Statistical and computer sciences have become an important tool for utilising information technology and other fields of technology, too. Statistical science provides a means for managing uncertainty. It also offers ways for seeking the relevant and essential information. In co-operation with applied sciences, statistical science helps to find significant universally applicable solutions to the problems of people, businesses and nations alike. The importance of statistics has also continued to grow in the economic, social and political life.
Statistical science has a specific role from the point of national statistical institutes.
The independence of statistics production has to be safeguarded with high professional expertise and methods approved by the world of science. The development of sampling techniques and statistical programmes has facilitated the production of high quality statistics at reduced costs. In Finland, the national statistical institute, Statistics Finland, collaborates closely with universities, and this collaboration has already borne excellent fruit. The President of the Republic of Finland, Mr Martti Ahtisaari, has kindly sent his written greeting to this opening ISI Session. In his greeting, he stresses the need for global co-operation in the field of statistics, in which the International Statistical Institute plays an important part.