6th SDMX global conference :SDMX for the data revolution

Abstract

As the old adage goes, all good things come to an end. the 6th Statistical Data and Metadata exchange (SDMX) global conference is coming to an end today. The plenary session provided an overview of the full structure and infrastructure of SDMX. As the conference provides a rare and invaluable opportunity to gather all the SDMX sponsoring organizations and representatives from many national statistical offices together, these two full capacity building days will go a long way into enhancing the countries’ capabilities and future for implementing SDMX. In the technical track, various IT tools to utilize and implement SDMX standards and technical specifications, regarding data and metadata, including Reference Infrastructure SDMX-RI, were explained in full detail. In the content track, the basic statistical ideas, including code lists, DSDs, concepts, and attributes, etc. were introduced. The track also explored the SDMX Starter Kit. For countries and organizations wishing to develop a business case for their higher managements’ buy-in to SDMX, the Starter Kit provides a perfect tool for the initial leap, especially for countries with limited resources. The discussion continues today, the last day of the conference, with topics focusing on various areas such as innovative ideas for national practices, data visualizations, and the bright look ahead of SDMX.