Saudi Arabia to Host 6th UN World Data Forum in Riyadh in 2026

Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the 6th United Nations World Data Forum, scheduled to take place in Riyadh in 2026. The announcement was made at the conclusion of the 5th UN World Data Forum, held in Medellín, Colombia, from November 12 to 15, 2024, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. The Kingdom’s bid was endorsed by the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building in Statistics (HLG-PCCB), recognizing Saudi Arabia’s advanced statistical capabilities and its commitment to data-driven development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Context and Background

The UN World Data Forum is a premier global event that brings together over 20,000 participants, including representatives from governments, national statistical offices, international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The forum serves as a critical platform for addressing challenges in global data systems, fostering collaboration among policymakers and experts, and highlighting the importance of reliable statistics for informed decision-making. Saudi Arabia’s selection follows a competitive evaluation process by the HLG-PCCB, which assessed the hosting capabilities of candidate countries.

Key Details

Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), extended congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their steadfast support. He emphasized that the successful bid reflects the Kingdom’s remarkable progress across multiple sectors, particularly in statistical excellence. Dr. Aldossari noted that the event will provide an invaluable opportunity to share technical expertise, foster strategic partnerships with national statistical offices worldwide, and strengthen global collaboration in statistics. He also expressed appreciation to Colombia and the United Nations for organizing the 5th forum and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing data quality and transparency.

Implications and Impact

Hosting the 6th UN World Data Forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing global influence in data and statistics, positioning the Kingdom as a leader in the region and a key contributor to international statistical initiatives. The forum will facilitate discussions on data-driven solutions for global challenges, enhance cooperation among diverse data systems, and promote the use of high-quality statistics for sustainable development. This event is expected to attract thousands of international delegates to Riyadh, boosting the Kingdom’s profile as a hub for innovation and international collaboration.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The selection of Saudi Arabia to host the 6th UN World Data Forum aligns directly with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification, digital transformation, and global engagement. By leveraging its advanced statistical capabilities, Saudi Arabia, through GASTAT, continues to support the achievement of the SDGs and reinforce its commitment to transparency and data-driven governance. This development marks another milestone in the Kingdom’s journey toward becoming a leading global player in data and technology, contributing to a prosperous future for its citizens and the international community.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the 6th UN World Data Forum?

A1. The 6th UN World Data Forum is a major international event hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh in 2026, focusing on data and statistics for sustainable development, gathering global experts and policymakers.

Q2. Who announced Saudi Arabia’s hosting rights?

A2. The announcement was made at the conclusion of the 5th UN World Data Forum in Medellín, Colombia, by the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building in Statistics (HLG-PCCB).

Q3. Why was Saudi Arabia selected to host the forum?

A3. Saudi Arabia was selected due to its robust statistical capabilities, commitment to data-driven development, and recognition of its role in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals through advancements in data and statistics.

Q4. Which Saudi authority is leading the hosting efforts?

A4. The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) is leading Saudi Arabia’s efforts, with its President Dr. Fahad Aldossari overseeing the preparations for the 6th forum.

Q5. When and where will the 6th UN World Data Forum take place?

A5. The 6th UN World Data Forum will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026, as confirmed by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q6. How many participants typically attend the UN World Data Forum?

A6. The UN World Data Forum typically attracts over 20,000 participants, including representatives from governments, national statistical offices, international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector.

Q7. What is the role of the HLG-PCCB in this selection?

A7. The HLG-PCCB endorses hosting bids and evaluates countries’ capabilities. They confirmed Saudi Arabia’s selection by majority vote after assessing competing bids and hosting capabilities.

Q8. What are the main goals of the UN World Data Forum?

A8. The forum aims to address challenges in global data and statistics systems, foster collaboration among policymakers and experts, and highlight the importance of data for achieving sustainable development goals.

Q9. How does Saudi Arabia’s hosting support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

A9. By hosting the forum, Saudi Arabia promotes data-driven development and enhances global statistical cooperation, directly contributing to SDG targets related to data quality, transparency, and evidence-based policy.

Q10. What did Dr. Fahad Aldossari say about the hosting rights?

A10. Dr. Aldossari expressed gratitude to Saudi leadership for their support and emphasized that the selection reflects the Kingdom’s progress in statistical endeavors and its global standing in data excellence.

Q11. Which countries participated in the selection process?

A11. The selection process involved competitive bids from multiple countries seeking to host the 6th UN World Data Forum, with the HLG-PCCB evaluating their capabilities.

Q12. What is GASTAT’s role in Saudi Arabia’s statistical development?

A12. GASTAT is the official statistical authority in Saudi Arabia, responsible for producing high-quality data, enhancing statistical expertise, and representing the Kingdom in international statistical forums.

Q13. How does the forum benefit Saudi Arabia’s global image?

A13. Hosting the forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in data and statistics, showcasing its commitment to transparency, innovation, and international collaboration, enhancing its reputation as a global partner.

Q14. What types of organizations attend the UN World Data Forum?

A14. Attendees include governments, national statistical offices, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, academic institutions, and private sector companies involved in data and technology.

Q15. What is the significance of the forum for data quality?

A15. The forum promotes high-quality, transparent statistical data by facilitating knowledge exchange, partnerships, and best practices among global data experts and policymakers.

Q16. How does this event align with Vision 2030?

A16. It aligns with Vision 2030 by supporting economic diversification, digital transformation, and global engagement, positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for data-driven innovation and international cooperation.

Q17. What did Dr. Aldossari say about Colombia’s role?

A17. Dr. Aldossari expressed appreciation to Colombia and its National Department of Statistics (DANE) for successfully hosting and organizing the 5th UN World Data Forum.

Q18. How does the forum foster international collaboration?

A18. The forum brings together diverse stakeholders to discuss data challenges, share technical expertise, and build strategic partnerships, strengthening global cooperation in statistics.

Q19. What is the expected impact of the forum on Riyadh?

A19. Hosting the forum will attract thousands of international delegates to Riyadh, boosting the city’s profile as a destination for international events and fostering economic and cultural exchanges.

Q20. What is the long-term significance of this hosting for Saudi Arabia?

A20. It reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in statistics and data-driven development, supporting its Vision 2030 objectives and contributing to the international community’s sustainable development efforts.

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