Riyadh: Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), chaired the 13th meeting of the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work, held from December 10 to 11 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event was organised by the GCC Statistical Center in collaboration with Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Statistics. The meeting saw participation from Duaa Sultan, iGA Deputy Chief Executive for Statistics and Population Registry, along with representatives from national statistical offices across the GCC member states.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the committee's agenda encompassed several important topics, including a review of key joint achievements by the end of 2025 and the adoption of the joint GCC Statistical Work Strategy for 2026-2030. Participants also discussed the initiative to develop a data and statistics management and governance system across the GCC and received a briefing on the detailed initiative document for projects under the strategic plan. Additionally, the meeting included discussions on the project to create an electronic system for monitoring the implementation of the joint GCC Statistical Work Strategy.
The committee explored the possibility of hosting a digital transformation event for GCC statistical offices and deliberated on a document marking GCC Statistics Day, celebrated annually on December 24. Other agenda items included a proposed technical support plan for national statistical offices for 2026 and other new topics.
Al Qaed highlighted the significance of the meeting, stating that it underscores the collective commitment of GCC statistical bodies to joint statistical work, which is crucial for data-based decision-making and monitoring policy implementation. This collaboration aims to advance the development of the GCC across all sectors.
On the meeting's sidelines, a panel discussion was held to prepare for Saudi Arabia's hosting of the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum in 2026. The session, attended by the United Nations and heads of GCC statistical authorities, focused on the role of GCC statistical offices in aligning international statistical standards with regional projects and data. The discussion aimed to enhance a unified database in support of decision-making in accordance with international best practices.
During the session, Al Qaed noted the continuous efforts of GCC countries to keep pace with statistical developments and their accumulated experience in standard-setting. He highlighted Bahrain's pioneering role in conducting surveys using administrative records to provide accurate data, which has been adopted by international organisations.
He also stressed the importance of consolidating GCC experience in standard-setting with a clear plan to advance institutional work. He advocated for forming expert teams to develop new standards that cater to emerging requirements and define priorities for GCC countries.
Al Qaed further emphasised the need for GCC statistical offices to transition from traditional methods to technology-based approaches, enhance research, and establish innovation labs in statistical work. He pointed out the necessity for comprehensive development of skilled personnel, updating legislation, and adapting roles in the statistical field to keep pace with rapid changes.
In conclusion, Al Qaed expressed gratitude to the GCC Statistical Center and Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Statistics for organising the meeting and panel discussion, wishing them continued success.