As the data ecosystem continues to evolve, the role of traditional household surveys is being re-examined. Are household surveys still relevant in this shifting landscape? If so, what new roles can they play beyond the value they already provide? How can we unlock their full potential to complement and enhance other data sources? And what are the real opportunities and limitations of alternative data compared to household surveys?

These questions will be at the heart of a seminar organized by the United Nations Statistics Division, in collaboration with the Inter-Secretariat Working Group on Household Surveys. The event aims to provide a platform for national statistical offices, international organizations, and the research community to debate and strategize on maximizing the relevance and impact of household surveys in today’s complex data environment.

The seminar will support the development of forward-looking strategies to improve the effectiveness of household surveys and their contributions to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Discussions will focus on methodological advancement, scaling up innovation, and identifying capacity-building needs—particularly to ensure that low-income countries can equitably benefit from these efforts.

The seminar includes four sessions:

Session 1: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
A New Role for Household Surveys in the SDG Era

Session 2: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Adding Value to Household Surveys through Integration

Session 3: 3:00 – 4:30 PM
Innovations in Household Surveys

Session 4: 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Household Surveys in a Changing Data Landscape: An Agenda for the Future

This seminar represents an important step in shaping the future of household surveys and their role in evidence-based policy and sustainable development.