Here are some potential interpretations of "according to" in the context of UN statistics:
* Based on data: "According to UN statistics, the global population is..." This means the statement is derived from data collected and analyzed by the UN.
* In alignment with: "According to UN standards, the national statistical agency should..." This means the statement refers to standards and guidelines established by the UN for collecting and reporting data.
* As reported by: "According to the UN World Population Prospects 2022,..." This means the statement is quoting a specific UN publication or report.
To understand the precise meaning of "according to" in a particular instance, you need to consider the context of the statement and the specific source of the information. For example, if you're reading a UN report that states "According to the latest survey,..." you should look for the specific survey mentioned in the report.
Remember, "according to" is a general phrase, and its meaning is determined by the context in which it's used.