Jeddah: The Kingdom, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), chaired the Arab League Economic and Social Council’s Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics. The meeting, held in Jeddah on November 6 and 7, was attended by Arab heads of the official statistical center who engaged in discussions on ways to enhance the exchange of technical and statistical expertise and knowledge.

According to Saudi Press Agency, GASTAT President Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dosari opened the meeting by expressing his appreciation to the League of Arab States for its significant efforts to facilitate cooperation between member states in the field of statistics. He emphasized the vital role of member states in advancing cooperation and joint Arab action in the field of statistics.

Dr. Al-Dosari highlighted the importance of the 42nd session of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics, held this year in Jeddah, in discussing the provision of accurate and comprehensive statistics for sustainable dev
elopment indicators. This includes monitoring indicators, collecting, and exchanging data with regional and international organizations, activating the production of tourism sustainability indicators, and enhancing the exchange of data and statistical indicators between the official statistical agencies of Arab countries.

The Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics held its first meeting in 1972 in Cairo, with representatives from the heads of Arab statistical offices. The goal was to develop official statistical systems in Arab countries, strengthen their capabilities in various stages of statistical activity, and enhance the technical programs.