The demand for more frequent and timely statistics in various subject fields continues to increase. In addition, the monitoring and implementation of the millennium development goals (MDGs) has added a further task on the countries to produce timely and reliable data. The additional workload not only increases the respondent burden but also imposes additional financial and manpower requirements when many of the national statistical offices are under constraints. Applications of sampling techniques provide a tool to collect information about the population without the need to examine the population in its entirety and would be the right solution to some of these technical and logistical challenges. Producing new statistics need not always and solely result from completely fresh and stand-alone surveys. Advances in sampling theory and techniques along with the rapid development in information and communications technology ensure that the results based on sample surveys supplemented and reinforced by prior information and experience are as statistically reliable. ESCWA in collaboration with the Statistics Department at Planning Council in Qatar is organizing a 3-day regional Workshop on sampling techniques to be held in Doha, from 15 to 17 May 2007. Representatives from national statistical offices directly involved in conducting surveys and research including the drawing of a sample will be invited to participate in this training.

2. Purpose of the workshop 

The workshop will introduce participants to the basic principles and important techniques of survey sampling through theory and practice of large scale sample surveys. It will provide an opportunity to discuss and share experiences in the current sample design and estimation procedures in surveys.

The meeting will be held at Millennium Hotel in Doha from 15 to 17 May 07. Address: Jawaan Street, Al Sadd, P.O.Box 24249 Doha, phone: (+974) 424 7777, fax: (+974) 434 1774. The opening ceremony will start on Tuesday 15 May at 8.30am under the auspices of ESCWA and the Planning Council. The sessions of 16 & 17 May will begin at 9.00am and finishes at 16.00.

The working language of the workshop is Arabic.

Arrangements have been made with Millennium Hotel in Doha for accommodation of all participants. The rates are QR 650 for single room and QR700 for double room, including breakfast and all applicable service and government taxes. For more information of the hotel, please consult:

ESCWA will cover the participation of one representative from each ESCWA country in accordance with UN regulations governing travel. Other participants are expected to come at their own expenses. Additionally, ESCWA will arrange for visa issuance to Doha to all participants.

For additional information, please contact Ms. Neda Jafar [jafarn@un.org]