Al jabal al akhdar: The Statistical Committee of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) today began its 17th session in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar. The Sultanate of Oman is represented at the three-day session by the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
According to Oman News Agency, participants in the session include heads and representatives of national statistic offices in Arab countries and officials from the United Nations and Arab, regional and international organizations, in addition to experts and specialists.
Dr. Rania Al Mashat, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the ESCWA, emphasized that the session is being held at a time when there is a growing need for reliable, timely, well-documented, and comparable data. This need is highlighted by the backdrop of rapid economic and social transformations, the digital revolution, and the challenges posed to statistical systems by conflicts, disasters, and displacements.
Dr. Rania stressed that these challenges present new opportunities to enhance the capacity of statistical systems to respond to different conditions. She noted that the current phase of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development offers an opportunity to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Mustafa Saad Badawi, Head of the Population Statistics and Censuses Sector in the Arab Republic of Egypt, remarked that statistical work is undergoing rapid transitions that extend beyond technology. These developments cover the nature of demand for data, its sources and uses, and the environment in which national statistical agencies operate.
Dr. Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Barwani, CEO of the National Centre for Statistics and Information, stated that the hosting of the ESCWA Statistical Committee's 17th session reflects Oman's commitment to consolidate Arab statistical cooperation and exchange expertise and experiences. This effort aims to develop more integrated, flexible, and responsive statistical systems that are capable of adapting to rapid changes.
Al Barwani highlighted that advances in artificial intelligence, big data, and digital resources are opening up broad opportunities for statistical institutions. These advances allow for the development of data collection, processing, and analysis, and help accelerate the production of indicators. He also pointed out the Sultanate of Oman's experience in using modern technology and artificial intelligence in implementing the AI-powered Household Income and Expenditure Survey project.
