Saudi Statistics Forum Commences In Riyadh To Strengthen Data Ecosystem And Support Vision 2030

The Saudi Statistics Forum commenced in Riyadh, organised by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The event, held under the patronage of Faisal Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning and Chairman of GASTAT's Board, runs from April 27 to 28, 2025. It gathers over 300 participants including princes, ministers, international organisation representatives, statistical office heads, experts, and decision-makers in the statistical sector.

Alibrahim highlighted that the forum draws inspiration from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. His directives aim to transform the Kingdom's data ecosystem into a model for performance measurement and legislative impact assessment through statistical data. The Kingdom has made significant progress in improving indicator quality and accuracy across economic, social, and environmental statistics.

The next phase will prioritise developing data platforms and enhancing digital transformation. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technologies will improve statistical processes and analysis. This approach aims to increase efficiency, enhance indicator accuracy, facilitate information access, accelerate development, and maximise positive impacts locally and globally in statistical work.

The forum is a pioneering event designed to address key statistical topics. It aims to highlight the positive role of the statistics sector in supporting Saudi Arabia's progress and sustainable development. Additionally, it seeks to measure progress towards Saudi Vision 2030 indicators while emphasising the importance of data and statistics in public awareness.

Alibrahim stated that the Kingdom's statistics have become a reliable reference for decision-makers. The focus is on using accurate data to guide decisions that affect economic growth and societal well-being. By improving data quality, Saudi Arabia aims to set a benchmark for other nations in using statistics effectively.

The forum also serves as a platform for exchanging ideas among local and international experts. Participants discuss how best practices can be implemented within Saudi Arabia's statistical framework. This collaboration is expected to foster innovation and drive improvements in data collection methods.

This inaugural forum underscores the critical role of statistics in shaping policies that align with national goals. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, it facilitates discussions on leveraging data for informed decision-making. The event marks a significant step towards achieving comprehensive development objectives outlined in Vision 2030.

With inputs from SPA