Miory Regional Executive Committee
On the eve of the holiday – the Day of State Statistics Workers and the 105th anniversary of the establishment of state statistics bodies in the Republic of Belarus, celebrated annually on August 23 – outstanding professionals in the field were honored in Vitebsk.
Statistical services in Belarus emerged in the mid-19th century, with the first Vitebsk Provincial Statistical Committee established on May 4, 1835. Consequently, the national state statistics system marks its 105th anniversary, while the Vitebsk regional statistical service celebrates 190 years.
To enable distinguished guests and participants of the ceremonial event to immerse themselves in history, a thematic exhibition was organized in the administration lobby. Visitors could learn about the equipment historically used for collecting statistical data and review documents that reflect the past through numbers. Some of these records are difficult to read without emotion. For instance, reports detailing the atrocities committed by German-fascist invaders, which documented the number of those killed and who perished from starvation.
“It is no coincidence that state statistical bodies were established first, followed by the real sector of the economy. Indeed, it is impossible to make any sound, thoughtful, or rational management decision without the extensive data and information that you process,” stated Anzhelika Nikitina, Deputy Chair of the Regional Executive Committee, addressing the industry professionals. “Ninety-nine percent of the success of the real economic sector depends on the complex methodologies, metrics, and areas that you oversee today. You complete thousands of forms, process and verify millions of data points to provide essential information for assessing and responding to various aspects of regional economic development, budget revenue, and improving the quality of life of our citizens.”
As noted by Yuri Moskaliev, Head of the Main Statistical Administration of the Vitebsk Region, behind the precise data of official statistics stands a highly qualified workforce—a united, cohesive team of professional statisticians whose primary objective is to achieve maximum success in effectively fulfilling assigned tasks with minimal resource expenditure.
– Over its 105-year history, Belarusian statistics has demonstrated its relevance to a broad range of users and has earned a high level of trust in official statistical information. The meritorious and productive conscientious work of the Main Directorate’s staff has consistently received high recognition at all levels, – said Yuri Moskaliev. – Our collection includes numerous prestigious state awards: Orders of Honour and medals for labour achievements. Our personnel have been recognised with letters of appreciation from the President, honorary certificates and letters of appreciation from the Council of Ministers, the Presidential Administration, Belstat, and other notable distinctions. I am confident that this collection will continue to expand.
Yuri Moskaliev was not mistaken, as during the celebratory event, employees of the statistical administration were presented with Honorary Certificates and Letters of Appreciation from the Regional Executive Committee, City Executive Committee, district administrations of Vitebsk, and trade unions. Several individuals were awarded departmental distinctions: the honorary badge “Honored Worker of State Statistics”, the Honorary Certificate of the National Statistical Committee, as well as that of the regional directorate.