GASTAT Leads Saudi Delegation at OIC Statistical Commission Meeting in Ankara

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) President Dr. Fahad Aldossari led Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the 13th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Statistical Commission, held from October 15-16, 2024, in Ankara, Türkiye. The meeting, convened by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, brought together heads of official statistical centers from OIC member states to share expertise and enhance statistical capabilities across the Islamic world.

Context and Background

The OIC Statistical Commission meets regularly to foster cooperation among member states in data production, analysis, and dissemination. The 13th session focused on reviewing the commission’s 2021-2025 work plan and examining indicators related to the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2) on zero hunger. This gathering underscores the Islamic world’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and mutual support in statistical development.

Saudi Arabia’s Role at the Meeting

GASTAT President Dr. Fahad Aldossari, representing the Kingdom, participated actively in discussions on strengthening statistical systems and sharing best practices. Saudi Arabia’s engagement highlights its leadership role within the OIC and its dedication to advancing statistical infrastructure, which is essential for informed decision-making and sustainable development across member states. The Saudi delegation emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing common challenges such as data harmonization and capacity building.

Key Discussion Areas

The meeting addressed several critical topics: reviewing the OIC Statistical Commission’s ongoing work plan for 2021-2025, assessing progress on SDG 2 indicators, and exploring opportunities for knowledge sharing among OIC member states. Delegates also discussed the role of statistical agencies in supporting national development plans, emphasizing the need for robust data systems to track economic and social progress. These discussions aim to strengthen statistical cooperation and align efforts with global development frameworks.

Implications for Regional and Global Cooperation

The outcomes of the 13th session are expected to enhance statistical coordination among OIC countries, facilitating better data-driven policies in areas such as agriculture, food security, and economic development. Saudi Arabia’s active participation reinforces its position as a key contributor to regional statistical advancement, supporting broader goals of transparency and accountability. This collaboration also helps align OIC member states with international statistical standards, promoting cross-border data comparability.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This engagement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes data-driven governance and modern statistical systems to support economic diversification and social development. By leading at the OIC Statistical Commission, the Kingdom contributes to building a robust statistical ecosystem that enhances decision-making and fosters sustainable development across the Islamic world. This cooperation reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international partnerships that drive progress and innovation, in line with its long-term strategic goals under Vision 2030.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main purpose of the OIC Statistical Commission meeting?

A1. The main purpose was to exchange experiences, discuss best practices, and enhance statistical capabilities among OIC member states through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Q2. When and where did the 13th session take place?

A2. The meeting was held in Ankara, Türkiye, on October 15-16, 2024.

Q3. Who led the Saudi delegation to the meeting?

A3. Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), led the Saudi delegation.

Q4. Which organizations organized the meeting?

A4. The meeting was organized by SESRIC in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group.

Q5. How many OIC member states participated in the meeting?

A5. The meeting brought together heads of official statistical centers from multiple OIC member states, representing a broad cross-section of the Islamic world.

Q6. What is the OIC Statistical Commission’s work plan period?

A6. The work plan reviewed during the meeting covers the period from 2021 to 2025.

Q7. Which Sustainable Development Goal was examined at the meeting?

A7. The meeting focused on indicators related to the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2), which addresses zero hunger.

Q8. Why did the meeting emphasize SDG 2 indicators?

A8. SDG 2 indicators are critical for tracking food security and agricultural development, which are priorities for many OIC member states.

Q9. What was the role of statistical agencies discussed at the meeting?

A9. Delegates discussed the role of statistical agencies in supporting national development plans through reliable data and evidence-based policymaking.

Q10. How does Saudi Arabia benefit from participating in such meetings?

A10. Saudi Arabia gains access to international best practices, strengthens its statistical systems, and reinforces its leadership in regional cooperation.

Q11. What is SESRIC’s role in the OIC Statistical Commission?

A11. SESRIC organizes and supports the commission’s sessions, facilitating collaboration among OIC member states on statistical development.

Q12. How does the Islamic Development Bank contribute to this meeting?

A12. The IsDB Group collaborates in organizing the session and supports statistical initiatives that promote sustainable development in member countries.

Q13. What topics were covered during the meeting’s discussions?

A13. Topics included the work plan review, SDG 2 indicators, capacity building, data harmonization, and knowledge sharing among OIC states.

Q14. What is the importance of data harmonization for OIC countries?

A14. Data harmonization ensures comparability of statistics across member states, enabling better regional analysis and coordinated policy responses.

Q15. How does the OIC Statistical Commission support national development?

A15. It helps member states improve their statistical infrastructure, which is essential for monitoring progress and making informed development decisions.

Q16. What was Saudi Arabia’s key message at the meeting?

A16. Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing common challenges and advancing statistical capabilities across the Islamic world.

A17. The meeting reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to data-driven governance and international partnerships, supporting its Vision 2030 goals.

Q18. What is Vision 2030’s connection to statistical development?

A18. Vision 2030 prioritizes modern statistical systems to support economic diversification, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking in Saudi Arabia.

Q19. How does this meeting impact regional statistical cooperation?

A19. The meeting strengthens ties among OIC statistical offices, promoting shared standards and collaborative projects that benefit the entire region.

Q20. What are the expected outcomes of the 13th session?

A20. Expected outcomes include enhanced statistical coordination, improved data quality, and stronger support for sustainable development across OIC member states.

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