Recent York – Morocco, represented by a delegation from the High Commissioner’s Plan (HCP), participated in the 57th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission, held recently in New York. The participation underscores Morocco’s commitment to strengthening its statistical capabilities and aligning with international standards for data collection and analysis, crucial for informed policymaking and sustainable development.
The HCP, Morocco’s central agency for statistics, planning, and economic forecasting, plays a vital role in providing the data foundation for the nation’s development strategies. Its involvement in the Statistical Commission reflects a broader effort to enhance the quality, accessibility, and relevance of official statistics in Morocco. This is particularly important as the country implements its New Development Model, which prioritizes data-driven decision-making.
Morocco’s Statistical Agency and its Mandate
Established as a key institution in Morocco’s governance structure, the High Commissioner’s Plan (HCP) is responsible for producing a wide range of statistical information covering demographic, social, and economic aspects of Moroccan society. The agency’s work is essential for monitoring progress towards national development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and for evaluating the impact of public policies. The HCP’s mandate extends to prospective analysis and economic forecasting, providing valuable insights for both the public and private sectors.
The Statistical Commission is the highest-level body within the United Nations system dealing with statistics. It brings together chief statisticians from member states to discuss and coordinate statistical activities, develop standards, and promote the use of statistics for international cooperation. Morocco’s participation in the Commission allows it to contribute to these global discussions and to learn from the experiences of other countries.
Strengthening Cooperation with the UN System
Morocco’s engagement with the United Nations extends beyond the Statistical Commission. In June 2025, the HCP and the United Nations Development System (UNDS) in Morocco signed a Joint Commitment Declaration to consolidate their strategic cooperation. This partnership focuses on monitoring and evaluating public policies, integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strengthening national statistical capacities. This collaboration is framed within the “UN Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development 2023-2027” and aligns with the orientations of Morocco’s New Development Model.
The joint initiative involves several key areas of action, including the production and analysis of data on critical themes such as employment, health, education, gender, climate change, and migration. It also aims to develop modeling tools and decision-support systems, and to improve the dissemination of data to enhance stakeholder engagement, including civil society. Approximately ten UN agencies are involved in this partnership, demonstrating a collective commitment to supporting Morocco’s sustainable development, social justice, and green transition goals.
The Impact of COVID-19 and Collaborative Analysis
The partnership between the HCP, the UN System, and the World Bank has also focused on understanding the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco. These institutions jointly developed a “Strategic Note” to facilitate a unique, inclusive, and collaborative approach to assessing the pandemic’s effects and formulating appropriate responses. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of data-driven insights in navigating complex crises and building resilience.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical necessitate for timely and accurate data to inform public health measures and economic support policies. The HCP’s role in collecting and analyzing data during the pandemic was essential for understanding the evolving situation and for guiding the government’s response. The partnership with the UN System and the World Bank further strengthened Morocco’s capacity to address the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Key Areas of Focus for the HCP
The HCP’s work is organized around several key areas, including:
- National Accounts: Compiling and analyzing data on Morocco’s economic performance, including GDP, inflation, and trade.
- Demographic Statistics: Conducting censuses and surveys to track population trends, birth rates, mortality rates, and migration patterns.
- Social Statistics: Collecting data on education, health, employment, poverty, and other social indicators.
- Agricultural Statistics: Monitoring agricultural production, yields, and prices.
- Industrial Statistics: Tracking industrial output, investment, and employment.
These statistical activities provide the foundation for evidence-based policymaking across a wide range of sectors. The HCP’s data is used by government agencies, researchers, businesses, and civil society organizations to inform their decisions and to promote sustainable development.
Looking Ahead: Data-Driven Governance in Morocco
The Declaration of Common Commitments signed between the HCP and the UN Development System marks a significant step towards data-driven governance in Morocco. This approach is considered essential for effective and equitable public policies. By strengthening its statistical capabilities and fostering collaboration with international partners, Morocco is positioning itself to address the challenges of the 21st century and to achieve its sustainable development goals.
The focus on data dissemination and stakeholder engagement is particularly important. Ensuring that data is accessible and understandable to a wide range of actors, including civil society, will empower citizens to participate in the policymaking process and to hold their government accountable. This commitment to transparency and inclusivity is a key element of Morocco’s vision for a more sustainable and equitable future.
The next key event to watch for is the release of the HCP’s annual report on the state of the Moroccan economy, expected in late 2026. This report will provide a comprehensive overview of the country’s economic performance and will offer insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Morocco in the years ahead. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on these developments in the comments section below.
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