SHARJAH: Emphasising the importance of collaborative international efforts in accelerating data-driven comprehensive development, the Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD) has announced its strategic partners for the inaugural ‘Regional Data and Community Development Forum’, slated for 9th -10th October in Sharjah.
The region’s first-of-its-kind event has partnered with federal, regional, and international institutions, including the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), GCC Statistical Centre, and a collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) on a specialised session.
The partners will organise more than 10 sessions discussing various topics, including the role of data in developing infrastructure, enhancing sustainability, forecasting the future of the labour market, improving quality of life and supporting communities, as well as the well-being of the elderly. The sessions, led by distinguished speak
ers from various countries, including Sudan, Yemen, Qatar, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, aim to promote cooperation and exchange expertise to achieve sustainable development in the region.
The ‘Regional Data and Community Development Forum’ will bring together global experts and decision-makers from various sectors in social and economic development, data specialists, and statistical institutions to discuss, exchange, and promote the use of data to address societal issues and drive social impact to improve communities’ quality of life.
ESCWA will host a session titled ‘Strategies for Data Provision in Conflict and Humanitarian Crises in the Arab World’ at ‘Innovative Data’ Stage on day 1. This session will highlight best practices to maintain a continuous and accurate data flow during crises, such as armed conflicts and natural disasters. It will also explore how data can enhance relief efforts and crisis response and the innovative technologies that facilitate aid’s swift and effective deliver
y.
ESCWA will organise a session titled ‘Integration of Traditional and Non-Traditional Data for Labour Market Forecasting in the Arab Region’ during the second day of the forum on ‘Innovative Data’ Stage. The session will explore how to best integrate traditional data sources, such as government statistics and official records, with non-traditional sources, like social media and big data, to provide a comprehensive understanding of labour market needs, forecast potential challenges, and drive economic growth across the Arab region.
The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat), in collaboration with HelpAge International and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), will hold a series of workshops focused on enhancing the rights and well-being of the elderly through the use of data.
With three workshops held daily, discussions will focus on addressing the needs of older adults, the influence of ageing data on government policies in GCC countries, and ad
apting data systems to better serve ageing populations. The workshops will also explore a human rights-based approach to formulating ageing policies, the involvement of older adults in policy development and review, and the challenges and opportunities for improving data on this demographic.
Furthermore, GCC-Stat will also host two sessions titled ‘Measuring the Healthy Life Expectancy Index’ at the ‘Transformative Data’ Stage on day 2.
Meanwhile, ICESCO will organise a session titled ‘Data and the Development of Infrastructure and Improvement of Service Quality,’ on day 1 at the Transformative Data Stage.
Speakers will examine how data can be utilised to identify infrastructure needs and support decision-making in planning and development. It will also highlight regional and international case studies where data has improved efficiency in the transport, energy, water, and telecommunications sectors. Furthermore, the session will explore how data analysis can identify gaps and contribute to sustainable sol
utions that enhance quality of life and meet the demands of expanding communities.
Source: Emirates News Agency