Saudi Arabia Wins Bid To Host 6th UN World Data Forum In 2026

The Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has won the bid to host the United Nations World Data Forum in Riyadh after a competitive bidding process.

The decision was made by the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB), according to the Saudi Press Agency.

GASTAT President Dr. Fahad Aldossari presented Saudi Arabia’s bid to the HLG-PCCB group. His presentation highlighted GASTAT’s advancements in statistical work, and the Kingdom’s experience in hosting international events and its commitment to providing logistical support for a successful forum.

Saudi Arabia proposed the theme “Using the Latest Technologies and Methodologies to Enhance Global Statistical Systems and Enable Sustainable Development” for the forum.

In a press release issued today, Aldossari said: “Hosting this event reflects Saudi Arabia’s prominent status among nations and underscores the commitment of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to supporting the statistical sector. Statistical data plays a crucial role in driving comprehensive and sustainable development across all fields.”

He also said that winning the bid to host the UN World Data Forum in 2026 is testament to GASTAT’s significant advancements in the statistical field.