodologies and improve data quality nationwide.

Driving Data-Led Governance in India

MoSPI's initiative reflects a broader shift toward data-centric governance, where reliable statistics underpin policy decisions in areas such as:

• Climate action

• Social inclusion

• Economic planning

• Sustainable development

By strengthening statistical capacity at both national and state levels, the government aims to ensure that policies are:

• Evidence-based

• Transparent

• Outcome-oriented

Conclusion: Building the Foundation for Smarter Policy

As India advances toward its SDG commitments and climate goals, the need for integrated, high-quality data systems has become more critical than ever.

The Patna workshop marks an important step in building that foundation—equipping institutions with the tools, frameworks and knowledge needed to translate data into meaningful policy action and sustainable development outcomes.