RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has won the bid to host the United Nations World Data Forum in Riyadh in 2026, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.
The high-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB) announced the decision.
GASTAT President Dr. Fahad Aldossari presented Saudi Arabia’s bid to the group. His presentation underscored GASTAT’s advancements in statistical work and the Kingdom’s experience in hosting global events and its commitment to providing logistical support for a successful forum.
Saudi Arabia proposed the theme “Using the Latest Technologies and Methodologies to Enhance Global Statistical Systems and Enable Sustainable Development” for the data forum.
Aldossari said hosting such kind of 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 Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister to supporting the statistical sector.
“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 said.
