A two-day meeting of the heads of national statistical offices of BRICS countries was held in Lucknow, India. Experts shared experience, innovative approaches and strategic initiatives aimed at improving data dissemination systems, increasing accessibility and expanding the use of official statistics in the digital age. The event also featured the BRICS Joint Statistical Publication (JSP 2026) project. This was reported on the
official website of the Government of India.
The event brought together more than 350 participants from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. In addition to the heads of national statistical offices of BRICS countries, the meeting was attended by representatives of government bodies, academia, think tanks and civil society organisations.
Saurabh Garg, who is responsible for the BRICS statistical track under India’s 2026 chairmanship, presented delegates with the key priorities for developing the statistical agenda within the group. These included modernising national statistical systems, using administrative data and digital public infrastructure, as well as improving data governance mechanisms and privacy protection standards. Saurabh Garg stressed that through cooperation and the exchange of expertise, BRICS countries seek to address existing data gaps, improve evidence-based decision-making and build resilient statistical systems for the future.
The central theme of the discussions, “Quality Statistics as Driver of Change”, reflected a shared commitment to high-quality data and innovation, the effective dissemination of statistical information, and the development of people-centred statistical systems capable of responding swiftly to rapid technological advances.
The programme included several sessions during which delegates from BRICS countries presented reports on national experience and initiatives aimed at improving the statistical sector. The discussions concluded with a call for stronger cooperation between government bodies, the academic community and technology partners to build a reliable data ecosystem and strengthen decision-making based on accurate information.
India holds the BRICS chairmanship in 2026.