Enhancing External Debt Statistics for Greater Transparency and Sustainability

EDS

TARGET GROUP: Mid- to senior-level officials in finance ministries (especially Debt Management Office), central banks, and national statistical offices who are responsible for compiling, reporting, and analyzing external sector statistics and/or external debt statistics (EDS).
 

QUALIFICATIONS: Participants are expected to have a degree in economics, statistics, or finance, or equivalent practical experience in debt management and reporting. It is strongly recommended that applicants complete the introductory online course on External Debt Statistics (EDS). Familiarity with international statistical standards (BPM, SNA, GFSM) and basic quantitative/statistical software (Excel, Stata, or equivalent) is desirable but not required.
 

BLENDED COURSE REQUIREMENTS: The course will run in a blended format, consisting of two compulsory components. Selected participants will first complete three mandatory short online learning segments during December 15 – January 16, 2026. The in-person component of the course will be held at the Joint Vienna Institute (JVI) in Vienna during January 26 – February 6, 2026. Successful completion of both the online and in-person components is required in order to receive the course certificate.

DESCRIPTION: This joint IMF/World Bank (WB) course intended to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the international standards for the compilation of EDS presented in the 2013 EDS: Guide for Compilers and Users, and the World Bank’s Debtor Reporting System (DRS). It emphasizes accurate compilation, reporting, and analysis of external debt data, and highlights the role of debt transparency in sound policymaking and financial stability. Participants will learn how to apply the conceptual framework for the compilation of EDS following the 2013 EDS Guide, implement the updated DRS framework, and align national practices with international statistical standards. The program will also focus on strengthening the quality, coverage, and timeliness of debt data. Practical exercises and country cases will reinforce understanding and enable participants to compare and assess a variety of institutional experiences.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Understand and apply the conceptual framework and accounting principles underpinning EDS, including accrual of interest, institutional sectorization, and instrument classification.

• Correctly record, classify, and reconcile a wide range of external debt instruments and transactions, debt reorganization, and contingent liabilities.

• Understand the linkages of EDS with other macroeconomic datasets.

• Compile, interpret, and present external debt data tables to assess potential liquidity and solvency risks.

• Apply the DRS methodology, including the updated reporting templates for public and publicly guaranteed debt, and ensure consistency with international standards (BPM, SNA, IIP, QEDS).

• Identify and address common challenges in external debt data reporting, including complex instruments and new borrowing modalities.

• Strengthen national reporting practices and contribute to improving debt transparency at the global level.

• Develop an action plan to integrate international methodologies and DRS reporting practices into national statistical systems upon return to their institutions.

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Course Details

Start: 20260126Jan 26
End: 20260206Feb 06

Language: Eng/Pyc

Sponsoring Organization: IBRD/IMF

Admin Arrangements


Application Deadline: October 26, 2025

Apply here