UN forum to discuss new data collection methods

Key governmental and non-governmental organisations from the Kingdom are expected to participate in a global forum hosted by the United Nations to discuss ways of advancement in the field of innovative data solutions.

Bahraini participation has been confirmed for UN World Data Forum 2018 that will probe innovative initiatives that will help deliver better data on health, migration, refugees, education, income, environment, human rights, and other aspects of sustainable development.

The UN World Data Forum will bring together major producers and users of data, to collaborate and launch innovative initiatives that will deliver better data on various topics.

The forum which is in its second edition will be held in from 22 to 24 October 2018 in Dubai. The topics to be discussed during the conference will include, ‘strengthening statistical capacity and financing better data for development’; ‘spurring innovation and synergies across the data field among official statistical systems’, ‘geo-spatial information and the scientific community’, and ‘utilizing new data sources’ (e.g. big data); ‘Data principles and governance’, ‘including openness and transparency vs. privacy and confidentiality’; and ‘Implementing the Cape Town Global Action Plan for Data’ Responding to a query from Tribune, Stefan Schweinfest, Director of the United Nations Statistics Division said that said that event will help Bahraini officials upgrade the data collection aspects in the government.

“Government statisticians coming to the event will benefit from connecting to other government statisticians from around the world and learning from over 80 sessions where they will be exposed to new methodologies and how other countries are solving the problems.