Muscat: The 50th session of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics (AITRS) was held today in Muscat, attended by the heads of Arab statistical agencies, representatives from regional and international organizations, and members of the Board of Trustees.

According to Oman News Agency, the session reviewed several key items, including an evaluation of the Institute’s 2020-2030 strategy, the approval of the 2026-2027 action plan and budget, a discussion of the performance evaluation study results, and presentations on statistical initiatives in Arab countries.

Dr. Khalifa Abdullah Al Barwani, CEO of the National Center for Statistics and Information, highlighted Oman’s hosting of this meeting as a reflection of its stature in the field of statistics and information and its role in supporting Arab statistical cooperation. He stated that these meetings bring together heads and representatives of statistical agencies from Arab countries, facilitating an exchange of experiences and exploring ways to enhance statistical practices in line with international standards to serve sustainable development in the Arab region.

Dr. Ziad Abdullah, AISTR Director General, noted that this session represents a pivotal milestone in the Institute’s five-decade journey of dedication and development. He emphasized the responsibility to keep pace with the technological revolution in data and to enhance statistical training and research programs to serve sustainable development in the Arab world.

The session marks an important milestone in the journey of joint Arab statistical work, coinciding with fifty sessions of institutional work in developing statistical capabilities and enhancing Arab integration in statistical training and research.

This meeting is held as part of the Institute’s journey as an Arab regional organization under the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States, focused on developing Arab statistical capacities and promoting regional integration in statistical training and research.