The Pacific region is taking significant steps forward in modernising its statistical infrastructure with the launch of new national data portals in Samoa and Fiji. These portals are part of a wider program of work across the region, jointly supported by the Pacific Community, an SIS-CC member, as well as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) has launched the Samoa Stats Portal (SSP), providing a single-entry point to the nation’s most important official statistics. From school pupils to policymakers, the SSP allows users to discover, understand, and use official statistics through well-designed navigation, search, data previews, and contextual metadata in open, easy-to-use formats. The portal also offers an API for expert users who want to integrate live data feeds directly into their tools.
“The launch of the Samoa Stats Portal is a milestone in our commitment to transparency, accessibility, and evidence-based decision-making. By providing a centralised platform for official statistics, we are strengthening public trust in data, enhancing its usability across sectors, and simplifying how we share critical insights. This portal ensures that policymakers, businesses, researchers, and the public have easy access to reliable and timely data, empowering informed choices that drive Samoa’s development forward.”
Leota Aliielua Salani (Government Statistician, Samoa Bureau of Statistics)
Similarly, the Fiji Bureau of Statistics has launched its official data portal, aiming to improve access to vital statistics for better decision-making.
“The launch of this data portal marks a significant leap forward in how we manage, access and share information across government ministries, civil society and the private sector.”
Apisalome Tamani (Deputy Government Statistician, Fiji Bureau of Statistics)
Both portals are powered by the open source .Stat Suite, a modern platform designed to streamline data management and dissemination. The .Stat Suite enables seamless data exchange with global organisations using the Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange (SDMX) standard, ensuring efficient data processing and validation.
“The portals reflect a growing, global trend in official statistics towards the use of structured, interoperable and accessible datasets as the foremost means of statistical dissemination. Using the .Stat Suite and SDMX means using global standards.”
Denis Grofils (Statistics Adviser in Process Modernisation, Pacific Community)
The development of these portals has been a collaborative effort, with the Pacific Community, ADB, and ESCAP providing expertise and support. The Pacific Community, a member of SIS-CC since 2018, has been actively involved in promoting the modernisation of statistical systems in the Pacific region.
The launch of these national data portals in Samoa and Fiji represents a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards modernising its statistical infrastructure. By providing easier access to open data and enabling seamless data exchange with global organisations, these portals will empower collaboration and data-driven decision-making across the Pacific.
“The brilliant work of Fiji and Samoa is proof that countries can leverage open-source and free solutions to enhance data accessibility. And many partner organisations are ready to support.”
Dayyan Shayani (Statistician, ESCAP)
