Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) is organizing the second GASTAT Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations at the University of Jeddah’s Conference Center. This event is under the patronage of His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Mansour bin Abdullah bin Jalawi Al Saud, Governor of Jeddah. On October 20, the event will gather a distinguished group of experts, specialists, academics, and researchers in statistics and data science.
This year’s forum coincides with World Statistics Day 2025. It reaffirms the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the global celebration of official statistics as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development. The forum underscores the national focus on data-driven policies under Vision 2030.
Strengthening Academic Integration and Research Innovation
The GASTAT Statistical Forum aims to enhance cooperation between GASTAT, Saudi universities, and statistical associations. It seeks to strengthen academic programs in statistics, ensuring alignment with labor market needs and the development of national data products. This collaboration empowers students and researchers to access data sources, conduct applied research, and contribute to advancing the statistical field.
A key focus of the forum is fostering scientific and research innovation in statistical methodologies by adopting modern technologies. The agenda includes a main session titled “The Role of Universities in Shaping the Future of Statistical Innovation.” This session emphasizes the contribution of academic institutions in developing innovative approaches and building national capabilities.
Supporting Data Quality and Ethical Statistical Practices
Specialized panel discussions will address several emerging themes. These include the role of statistics in community development, best practices in policy indicators, and global experiences in data-driven governance. Sessions will also cover new methodologies to improve data quality using digital tools and discussions on ethics, transparency, and privacy in statistical work.
The second edition of the forum builds upon the success of the inaugural event held in 2024. That event delivered notable outcomes in knowledge sharing and capacity building. By continuing these initiatives, GASTAT aims to strengthen strategic partnerships, encourage knowledge exchange, and advance Saudi Arabia’s statistical ecosystem to align with international standards.
THE SAUDI STANDARD’S VIEW: GASTAT Forum Advances Saudi Data Innovation and Statistical Excellence
The second GASTAT Statistical Forum at the University of Jeddah reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional leader in data innovation and statistical governance. Coinciding with World Statistics Day 2025, the forum reflects the Kingdom’s deep institutional commitment to evidence-based policymaking and national development. These are core pillars of Vision 2030’s digital and economic transformation.
• Institutionalizing Data-Driven Policy Under Vision 2030
GASTAT’s convening of academia, researchers, and policymakers demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s maturing statistical ecosystem, where data is collected and strategically applied to inform public policy, optimize resource allocation, and enhance national competitiveness.
• Academic Integration for National Capacity Building
The forum strengthens the link between academic research and national priorities by aligning university programs with market and policy needs. This academic-industry collaboration ensures a steady pipeline of data professionals capable of advancing the Kingdom’s digital economy.
• Innovation Through Statistical Technology
The forum’s focus on modern methodologies and digital tools signals the evolution of Saudi statistical practice—from traditional data gathering to smart analytics powered by artificial intelligence and automation. This transition enhances accuracy, efficiency, and real-time decision-making capacity across sectors.
• Commitment to Ethics and Data Governance
By addressing transparency, privacy, and ethical data use, GASTAT underscores Saudi Arabia’s adherence to international standards of statistical integrity. These frameworks reinforce public trust and institutional credibility, essential for sustainable development.
• Global Positioning Through Knowledge Exchange
The continued success of the GASTAT Forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing engagement in global statistical cooperation, contributing thought leadership and regional expertise to international data innovation dialogues.
The GASTAT Statistical Forum is a national platform advancing research, innovation, and governance in data science. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s determination to lead the region in building a robust, ethical, and innovation-driven statistical infrastructure. This effort anchors the Kingdom’s digital transformation and future economic resilience.
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