Belize Takes Regional Statistics Leadership Role Through CENTROESTAD Presidency

The Statistical Institute of Belize, SIB, has assumed the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Central American Statistical Commission, known as CENTROESTAD, for the remainder of 2026. Belize took over the rotating presidency from the Dominican Republic and will serve in the role from July through December. The official handover took place during CENTROESTAD’s 31st Ordinary Meeting held in June.  CENTROESTAD operates within the Central American Integration System, SICA, and brings together the heads of national statistical offices from member countries. During its six-month presidency, SIB will help guide the Commission’s agenda, coordinate meetings and training activities, and advance priorities agreed upon by member states.  SIB Director-General Diana Castillo says the Institute will work closely with the SICA Secretariat and regional counterparts to strengthen the production and use of official statistics to support evidence-based decision-making.  Among the initiatives discussed by the Commission are the development of municipal maps to support nutrition-related decisions, a platform to track investments in water, sanitation and hygiene, and a pilot project using artificial intelligence to assist in coding economic activity in household surveys.