2020 Asia–Pacific Statistics Week

A decade of action for the 2030 Agenda: Statistics that leaves no one and nowhere behind
15-19 JUNE 2020 | Bangkok, Thailand
National Indicator Framework For Monitoring and Evaluation Myanmar Sustainable
Development Plan (2018-2030)

Ye Naing Htet

Abstract

Myanmar is striving towards Peace, Stability and Development. There are over 53 million people
(135 ethnic groups) living in Myanmar. The Government of Myanmar (GoM) aims to improve the
living standards of the Myanmar people and increase national incomes in order to move from being
an LDC to a Developing Country. So, the GoM launched the Myanmar Sustainable Development
Plan (MSDP) (2018-2030) in August 2018 as our national development vision. It is made up of 3
Pillars, 5 Goals, 28 Strategies and 251 Action Plans. All are firmly aligned with the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), various regional, global commitments and the 12 point Economic
Policy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The MSDP aims to provide a long-term vision
(2030) of a peaceful, prosperous, democratic country and transformational economic growth for
nation. Central Statistical Organization (CSO) is the National Statistical Authority released SDG
Indicator Baseline report of Myanmar for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) SDGs (2030 global
agenda) in August 2017. Building on the expreience and expertise the CSO developed through the
SDG process, the GoM tasked CSO for Monitoring and Evaluation MSDP(2018-2030). CSO has
been working together with UNDP, releated Ministries and Departments, NGOs and INGOs to
prepare a National Indicator Framework (NIF) for Monitoring and Evaluation of the MSDP since
July 2018. The NIF identifies the required statistical indicators and responsible data producing
agencies to support Monitoring and Evaluation of the MSDP.

Keywords: CSO, NIF, M&E, MSDP, SDGs

1. Introduction

As we know, all countries in the world are implementing the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) 2030 global agenda to reach these goals and targets. Myanmar is one of the United Nations
Countries, which is also implementation 2030 global agenda to reach no one left-behind the
achievement of SDGs in 2030. Myanmar is facing challenges a lot to reach SDGs Goals and Targets
that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The Government of Myanmar (GoM) laid down
Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (2018-2030) under the leadership of Ministry of Planning,
Finance and Industry (MOPFI) in August 2018 in order to support while implementation SDGs to
reach its Goals and Targets.

Central Statistical Organization (CSO) under the Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry
(MOPFI) is producing official statistics to support the preparation of policies and plans, or
monitoring and evaluation of activities, or resources allocation, or doing research and development
activities through accurate and quality statistics. CSO is also the National Statistical Authority in
Myanmar. CSO has been Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) SDGs (2030 global agenda) since
2016. Building on the expreience and expertise the CSO developed through the SDG process, the
GoM tasked CSO for Monitoring and Evaluation MSDP(2018-2030). CSO has been working
together with UNDP, releated Ministries and Departments, NGOs, and INGOs to prepare a National
Indicator Framework (NIF) for Monitoring and Evaluation of the MSDP since July 2018.
2020 Asia–Pacific Statistics Week
A decade of action for the 2030 Agenda: Statistics that leaves no one and nowhere behind
15-19 JUNE 2020 | Bangkok, Thailand
2. Objective

This paper aims to reveal the differences between Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan
(MSDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Indicator Framework (NIF) and
Global SDG Indicators Framework. Furthermore, this paper also aims to share knowledge about that
how to prepare a National Indicator Framework (NIF) in Central Statistical Organization (CSO) under
the Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry (MoPFI), Myanmar.

3. Methodology

This paper is qualitative research by reviewing the existing documents from Central
Statistical Organization and the Global SDG Portal.

4. National Indicator Framework For Monitoring and Evaluation Myanmar Sustainable

Development Plan (2018-2030)

A. What is Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP)?

Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP) is our national development vision. MSDP
aims Myanmar to be Peaceful, Prosperous and Democratic country. The Government of Myanmar
launched the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP) (2018-2030) under the leadership of
Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry (MOPFI) in August 2018.There are 3 Pillars, 5 Goals, 28
Strategies and 251 Action Plans in MSDP. All are firmly aligned with the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), various regional, global commitments and the 12 point Economic Policy of the
Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Figure1. Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan Summary Framework

A Peaceful, Prosperous & Democratic Myanmar

Goal 1: Goal 2: Goal 3: Goal 4: Goal 5:

Peace, Economic Job Creation & Human Natural
National Stability & Private Sector Resources & Resources &
Reconciliation, Strengthened Led Growth Social the
Security & Macroeconomic Development Environment
Good Management for for Posterity
Governance a 21st of the Nation
Century
Society

PILLAR 1: PILLAR 2: PILLAR 3:

PEACE & STABILITY PROSPERITY PEOPLE & PLANET
&
PARTNERSHIP
2020 Asia–Pacific Statistics Week
A decade of action for the 2030 Agenda: Statistics that leaves no one and nowhere behind
15-19 JUNE 2020 | Bangkok, Thailand
B. What are the differences between SDGs and MSDP?

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is well known as a global agenda or 2030 agenda. This
agenda with the motto “Leaving no one behind” was adopted at the United Nations Sustainable
Development Summit on 25 September 2015.SDGs is made up of 3 Pillars, 17 Goals and 169 Targets.
All the United Nations Member Countries have been implementation actions to reach SDGs Goals
and Targets by using their respective ways since 2016.

Figure2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Pillars

Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) is a global agenda for leaving no one behinds the
achievement of SDGs across the world by 2030, but Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (2018-
2030) (MSDP) is only Myanmar National Development Plan that aims Myanmar to be Peaceful,
Prosperous and Democratic country by 2030. Furthermore, there are main findings the differences
between SDGs and MSDP in the following Table1.

Table1. SDGs Vs MSDP

SDGs MSDP

3 Pillars 3 Pillars

17 Goals 5 Goals

169 Targets 251 Action Plans

Monitoring & Evaluation by SDG Indicators Monitoring & Evaluation by National Indicator
Framework Framework
2020 Asia–Pacific Statistics Week
A decade of action for the 2030 Agenda: Statistics that leaves no one and nowhere behind
15-19 JUNE 2020 | Bangkok, Thailand
MSDP Pillars are similar to SDGs Pillars. MSDP Pillar1: PEACE & STABILITY is related to
SDGs Pillar1: Social Development. MSDP Pillar2: PROSPERITY & PARTNERSHIP is related to
SDGs Pillar2: Economic Development. MSDP Pillar3: PEOPLE & PLANET is related to SDGs
Pillar3: Environmental Protection.

C. What is National Indicator Framework (NIF)?

National Indicator Framework is to monitor and evaluate Myanmar Sustainable

Development Plan (MSDP). Central Statistical Organization has been working together with UNDP,
releated Ministries and Departments, NGOs and INGOs to prepare a National Indicator Framework
(NIF) for Monitoring and Evaluation MSDP since July 2018. The NIF identifies the required
statistical indicators and responsible data producing agencies to support Monitoring and Evaluation
of the MSDP.

Figure3. Processing For Developing National Indicator Framework

Phase 1 Phase Phase 3 Phase

DRA 2 DRAF FINAL 4
FT T DRAF
Indicat Kick-Off First ZER Second ONE Circulation Final T Metadata
or Worksh round O round of draft one round NIF Developm
Mappi op – consultati consultati and consultat ent
ng formed on on received ion
13 task written
teams comments
July October April 2019 July 2019 August Early
2018 2018 2019 2020

There are 13 task teams under the leadership of CSO and UNDP for identifying and deciding
on the indicators of National Indicator Framework for each MSDP Strategy.

Table2. Task Teams for identifying and deciding on the indicators of NIF

No. Task Teams MSDP Strategies

1 Peace 1.1 Secure and further foster Union-wide

peace

1.2 Promote equitable and conflict sensiti-

ve socio-economic development through
out all States and Regions

2 Governance 1.4 Enhance good governance, institutional

performance and improve the efficiency of
administrative decision making at all levels
2020 Asia–Pacific Statistics Week
A decade of action for the 2030 Agenda: Statistics that leaves no one and nowhere behind
15-19 JUNE 2020 | Bangkok, Thailand
1.5 Increase the ability of all people to
engage with government

3 Rule of Law 1.3 Promote greater access to justice,

individual rights and adherence to the rule
of law

4 Macroeconomics 2.1 Effectively manage the exchange rate

and balance of payments

2.2 Reduce inflation and maintain mone-

tary stability

2.3 Increase domestic revenue mobili-

sation through a fair, efficient and
transparent taxation system

2.4 Strengthen public financial

management to support stability and the
efficient allocation of public Resources

2.5 Enhancing the efficiency and

competitiveness of State Economic
Enterprises

5 Agriculture and Water 3.1 Create an enabling environment which

supports a diverse and productive economy
through
inclusive agricultural, aquacultural and
polycultural practices as a foundation for
poverty reduction in rural
areas

5.3 Enable safe and equitable access to

water and sanitation in ways that ensure
environmental
sustainability

6 Job Creation and Private Sector-Led Growth 3.2 Support job creation in industry and
services, especially through developing
small-and mediumsized
Enterprises

3.3 Provide a secure, conducive

investment enabling environment which
eases the cost of doing
business, boosts investor confidence and
increases efficiencies

3.4 Further reform our trade sector and

strengthen regional and international
2020 Asia–Pacific Statistics Week
A decade of action for the 2030 Agenda: Statistics that leaves no one and nowhere behind
15-19 JUNE 2020 | Bangkok, Thailand
cooperation and
Linkages

3.5 Increase broad-based access to

financial services and strengthen the
financial system overall

3.7 Encourage greater creativity and

innovation which will contribute to the
development of a
modern economy

7 Infrastructure and Road Access 3.6 Build a priority infrastructure base that
facilitates sustainable growth and
economic diversification

8 Education 4.1 Improve equitable access to high

quality lifelong educational opportunities

9 Health and Nutrition 4.2 Strengthen health services systems

enabling the provision of universal health
care using a path that is explicitly pro-poor

4.4 Increase secure access to food that is

safe and well-balanced

10 Social Protection 4.3 Expand an adaptive and systems based

social safety net and extend social
protection services throughout the life
cycle

4.5 Protect the rights and harness the

productivity of all, including migrant
workers

11 Environment 5.1 Ensure a clean environment together

with healthy and functioning ecosystems

5.2 Increase climate change resilience,

reduce exposure to disasters and shocks
while protecting livelihoods, and facilitate
a shift to a low-carbon growth pathway

5.5 Improve land governance and

sustainable management of resource-based
industries ensuring our natural resources
dividend benefits all our people

12 Energy 5.4 Provide affordable and reliable energy

to populations and industries via an
appropriate energy generation mix
2020 Asia–Pacific Statistics Week
A decade of action for the 2030 Agenda: Statistics that leaves no one and nowhere behind
15-19 JUNE 2020 | Bangkok, Thailand

13 Urbanization 5.6 Manage cities, towns, historical and

cultural centers efficiently and sustainably

There are 286 indicators in National Indicators Framework, according to the final round task
teams’ consultation result in June 2019. These total indicators numbers of NIF represents in average
10.2 indicators per MSDP strategy. The share of SDG indicators is 41% in this NIF. A large majority
(74%) of NIF indicators are readily measureable. Furthermore, a large majority (72%) of NIF
indicators are at the strategic level (outcome or impact indicators).

There are 12 Statistics Sections under CSO that have been working together with UNDP,
releated Ministries and Departments, NGOs and INGOs to prepare Metadata Development of NIF
indicators by their respective sections since August 2019. The Metadata Template Form of NIF
indicator has mainly 8 components.

Eight Components of Metadata Template Form of NIF Indicator

(1) Indicator Information
(2) Data Reporters
(3) Definitions and Concepts
(4) Data Sources and Collection Methods
(5) Method of Computation and Other Methodological Considerations
(6) Data Availability and Disaggregation
(7) Comparability with International Data/Standards and Alternative Estimates
(8) References, Documentation, and User Engagement
Indicator Focal Ministries and Departments (Data Producers/Data Supporters) have to
submit their respective indicators’ report to CSO by the following timeline.

Figure.4 NIF Indicator Reporting, Planning and Budgeting Timeline

2020 Asia–Pacific Statistics Week
A decade of action for the 2030 Agenda: Statistics that leaves no one and nowhere behind
15-19 JUNE 2020 | Bangkok, Thailand

D. What are the differences between Global SDG Indicators Framework and NIF?

SDG indicators are to monitor and evaluation SDGs Goals and Targets. There are 232
indicators in Global SDG Indicators Framework. The Metadata Development of SDG indicators are
being made by the Inter-agency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators (IAEG-SDGs) since March
2016. Forty-sixth session of the United Nations Statistical Commission created the Inter-agency and
Expert Group on SDG Indicators (IAEG-SDGs) on 6 March 2015. The IAEG-SDGs consists of 27
representatives of national statistical offices and one ex officio member and also includes, as
observers, representatives of regional commissions and regional and international agencies, to provide
important technical advice and support as needed. This Expert Group meet physically twice a year,
and otherwise conduct its work electronically. The Expert Group report annually its group discussion
result to the Statistical Commission and seek guidance from it.
According to the decisions of IAEG-SDGs WebEx meetings on 27 November and 4
December 2019, the updated SDG Indicators Tier Classification contains 116 Tier I indicators, 92
Tier II indicators and 20 Tier III indicators. In addition to these, there are 4 indicators that have
multiple tiers (different components of the indicator are classified into different tiers) as of 11
December 2019.
By the conclusion, there are main findings the differences between Global SDG Indicators
Framework and NIF in the following Table3.

Table3. Global SDG Indicators Framework Vs National Indicator Framework

SDG Indicators NIF Indicators
232 indicators (Total) 286 indicators (Total)
116 Tier I indicators (74%) of NIF indicators are readily measureable
92 Tier II indicators (72%) of NIF indicators are at the strategic level
(outcome or impact indicators)
20 Tier III indicators. The share of SDG indicators is 41% in NIF
4 indicators that have multiple tiers -
For Monitoring and Evaluation SDGs Goals and For Monitoring and Evaluation MSDP
Targets

NIF Indicators have not been tier classified yet, but NIF readily measurable indicator
definition is like SDG Tier II indicator. CSO and UNDP expect to classify NIF indicators after
receiving all NIF indicators Metadata Template Forms from Ministries and Departments (Data
Producers and Data Supporters). In NIF, the highest ratio of SDG indicators is 100% (Strategy 4.1 –
Improve equitable access to high quality lifelong educational opportunities) and the lowest is 11%
(Strategy 2.2 – Reduce inflation and maintain mone- tary stability).

Tier I: Indicator is conceptually clear, has an internationally established methodology and standards
are available, and data are regularly produced by countries for at least 50 per cent of countries and
of the population in every region where the indicator is relevant.
Tier II: Indicator is conceptually clear, has an internationally established methodology and
standards are available, but data are not regularly produced by countries.
Tier III: No internationally established methodology or standards are yet available for the indicator,
but methodology/standards are being (or will be) developed or tested.
(Source: IAEG-SDGs)

Input Indicator: measures the financial and non-financial resources invested into a project.
2020 Asia–Pacific Statistics Week
A decade of action for the 2030 Agenda: Statistics that leaves no one and nowhere behind
15-19 JUNE 2020 | Bangkok, Thailand
Process Indicator: describes the activities implemented and the structures and institutional
arrangements within which they occur.
Output Indicator: describes the products, capital goods and services, capacity gains, which result
from a project.
Outcome Indicator: describes a higher-level change in conditions and capacities to which achieved
outputs are meant to contribute.
Impact Indicator: describes the changes, negative or positive, in people’s lives and in the country’s
overall development conditions
(Source: OECD, UNDP)

5. Conclusion

Total number of NIF indicators is more than even total number of SDG indicators. It can be
assumed as NIF is a best indicator framework for monitoring and evaluation MSDP. On the other
hand, CSO and other related Ministries & Departments (Data Producers/Data Supporters) are facing
the following Challenges:
• Difficulty in having the Census and Survey data for monitoring and evaluation SDGs and MSDP
because it is the high cost to do Census and Survey
• Limited investment in Statistics Sector in Myanmar
• Lack of staff has statistical knowledge in related Ministries and Department
• It is difficult to compile private data except Survey
• Limited advanced capacity of Statisticians in CSO
The government should encourage the expenditure of Statistics Sector for producing not only
Administrative Data, but also Survey and Census Data. The Ministries & Departments (Data
Producers/Data Supporters) also should engage with Custodian Agencies of SDG indicators such as
World Bank, International labor Organization, etc. in order to get financial and technical support for
producing NIF indicators because 41% of NIF indicators are also SDG indicators.

6. References

[1] Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (2018-2030)

[2] National Indicator Framework (as of September 2019)
[3] The Statistics Law (Myanmar)
[4] Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
[5] Tier Classification for Global SDG Indicators (as of 11 December 2019)
[6] IAEG-SDGs Term of Reference 2017
[7] Metadata Template for NIF indicators
[8] Documents for NIF Indicators’ Metadata Development Meetings in CSO