Workshop on Energy Statistics, Balances and Accounts for Informed Energy and Climate Policies in Ankara

On 10-12 December 2024, over 40 participants from national statistical offices, ministries of energy and regional and international organizations took part in the Workshop on Energy Statistics, Balances and Accounts for Informed Energy and Climate Policies, held at the headquarters of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) in Ankara, Türkiye.  The workshop was jointly organized by SESRIC, the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistic (AITRS) for member states of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) and ESCWA.

The workshop provided in-depth training on energy data and its use for national energy and climate policies, as well as global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.  UNSD presented the internationally agreed methodology for energy statistics, the International Recommendations for Energy Statistics, as well as for the energy accounts of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting – Central Framework.  

The workshop included practical exercises for the construction of energy balances and physical energy flow accounts. In addition, the workshop provided an opportunity for countries to share their experiences in the compilation and use of energy statistics, balances and accounts. In particular, presenters from Algeria, Azerbaijan, State of Palestine, Tunisia and Türkiye shared their practical compilation experience as well as their interinstitutional coordination mechanisms.

On the sidelines of the workshop, a panel discussion was organized on “The Role of National Statistical Offices in Supporting Data-Driven Energy Transitions” to explore the essential role of national statistical offices (NSOs) in the global energy transition by highlighting the link between robust energy statistics and effective policy. It brought together leading experts from international organizations and NSOs to discuss best practices, innovative approaches, and challenges in compiling and sharing energy data. With a focus on integrated energy statistics and the development of comprehensive energy accounts, the panel discussion aimed to underscore the impact of data on advancing climate goals and enhancing national resilience.