iGA Attends Organization of Islamic Cooperation Statistical Committee’s 12th Session.
04 Oct 2023
The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) represented the Kingdom of Bahrain at the 12th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Statistical Committee, held for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 3rd to 4th October 2023. The iGA delegation included Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed and Deputy CE of Statistics and Population Registry, Duaa Alharban.
Several countries from the OIC participated, along with the United Nations (UN) Statistics Division, UN Population Fund, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics. National statistical offices of some OIC member countries were also present.
The meeting announced the decision to transfer the Chair of the next session to Cameroon, while Saudi Arabia became the Deputy Chair along with Malaysia and Palestine. Agenda items included the gathering of high-quality statistical data to support development plans and establishing a shared platform for exchanging best practices and experience among member countries.
The aim is to develop effective programs that enhance statistical capabilities at the organizational level and promote principles of solidarity. The committee reviewed resolutions from the 11th session, assessed the implementation of the 2021-2025 Action Program, and monitored its progress.
Sessions topics included the use of geospatial technologies to support census activities, utilizing geographic data and spatial analysis to understand patterns and relationships on the ground. There was also a session on monitoring Goal 8 indicators (Decent Work and Economic Growth) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which discussed ways to measure progress towards comprehensive economic growth, full and productive employment, and providing decent work for all. Additionally, a session on capacity development aimed to enhance statistical skills for improved e-learning programs in the field of official statistics.
On the sidelines of Bahrain's participation, Al Qaed met with Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) Director General, Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk. They discussed areas of utilizing technology in statistical work, including the Kingdom's launch of the Bahrain Open Data Platform.
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