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As part of the activities of the Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Associations, specialized scientific sessions were held to discuss a variety of topics. The third session addressed “Ethics in Statistical Practice and Safeguarding Data Privacy,” while the fourth session focused on “Practices of Statistical Offices in Providing Data to Users.” The fifth session was dedicated to the topic “"Universities’ Contribution to Building Human Capital in the Field of Statistical Work".
The third session reviewed the ethical challenges associated with the use of big data and modern technologies, emphasizing the importance of promoting professional practices that preserve privacy and ensure transparency. In the fourth session, participants highlighted the significance of enhancing transparency by enabling institutions, researchers, and users to access statistical data. The fifth session discussed the vital role of universities in preparing qualified statistical professionals through updating curricula to keep pace with digital transformations.
It is worth noting that these sessions are part of a series of panel discussions held during the forum, with the participation of a distinguished group of experts and specialists, in addition to scientific and research papers. The forum aims to strengthen partnerships between the statistical and academic sectors and to leverage modern technologies in the development of statistical methodologies.
 

The Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations, held at the Conference Center of the University of Jeddah, continues its activities with two scientific sessions. The first session is titled “The Role of Statistics in Community Development,” while the second session focused on “Innovative Methodologies for Improving the Quality of Statistical Data.” The first session highlighted the importance of statistical indicators in understanding the living conditions of society and their role in shaping public policies and improving the quality of essential services. It also addressed their function as a key tool for measuring welfare indicators, promoting social equity, and guiding future development planning.
The second session focused on national and international experiences in adopting new methodologies to improve data quality, as well as on discussing statistical challenges and mechanisms to overcome them through advanced technological solutions and modern analytical tools. Participants emphasized the importance of research collaboration between universities and statistical offices to develop measurement tools that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
It is worth noting that the scientific sessions represent one of the main pillars of the forum and come as part of GASTAT efforts to strengthen the integration of roles between the academic and applied fields, as well as to develop the capabilities of national cadres in the areas of statistical quality and decision-making.
 

The Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations, held at the Conference Center of the University of Jeddah, continued its activities with two panel sessions. The first session was titled “The Role of Statistics in Community Development,” while the second session was titled “Innovative Methodologies for Improving the Quality of Statistical Data.”  The first session highlighted the importance of statistical indicators in analyzing the living conditions of society and their role in shaping public policies, improving the quality of essential services, serving as a key tool for measuring welfare indicators, promoting social equity, and guiding future development plans.
While the second session focused on national and international experiences in adopting new methodologies to enhance data quality, it also discussed statistical challenges and ways to overcome them through advanced technological solutions and modern analytical tools. Speakers emphasized the importance of research collaboration between universities and statistical offices to develop measurement tools that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals.
It is worth noting that the panel discussions are among the main programs of the forum and form part of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) efforts to strengthen the integration of roles between the academic and applied fields and to develop the capabilities of national cadres in statistical quality and decision-making.

  On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, will inaugurate tomorrow the Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations.
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organizes the Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations at Jeddah University Conference Center. A distinguished group of experts and specialists, including representatives of scientific associations, as well as academics and researchers in the fields of statistics and data-related sciences, will participate in the forum. The forum is being held this year along with World Statistics Day 2025, which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates along with other countries around the world to emphasize the importance of official statistics in supporting development, decision makers, and those involved in shaping developmental and economic policies.
It aims to enhance integration between GASTAT, universities, and Saudi statistical associations, in addition to developing academic programs in the field of statistics to meet the labor market's needs and support national statistics products. It also focuses on empowering students and researchers by facilitating access to data and its sources for use in their research projects, while highlighting opportunities for scientific and research innovation in methodologies through the use of modern technologies.
The forum’s agenda includes a main session titled “Universities’ Contribution to Shaping the Future of Statistical Innovation”, which will highlight the pivotal role academic institutions play in developing innovative statistical methodologies and building national capabilities. The forum will also feature a series of specialized panel discussions addressing a range of topics, including the role of statistics in community development, local and international case studies in utilizing indicators to support public policies, and proposing innovative methodologies to improve the quality of statistical data through advanced technological tools. Additionally, the discussion will cover the ethics of statistical practice and data privacy, and highlight the practices of statistical offices in providing data to beneficiaries.
It is noteworthy that this forum is an extension of the success of the first edition, which GASTAT organized in 2024 and witnessed significant attendance of experts and specialists, and resulted in several scientific recommendations and outcomes. Through hosting such forums, GASTAT seeks to strengthen its strategic partnerships with relevant entities and promote the exchange of expertise across its field of work, contributing to the advancement of the statistical sector in line with the fast-paced global developments.