GCC Statistical Centre marks Gulf Statistics Day

Muscat: The Statistical Centre for the GCC (GCC-Stat) marked the Gulf Statistics Day, observed annually on 24 December. This occasion reflects the essential role of statistics as a fundamental pillar for decision-making and enhancing sustainable development paths. This year’s celebration was held under the theme "Unified Data… A SharedGulfVision."

Jassim MohamedAl Budaiwi,Secretary-General of the GCC, stated that Gulf Statistics Day is an occasion to appreciate the efforts of those working in this field and their vital role in supporting development and decision-making. He emphasised that, based on the keenness of the GCC leaders to establish statistical work as a primary pillar of joint Gulf action, the GCC-Stat was established in 2011 to serve as a source of unified data, a supporter of decision-making, and an enhancer of integration paths among the member states.

The ceremony included honoring the winners of the statistical competition organized by the Centre, which aimed to enhance statistical culture, encourage innovation in data use, and motivate national and Gulf competencies to utilize statistical indicators in analysis, study, and future forecasting.

Additionally, the GCC Statistical Centre launched the "Youth Creativity in the Data World" award, targeting Gulf youth between the ages of 18 and 34. The award, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Youth in Qatar, the Qatar National Planning Council, comes within the framework of continuous efforts to enhance the culture of data and empower youth to utilise it in supporting sustainable development paths. The award aims to discover promising talents in the data field, support young minds, and stimulate creativity and innovation in using and analysing data, contributing to the preparation of a generation capable of transforming data into knowledge and knowledge into a positive impact on quality of life and evidence-based decision-making.

Intisar bint Abdullah Al Waheibi, Director General of the GCC-Stat, stated that the launch of the award is a clear message to Gulf youth that they are the makers of tomorrow and the heroes of the data world. She noted that statistics has surpassed its traditional role and data are no longer silent numbers, but rather a force that builds the future and makes the decisions that shape our Gulf nations. She added that the launch of the award is consistent with the GCC's direction toward enhancing the knowledge economy, developing human capital, and consolidating the role of youth as an active partner in formulating the future of statistical and digital work in the region.