UNITED NATIONSECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFICSTATISTICAL INSTITUTE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFICWebinars on Macroeconomic Statistics Framework
23 January and 25 January 2024

Concept NoteI.

Background

The United Nations System of National Accounts (2008 SNA) manual represents the flagship of international economic accounting standards across all macroeconomic statistics disciplines. In fact,
the Macroeconomic statistics are expressed in terms of a set of concepts, definitions, classifications,and accounting rules that comprise the internationally agreed-upon standard for measuring different areas of economic statistics.
So, what are macro-economic accounts and why is it important?
Macroeconomic accounts provide comprehensive and detailed records of the complex economic
activities taking place within an economy, and of the interactions between different economic
agents, and groups of agents, in markets or elsewhere. As such, harmonization and consistency of
the accounting framework allow economic data to be compiled and presented in a format that supports economic analysis, and policy decision making.
This webinar series will provide the participants with a clear understanding of the importance ofmacroeconomic statistics and its components to an economy, whilst focusing on the fundamentalsof the macroeconomic and financial statistics. This webinar will also enable the participants to havea comprehensive appreciation of the statistical linkages within the macroeconomic statistics framework.

1II.

Target audience

The target audience for these webinars are entry and mid-level government officials with the responsibility for collection, compilation, and dissemination of macroeconomic and financial statistics.
These include, National Statistics Offices (NSOs), Ministries of Finance, Ministries of Foreign Affairs
and Foreign Trade, Trade Boards and Central Banks and similar organizations. Additionally, thesewebinars serve as a preparatory course for the upcoming more advanced courses scheduled forlater this year.
III.

The main objectives

In fulfilment of the main objectives, this webinar is to:
1. Introduce the main concepts, definitions and principles of macroeconomic statistics.
2. Indicate the harmonization/linkage between System of National Accounts, Balance of Payments
and Government Finance Statistics and Monetary Financial Statistics.
3. Discuss the challenges associated with accessing data sources and identifying alternative datasources.
4. To emphasize the importance of disseminating these statistics from the policy perspective
5. Provide practical examples, application and interpretation of macroeconomic statistics for enduser.

Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to do the following:•

Differentiate institutional units and sectors.

•Apply the concept of residence.

•Record in an integrated manner stocks and flows.

•

Apply appropriate accounting rules.

•

Classify financial instruments.

•Summarize the requirements and recommendations of the International Data Standards Initiatives.

•Evaluate macroeconomic inter-linkages.

2IV.

Structure and dates of webinars

The two webinars will be organized on 23 January and 25 January. Each webinar will last for twohours, beginning with substantive presentations of the topics by experts followed by discussion sessions. The webinars will be conducted in English without interpretation. Participants will have an
opportunity to interact with the presenters orally.
Modern interactive assessments including pop up quizzes animation interactive questions will beused to enhance the learning experience.

Webinar 1 (23 January 2024): Introduction to Macroeconomic Statistics conceptual framework
and applications (Part1).
Description:
This webinar will focus on main concepts, definitions and principles of macroeconomic statistics
namely institutional units and sectors, residency concept, production boundary, assets and liabilities, flows, stocks, and rules of accounting.
Time (Japan Standard Time) Agenda
4:00pm-4:15pm
Welcome remarks (SIAP)
4:15pm-5:00pm
1. Introduction to the international classification of the macroeconomy
2. Introduction to key concepts, definitions, and principles ofmacroeconomic statistics with examples
3. Conceptual introduction to residence, institutional units, institutional sectors
4. Assets and Liabilities
5. Flows, stocks and accounting rules
5:00pm-5:05pm
Stretch Break
5:05 pm-6:00pm
Practical Applications: Introduction to possible data sources andinitiatives
Discussion forum: Challenges and potential solutions
Q&A3

Webinar 2 (25 January 2024): Introduction to Macroeconomic Statistics conceptual framework
and applications (Part 2).
Description:
This webinar will encompass an introduction to Financial Instruments and UN Classification Standards. It provides a comprehensive understanding of distinguishing between debt instruments (ability to create cash flows in principal or interest payments only) and equity (the right of the holder toclaims on the residual value of a business once all creditors have been paid) instruments.
Participants will gain insight into the International Investment Position (IIP) and Balance Sheet accumulation (Flow of funds accounts) and their practical applications. The course further aims tofoster an appreciation for the SDMX metadata exchange platform, covering Data Structure Definitions (DSD) and Metadata. Additionally, participants will explore international data initiatives andgain an understanding of its importance.

Time (Japan Standard Time)
4:00pm-4:05pm
4:05pm-5:00pm

5:00pm-5:05pm
5:05pm-5:55pm

5:55pm-6:00pm

V.

AgendaWelcome
1. Financial instruments
2. Introduction to (i) BOP Accounts (ii) Monetary Accounts(MFSM) (iii) Government Financial Accounts (GFS) and the(iv) System of National Accounts (SNA)
Stretch Break
1. Introduction to International Data Standards Initiatives
2. Introduction to Global initiatives on data structuring (SDMX)
3. Overview of Macroeconomic Linkages within the various statistical disciplines.
Q&A
Closing Remarks (SIAP)

Registration

Interested participants should fill out the nomination form at the following link.
https://forms.office.com/e/AckUr4Nbw2

VI.

Access to the webinar presentations

Webinars will be recorded. The recordings and presentations from each webinar will be made available on the SIAP website.
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