The role of statistics in policy development and decision-making

Overview:

This session highlights internationally recognized statistical standards and classifications, stressing the need for standardized methodologies to ensure comparability across countries. It also examines how modern technologies contribute to the development of statistical methodologies. 

Key discussion points:

• Statistical methodologies between statistical offices, government entities, and specialized international organizations. 
• Statistical practices to ensure quality in statistical processes. 
•  Challenges in ensuring the reliability and transparency of official statistics. 
• The importance of having a general framework for statistical data quality. 
• The role of modern technologies in developing statistical methodologies.

Expected outcomes:

• Understanding the role of statistical offices and international organizations in supporting and developing national statistical practices. 
• Emphasizing the role of international organizations in establishing statistical methodologies. 
• Promoting and standardizing statistical concepts and classifications globally.  

Innovation and development in statistical methods

Overview:

This session discusses the role of innovative technologies in transforming and modernizing the ways data is produced, collected, and analyzed across various fields. Satellite imagery and mobile applications are among the new methods used to gather data, also referred to as "big data". 

Key discussion points:

• Remote sensing technologies and satellite imagery in geographic and agricultural statistics. 
• The use of advanced statistical methods for data analysis and their impact on decision-making. 
• The contribution of statistical indicators in analyzing trends and future forecasts. 
• Leveraging statistical analysis methods based on biological and behavioral data to prevent fraudulent and duplicate records.

Expected outcomes:

• Raising awareness of the automation of statistical processes and the role of statistical innovation in enhancing trust in official statistics. 
• Clarifying the impact of applying artificial intelligence and intelligent software in data processing and analysis. 
• Introducing the impact of automation on improving the efficiency and reliability of statistics  

The role of the private sector in supporting and producing statistical data

Overview:

This session focuses on the crucial role of the private sector, including companies, private institutions, and similar entities of various sizes, in providing data and producing statistics related to the private sector or the broader national development scope, recognizing it as one of the key components of the national economy.  These statistics and data are also important in supporting the achievement of targets.

Key discussion points:

• The role of the private sector in providing statistical data through sharing operational, financial, and field data. 
• Collaboration between the private sector and statistical offices to enhance data quality and statistical integration. 
• The future of statistical data production and the impact of the private sector in enhancing data collection and analysis models. 
• Challenges faced by the private sector in data production, such as privacy protection, cost, and providing high-quality data. 
• The importance of big data and innovations in statistical analysis produced by the private sector in improving the quality of economic estimates and indicators.
• Opportunities to strengthen public-private partnerships to develop sustainable and accurate data sources that support economic and developmental decision-making.

Expected outcomes:

• The contribution of company data in producing statistics that influence developmental decision-making. 
• Emphasizing the crucial role of the private sector in providing data that supports statistical offices. 

Integration between statistical institutions and data beneficiaries

Overview:

This session addresses ways to strengthen the relationship between statistical offices and data beneficiaries by facilitating access to statistical data and indicators, presenting them in multiple formats, and offering various services smoothly. It emphasizes continuous efforts to improve and elevate the relationship and communication with users using the latest communication methods. This includes providing platforms capable of delivering data securely and in various digital formats, supported by graphs, tables, and illustrative designs, following the best local and international practices, standards, and technologies. 

Key discussion points:

• Building bridges of communication and trust between statistical institutions and beneficiaries.
• Developing mechanisms for interaction and feedback in the use of statistical data.
• The future of the relationship between statistical institutions and beneficiaries.

Expected outcomes:

• Raising awareness about the importance of statistical data.
• Recognizing the value of transparency and trust between statistical institutions and beneficiaries, along with the importance of fostering partnerships.
• Regularly addressing and evaluating the needs of beneficiaries.
• Developing effective mechanisms for quick response to data requests.
• Facilitating access to statistical data by leveraging technology while ensuring data confidentiality.
• Defining the role of statistical offices in building trust with the private sector to access data more effectively and transparently and providing high-quality data that supports the private sector and its future directions.