Saudi Arabia to Host UN World Data Forum in 2026

Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the United Nations World Data Forum in 2026, following a competitive selection process led by the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB). The announcement, made by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), underscores the Kingdom’s growing leadership in global statistical development and its capacity to convene major international events.

Context and Background

The UN World Data Forum is a premier global platform that brings together data experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches to data and statistics for sustainable development. The forum supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and aims to improve data capacity, especially in developing countries.

GASTAT’s successful bid was presented by its President, Dr. Fahad Aldossari, to the HLG-PCCB. His presentation highlighted GASTAT’s advancements in statistical work, Saudi Arabia’s experience in hosting international events, and the Kingdom’s commitment to providing logistical support for a successful forum. The bid also proposed the theme ‘Using the Latest Technologies and Methodologies to Enhance Global Statistical Systems and Enable Sustainable Development’.

Key Details

In a press release issued on September 8, 2024, Dr. Aldossari stated: “Hosting this event reflects Saudi Arabia’s prominent status among nations and underscores the commitment of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to supporting the statistical sector. Statistical data plays a crucial role in driving comprehensive and sustainable development across all fields.”

He further noted that winning the bid is a testament to GASTAT’s significant advancements in the statistical field. “The recent expansions in statistical work, driven by GASTAT’s initiatives and projects, have enabled us to produce accurate and updated statistical data and indicators,” Aldossari added.

Implications and Impact

Hosting the UN World Data Forum in 2026 will position Saudi Arabia at the center of global discussions on data innovation and sustainable development. It will facilitate knowledge exchange, foster international partnerships, and showcase the Kingdom’s technological advancements in data collection and analysis.

The event is expected to attract thousands of participants from around the world, including government officials, academics, and private sector leaders. It will also provide an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to highlight its progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its Vision 2030 objectives.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This achievement aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making, digital transformation, and international cooperation. By hosting the UN World Data Forum, the Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to global sustainable development and positions itself as a leader in the future of data and statistics.

The event will further enhance Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a hub for international conferences and a key player in shaping the global data agenda. It also supports the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy and promote knowledge-based industries.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the UN World Data Forum?

A1. The UN World Data Forum is a global platform that brings together data experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches to data and statistics for sustainable development. It supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Q2. When and where will the 2026 UN World Data Forum be held?

A2. The 2026 UN World Data Forum will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as announced by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) after winning the bid.

Q3. Who presented Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the forum?

A3. Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, presented Saudi Arabia’s bid to the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB).

Q4. What theme did Saudi Arabia propose for the forum?

A4. Saudi Arabia proposed the theme ‘Using the Latest Technologies and Methodologies to Enhance Global Statistical Systems and Enable Sustainable Development’.

Q5. What did Dr. Aldossari say about hosting the event?

A5. Dr. Aldossari said that hosting the event reflects Saudi Arabia’s prominent status among nations and underscores the commitment of the leadership to supporting the statistical sector.

Q6. How does hosting the forum align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A6. Hosting the forum aligns with Vision 2030’s emphasis on data-driven decision-making, digital transformation, and international cooperation, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development.

Q7. What benefits will hosting the forum bring to Saudi Arabia?

A7. Hosting the forum will position Saudi Arabia at the center of global data discussions, facilitate knowledge exchange, foster partnerships, and showcase the Kingdom’s technological advancements in data.

Q8. How many participants are expected at the forum?

A8. The forum is expected to attract thousands of participants from around the world, including government officials, academics, and private sector leaders.

Q9. What advancements has GASTAT made in statistical work?

A9. GASTAT has made significant advancements through various initiatives and projects, enabling the production of accurate and updated statistical data and indicators.

Q10. What is the role of the HLG-PCCB?

A10. The HLG-PCCB is responsible for partnership, coordination, and capacity-building for statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It selected Saudi Arabia to host the 2026 forum.

Q11. How will the forum promote sustainable development?

A11. The forum will promote sustainable development by enhancing global statistical systems, sharing best practices, and leveraging technology to improve data collection and analysis.

Q12. What logistical support will Saudi Arabia provide?

A12. Saudi Arabia is committed to providing full logistical support to ensure a successful forum, leveraging its experience in hosting major international events.

Q13. What is the significance of the forum for the global statistical community?

A13. The forum provides a unique opportunity for the global statistical community to collaborate, innovate, and address challenges in data and statistics for sustainable development.

Q14. How does the forum support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?

A14. The forum supports the 2030 Agenda by improving data capacity, promoting innovation, and fostering partnerships that enable countries to track and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Q15. What technologies will be highlighted at the forum?

A15. The forum will highlight the latest technologies and methodologies in statistics, including big data, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms for data collection and dissemination.

Q16. How will the forum benefit developing countries?

A16. Developing countries will benefit from capacity-building sessions, knowledge sharing, and access to innovative tools and methodologies to improve their statistical systems.

Q17. What is GASTAT’s role in Saudi Arabia?

A17. GASTAT is the official statistical authority of Saudi Arabia, responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating accurate statistical data to support development planning and policymaking.

Q18. How does the forum contribute to Saudi Arabia’s global engagement?

A18. The forum enhances Saudi Arabia’s global engagement by positioning the Kingdom as a leader in data innovation and sustainable development, fostering international cooperation.

Q19. What preparations are underway for the 2026 forum?

A19. Preparations include coordinating with UN agencies, developing the program agenda, and ensuring logistical arrangements to host a successful and impactful forum in Riyadh.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of the 2026 UN World Data Forum?

A20. The expected outcome is a strengthened global statistical system, enhanced data capacity, and accelerated progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, with Saudi Arabia playing a pivotal role.

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