1. IRWS Background and process towards its publication
Expert Group Meeting on IRWS
(New York, 4 -6 November 2008)

2. Outline
IRWS vis a vis the SEEAW, compilation guidelines and other international standards
Background on the preparation of the IRWS
Outline
Timetable and process for publication

3. SEEAW, IRWS and compilation guidelines
The IRWS is being developed by UNSD in accordance with the SEEAW implementation strategy
The IRWS objective is to strengthen the water statistics programmes in countries and will provide material to enable countries to produce the SEEAW standard tables, fill in international questionnaires and derive commonly used water indicators
After IRWS is completed more detailed compilation guidelines can be prepared as part of a knowledge-based platform, building on the existing material and the UNSD website (e.g. the searchable archive).

4. Outline PART I Chapter 1: Introduction.
Chapter 2: Main concepts and the SEEAW
Chapter 3: Statistical units
Chapter 4: Data items
PART II
Chapter 5: Data collection strategy
Chapter 6: Data sources compilation methods
Chapter 7: Metadata and data quality
Chapter 8: Dissemination
Chapter 9: Indicators
ANNEXES
Annex 1: Supplementary data items
Annex 2: Link between data items and the SEEAW
Annex 3: Link between data items and indicators of WWDR and MDG
Annex 4: Link between data items and indicators of FAO
GLOSSARY

5. Compilation guidelines
SEEAW, IRWS, etc.
Agreed concepts, definitions, classifications
Inter-related tables or accounts
System approach to statistics
Macrolevel
SEEA -Water
Data
Agreed concepts, definitions and classifications
Agreed lists of data items to be collected and published
Not a system approach
Addresses basic data
IRWS
Compilation guidelines
FAO/Aquastat
Best practices
EU WFD
WWAP/ WWDR
JMP
MDGs

6. SEEAW, IRWS, indicators

7. SEEAW, IRWS, etc. ISIC, CPC, HS SEEA SNA SEEAW SEEA-E SEEA-MFA TSA
IRES
IRWaste
IRIS
IRTourism …
Compilation guidelines
Compilation guidelines
Compilation guidelines
Compilation guidelines
Data
Data
Data
Data
Data
DQAF
DQAF
DQAF
DQAF
DQAF
Best practices/knowledge base

8. Criteria to define international statistical standard or an international recommendation
Statistical integration
Internal coherence of concepts, definitions, classifications and tables and accounts
External consistency among other standards, international recommendations, classifications and basic statistical concepts
Broad institutional process of consultation
National and international consultations of stakeholders
Relevance
Universal applicability of the compiled and disseminated data for use of policy planning, analysis and administration purposes
=> All are adopted by the United Nations Statistical Commission

9. Classifications and basic concepts
“Cross-functional frameworks”
Building blocks in support of the organization of the tables and accounts of macroeconomic frameworks
Conceptual frameworks for classifications, statistical units and sample frames that support the collection and reporting of economic activities of production, consumption and accumulation
For the whole economy
e.g. ISIC, CPC, HS, statistical units, sample frames

10. Style of IR and Standards
Conceptual documents
Structure of Standards and IR is very similar (see IRWS, IRIS and outline of IRES)
No country examples
No implementation issues

11. Actions with adoption of an international statistical standard and an international recommendation
Development of an implementation programme
Development of compilation guidelines
Development of databases
Collection of best practices
Development of data quality frameworks
Development of a knowledge base
Newsletter

12. Background
The 38th Session UN Statistical Commission adopted the SEEAW as an interim international statistical standard in March 2007
A SEEAW implementation strategy was developed subsequent to its adoption
A draft was discussed at the 2nd UNCEEA Meeting
The final strategy was included in the UNCEEA report to the 39th Session of UN Statistical Commission

13. Background (2)
One of the activities in the SEEAW implementation is the preparation of IRWS
IRWS is being developed under the auspices of the UNCEEA
EGM instrumental in developing an agreed draft prior to global consultation

14. Timetable and process 2008 July – August
Draft of Part I circulated by UNSD for review by reference group
2008 October
Draft of Part I and rough draft of Part II circulated by UNSD to the Expert Group
2008 November
Expert Group Meeting
2008 November – February
Complete draft of Part II and Annexes
2009 February – April
Complete draft (Part I and Part II) circulated for global consultation
2009 February
Progress report to UN Statistical Commission by the UNCEEA
2009 June
Adoption by the UNCEEA
2009 October
Final Draft submitted to Bureau of UNSC for adoption upon recommendation by the Bureau of UNCEEA