Muscat: The Statistical Center for the GCC (GCC-Stat) celebrated Gulf Statistics Day, observed annually on 24 December, highlighting the crucial role of statistics in decision-making and sustainable development. This year's event was themed 'Unified Data. A Shared Gulf Vision.'
According to Oman News Agency, Jassim Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, remarked that the day serves to recognize the contributions of those in the statistical field, emphasizing their role in development and decision-making. He noted that GCC leaders have prioritized statistical work as a foundational element of Gulf cooperation, leading to the establishment of GCC-Stat in 2011 to provide unified data and support decision-making and integration among member states.
The celebration included an award ceremony for the winners of a statistical competition organized by the Centre. The competition aimed to foster a culture of statistics, promote innovation in data usage, and encourage Gulf and national talents to utilize statistical indicators for analysis and future forecasting.
Additionally, the GCC Statistical Center introduced the 'Youth Creativity in the Data World' award, targeting Gulf youth aged 18 to 34. This initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth in Qatar and the Qatar National Planning Council, seeks to enhance data culture and empower youth to support sustainable development. It aims to identify promising talent in data, support young innovators, and encourage creativity in data analysis, contributing to a generation capable of turning data into actionable knowledge.
Intisar bint Abdullah Al Waheibi, Director General of GCC-Stat, emphasized that the new award sends a clear message to Gulf youth about their critical role in the future. She remarked that statistics have evolved beyond traditional roles, becoming a powerful tool for future planning and decision-making in the Gulf. Al Waheibi added that the initiative aligns with the GCC's goals of enhancing the knowledge economy, developing human capital, and involving youth in shaping the future of statistical and digital endeavors in the region.