India has been elected to the UN Statistical Commission for four years in a highly competitive election, which saw the country bag 46 out of 53 votes. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the news on Twitter while congratulating Team India at the UN.
Jaishankar's tweet read: "India elected to the highest UN statistical body for a 4-year term beginning on 1 January 2024! Congrats Team @IndiaUNNewYork for coming through so strongly in a competitive election." He added that India's expertise in statistics, diversity and demography earned it a seat on the UN Statistical Commission.
In the multi-cornered election, four candidates vied for two seats. While India secured an overwhelming 46 out of 53 votes, rivals South Korea earned 23 votes, China secured 19 and UAE 15.
A second candidate is yet to be decided between South Korea and China and the balloting process will resume later in the day for electing the remaining Asia Pacific States member.
While a secret ballot was held for Asia Pacific member which saw India being elected, Argentina, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Ukraine, the United Republic of Tanzania and the United States of America were elected uncontested.
The current members from the Asia-Pacific States are Japan (2024), Samoa (2024), Kuwait and South Korea, whose terms end this year.
The United Nations Statistical Commission is said to be the highest body of the global statistical system bringing together the Chief Statisticians from member countries. Established in 1947, the Commission makes decisions on global statistical activities, sets statistical standards and develops and executes concepts and methods.
The Commission consists of 24 member countries of the United Nations elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council on the basis of an equitable geographical distribution.
Five members are from African States, four from Asia-Pacific States, four from Eastern European States, four from Latin American and Caribbean States and seven members from Western European and other States.
(With inputs from PTI)