Saudi arabia: Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), participated for the first time in the 23rd meeting of the OECD Committee on Statistics and Statistical Policy (CSSP), held virtually from June 22 to 23, 2026. The meeting saw the involvement of heads of national statistical offices and senior statistical officials from member countries and international partner organizations.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, highlighted that Saudi Arabia's participation in this meeting underscores the Kingdom's advanced position within the international statistical community. This engagement reflects the growing global confidence in Saudi Arabia's institutional capabilities, especially as it gears up to host the 6th United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) in Riyadh.
The meeting addressed several topics pertinent to the advancement of statistical work. Key discussions included enhancing the quality and reliability of statistical data, the application of artificial intelligence in statistical processes, and the modernization of statistical methodologies and standards. Additionally, the use of emerging data sources to support the development of statistical indicators and to meet evolving data user needs was also deliberated upon.
CSSP is a key committee within the OECD, tasked with discussing strategic directions concerning official statistics, advancing statistical indicators and methodologies, and fostering cooperation among national statistical offices and specialized international organizations. Saudi Arabia's representation through GASTAT in the committee's initiatives reflects its active involvement in international statistical forums. This participation demonstrates the Kingdom's commitment to staying abreast of global developments in statistics and data.
Through these efforts, GASTAT continues to support regional and international statistical systems and offices. This involvement aids in strengthening statistical capacities and propelling progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
