The National Statistical Office (NSO) alongside the UNFPA, is hosting a first of its kind, National Statistical Convention at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby today. In his opening remarks, Chief Statistician at the NSO Mr. John A. Igitoi said this is the first time to bring together professionals from the public and private sector to engage and discuss with the experts on the thematic report on the Social Demographics and Economic Survey (SDES) that was conducted last year. "This is very important because it's a first of its kind for PNG and is a show of NSO's capability, despite the many challenges and issues that NSO has faced in the country, we are able to disseminate it in a very short period of time." He said the main purpose of this convention is to present the findings of the SDES and determine the status and progress of the country in terms of the thematic areas captured in the SDES. "The convention will encapsulate the many fundamental aspects of the human population lives." He said the convention will also cover the Medium-Term Development Plan, policy area for quality education and skill capability that provides the enabling environment for efficient economic growth. "This convention is important for formulating strategic development plans as it encroaches into our daily lives where we need to understand and approach the challenges and issues in a more relevant way." Mr. Igitoi closed off his remarks by welcoming everyone and officially opened the convention.