Regional Data & Community Development Forum To Promote Sustainable Solutions Through Data Collaboration

The Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD) is emphasising the significance of international collaboration to boost data-driven development. They have announced strategic partners for the first ‘Regional Data & Community Development Forum’ in Sharjah, scheduled for 9th-10th October. This event will see participation from federal, regional, and international bodies, including the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and GCC Statistical Centre.

More than ten sessions will be organised by these partners, covering a range of topics. Discussions will focus on data's role in infrastructure development, sustainability enhancement, labour market forecasting, quality of life improvement, and community support. Distinguished speakers from countries like Sudan, Yemen, Qatar, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Oman will lead these sessions to foster cooperation and share expertise for sustainable regional development.

The forum aims to unite global experts and decision-makers from various sectors involved in social and economic development. Data specialists and statistical institutions will gather to discuss how data can address societal challenges and drive social impact to enhance communities' quality of life. The event seeks to promote the exchange of ideas and practices that leverage data for positive change.

On the first day at the ‘Innovative Data’ Stage, ESCWA will host a session titled ‘Strategies for Data Provision in Conflict and Humanitarian Crises in the Arab World’. This session will showcase best practices for maintaining accurate data flow during crises like armed conflicts or natural disasters. It will also explore how data can improve relief efforts and crisis response through innovative technologies that ensure aid is delivered swiftly and effectively.

During the second day at the same stage, ESCWA will conduct another session named ‘Integration of Traditional and Non-Traditional Data for Labour Market Forecasting in the Arab Region’. This session aims to integrate traditional data sources such as government statistics with non-traditional ones like social media. The goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of labour market needs, anticipate potential challenges, and stimulate economic growth across the Arab region.

The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat), alongside HelpAge International and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), will organise workshops focusing on enhancing elderly rights through data usage. Three workshops per day will address older adults' needs, ageing data's impact on GCC policies, and adapting systems to better serve this demographic.

Improving Infrastructure Through Data

Additionally, GCC-Stat will host two sessions titled ‘Measuring the Healthy Life Expectancy Index’ at the ‘Transformative Data’ Stage on day two. Meanwhile, ICESCO will organise a session called ‘Data and the Development of Infrastructure and Improvement of Service Quality’ on day one at this stage. Speakers will discuss using data to identify infrastructure needs and support planning decisions.

This session by ICESCO will also highlight case studies where data has enhanced efficiency in sectors like transport, energy, water, and telecommunications. It aims to show how analysing data can identify gaps and contribute to sustainable solutions that improve quality of life while meeting expanding communities' demands.

The forum represents a significant step towards leveraging data for comprehensive development across various sectors. By bringing together experts from different fields, it seeks to foster collaboration that addresses societal issues effectively through informed decision-making processes supported by robust data analysis.

With inputs from WAM