Advancing Statistical Practices in Nepal: Towards Evidence-Based Policy

This paper studied the status of statistical systems and statistical practices in Nepal and identified the core challenges and the way forward. Based on global best practices and academic resources, it examines the importance of having sound and timely disaggregated data and its potential use to enable evidence-based policymaking in socio-economic development, public health, environmental sustainability, and disaster risk reduction. The paper discusses actions to enhance Nepal's National Statistical System (NSS) by strengthening data collection methods, improving data quality and dissemination, promoting statistical literacy, and enhancing the use of statistical evidence in policymaking and implementation. This study offers a comprehensive guide on strengthening statistical capacity and an evidence-based decision-making environment in Nepal by synthesizing learnings from global literature and localizing these within the Nepalese setting.