Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), has won the bid to host the United Nations World Data Forum in Riyadh in 2026 after a competitive bidding process .

The decision was made by the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB), the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Around 22,000 delegates from 193 countries, including data scientists, officials of the statistical offices of UN member states and individuals interested in statistics, are expected to participate in the global event.

GASTAT President Dr. Fahad Aldossari presented Saudi Arabia’s bid to the HLG-PCCB group. His presentation highlighted GASTAT’s advancements in statistical work, and the Kingdom’s experience in hosting international 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 forum.

Aldossari said in a press statement that hosting this event reflects Saudi Arabia's prominent status among nations and underscores the commitment of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to supporting the statistical sector. Statistical data plays a crucial role in driving comprehensive and sustainable development across all fields.

He noted that winning the bid to host the UN World Data Forum in 2026 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.