Saudi Arabia's Delegation Highlights Statistical Expertise At UN World Data Forum In Colombia

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), led Saudi Arabia's delegation at the Fifth UN World Data Forum in Medellín, Colombia. The forum took place from November 12 to 15 and included representatives from 193 UN member states. During the event, it was officially announced that Saudi Arabia will host the sixth edition of the forum in Riyadh in 2026.

As a keynote speaker, Aldossari shared insights into Saudi Arabia's statistical work. He highlighted GASTAT's independent role in producing reliable data based on the Kingdom's national statistical system, which has been established for over 65 years. This system supports decision-makers and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

Aldossari emphasized Saudi Arabia's readiness to host the upcoming forum, pledging necessary resources for an exceptional event. He noted that the Kingdom's advanced capabilities make it well-suited for hosting global events. The forum aims to support efforts in providing high-quality statistical data and indicators to achieve Sustainable Development Goals among member states.

The High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB) held an official meeting during the forum. Discussions centered on aspirations for the sixth forum, key topics to address, and preparations for Riyadh's event.

Aldossari engaged in bilateral meetings with leaders from international organizations and statistical bodies. He met Stefan Schweinfest, Director of the UN Statistics Division, discussing statistical data's role in sustainable development and supporting policymakers. Meetings with counterparts from Palestine, Switzerland, and Colombia reiterated data's importance as a cornerstone for development.

On the sidelines of the forum, Aldossari met with leaders from various organizations like the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data and Paris21. These discussions explored cooperation opportunities to leverage expertise and enhance GASTAT’s statistical systems while boosting international collaboration.

Focus on Sustainable Development Goals

Aldossari stressed that statistical indicators are crucial for creating holistic visions for scientifically grounded development plans. He called for exchanging expertise among countries to achieve integration. The discussions underscored data issued by statistical authorities worldwide as vital for improving global well-being.

The forum provided a platform to showcase Saudi Arabia’s experience in statistical work and its commitment to supporting sustainable development through robust data systems. The Kingdom aims to contribute significantly to global efforts by hosting future forums focused on these objectives.

With inputs from SPA