The Statistical Commission during its 52nd session in 2021 (i)recognized that a well-coordinated and efficient statistical system is more important than ever, especially as the international statistical community and the statistical programmes must grapple with the additional challenges brought about by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19); The Mission/retreat also supports the recent initiative of UN Data strategy (www.un.org/datastrategy) with the following objectives: to help respond to COVID-19 and build back better, to drive the Decade of Action for the SDGs, to amplify climate action, to promote gender equality, to protect human rights, to advance peace and security, and to accelerate and consolidate UN Reform.