Saudi Arabia Secures Hosting Rights For The 6th UN World Data Forum In Riyadh In 2026

Saudi Arabia has been chosen to host the 6th UN World Data Forum in Riyadh in 2026. This announcement came at the end of the 5th UN World Data Forum, held from November 12 to 15, 2024, in Medellín, Colombia. The event gathered representatives from all 193 UN member states.

The High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building in Statistics (HLG-PCCB) endorsed Saudi Arabia's selection. This decision highlights the Kingdom’s strong statistical capabilities and its dedication to data-driven development. It also emphasizes Saudi Arabia's role in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through advancements in data and statistics.

Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), congratulated King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on this achievement. He expressed gratitude for their support, which has strengthened GASTAT’s local and international presence and enhanced its statistical expertise.

Dr. Aldossari highlighted that hosting the forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s progress across various sectors, particularly in statistics. He stated that the event will offer a valuable opportunity to share technical knowledge, build strategic partnerships with national statistical offices worldwide, and enhance global collaboration in statistics.

During his remarks, Dr. Aldossari thanked Colombia's government, the United Nations, and Colombia’s National Department of Statistics (DANE) for organizing the 5th forum. He also acknowledged national statistical offices' representatives, program team members, and HLG-PCCB for their dedication to preparing and delivering the program.

He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment through GASTAT to improving statistical data quality and transparency across various fields. Dr. Aldossari emphasized Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in promoting statistical excellence within the region.

The Significance of the UN World Data Forum

The UN World Data Forum is a significant international event attended by over 20,000 participants from governments, national statistical offices, international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector. It serves as a platform for addressing challenges in global data systems while fostering collaboration among policymakers and experts.

The forum underscores the importance of data and statistics while promoting cooperation across diverse data systems. Saudi Arabia's hosting of this event reaffirms its prominent global standing and contributions to advancing high-quality data and statistical indicators.

The HLG-PCCB announced Saudi Arabia's selection by majority vote after evaluating competing countries’ bids and assessing their hosting capabilities. This decision highlights GASTAT's exceptional role in leading the global statistical community.

With inputs from SPA