ABSA
Terms of Reference
The Executive Secretary,
Considering the adoption of the resolutions of the second
meeting of the Committee on Development Information (CODI)
by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Conference of
Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, at
its thirty-fifth session held, from 19 to 21 October 2002, in
Johannesburg (South Africa),
Decides:
Establishment
1.
The Advisory Board on Statistics in Africa (ABSA) is established.
Functions
2.
The functions of the Advisory Board are to:
-
Advise the ECA secretariat on emerging issues relating to
statistical development in Africa, as well as the direction
and content of its work programme;
-
Propose approaches, actions and means for the mobilization of
resources for the implementation of regional statistical programmes;
-
Advise on the implementation of any strategy or framework
recommended by CODI for the development of statistics in Africa;
-
Advise on the coordination of statistical activities at
national, subregional and regional levels;
-
Promote and disseminate good practices in the area of
statistical development to all stakeholders, including member
States and sub-regional organizations.
Membership
3.
The Board comprises 15 experts, appointed by the ECA
Secretariat in close consultation with all stakeholders to
ensure that (i) national statistical offices, sub-regional
organizations, statistical training institutes and data users
are adequately represented in the Board; and (ii)
the composition of the Board reflects gender and sub-regional
balance.
4.
Appointments to the Board are for a term of two years,
and may be renewed.
5.
The ECA Secretariat serves as an ex-officio member of the Board.
6.
ECA may invite observers to attend meetings of the Board.
Officers
7.
At each meeting, the members shall elect a Chairperson,
a Vice-chairperson and a Rapporteur.
Meetings
8.
Meetings will be held once a year. Additional emergency meetings may be called. If funding is not available, these shall be held electronically.
9.
The ECA secretariat organizes the meetings of the Board and prepares documentation for the meetings.
10.
The ECA Secretariat also organizes the sharing of information
and communication with the stakeholders.
11.
In accepting appointment, members accept the obligation to
attend meetings of the Board and participate in other
activities organized in furtherance of the objectives and
functions of the Board.
12.
The meetings of the Board shall last no longer than three days.
Where possible, virtual conferences may be organized and
these shall constitute the annual meetings of the Board.
13.
A report shall be prepared at the end of each meeting
containing a summary of the discussions of the Board,
its advice and recommendations.
Funding
14.
ECA will provide funds for the attendance at annual
meetings of the Board.
