UNECE GenAI & Official Statistics Workshop 2025: Key Takeaways

In May, an OECD delegation travelled to Geneva for the UNECE Workshop on Generative AI & Official Statistics. To kick off the workshop, OECD Chief Statistician Steve MacFeely delivered a compelling keynote, arguing that while AI, like data, is now ubiquitous, statisticians often feel like they’re struggling to keep pace with innovation. In a later session, Eric Anvar and François Fonteneau translated those strategic messages into practice, outlining how the OECD is experimenting with AI across the entire data lifecycle under its Smart Data Strategy.

This edition also brings community news: the .Stat Academy now boasts over 1,133 registered users across 153 countries. Another milestone is the launch of SDMX Matrix Generator v4.0: this major update delivers faster performance, enhanced user experience, and versatile concepts management, making it easier than ever to create and validate SDMX artefacts.

Finally, the SDMX Global Conference 2025 is now accepting abstracts from experts across statistical offices, international organisations, academia, and the private sector, with a focus on innovative SDMX use cases, AI-driven data solutions, and cutting-edge data governance strategies. Submissions are due by 2 June 2025.