Ahmed Bin Abdulqader
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasised the importance of the prominent role played by the national statistical agencies in the member states in contributing to the success of the GCC Statistical Center’s programmes, stressing that this is achieved through the coordination and implementation of joint Gulf statistical projects and programmes.
This was stated during HE the Secretary General’s patronage of the celebration of the GCC Statistics Day, which is annually observed on December 24, in the presence of His Excellency Mr Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, at the GCC Statistical Centre on Monday (December 9, 2024) in the Omani capital, Muscat, with the participation of the heads of statistical agencies from the member states and a number of officials in the field of statistics and joint Gulf cooperation.
At the beginning of his speech, HE the Secretary General extended, to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the Sultan of the Sultunate of Oman, and to his wise government, the highest expressions of thanks and appreciation for their generous and continuous support of the joint Gulf cooperation endeavour, and for their hospitality in hosting the GCC Statistical Centre in Muscat, along with providing the necessary facilities and means of support required for the centre to fulfil its objectives.
In his speech, His Excellency praised the efforts of the member states and their commitment to enhancing and developing the Gulf statistical work system, noting the advanced levels achieved reflected in the establishment of comprehensive, quality, and transparent databases and information across various economic and social fields, which facilitated monitoring and measuring the development of Gulf development programmes.
Moreover, HE the Secretary General also mentioned that providing national databases and standardising the statistical criteria and methodologies used has enabled the GCC Statistical Centre to become a pioneering Gulf institution, representing one of the fruits of the joint Gulf action and a successful model of collaboration among the member states. He underlined that the Centre contributes significantly to the Gulf community with high-quality statistical publications and advanced information platforms that serve the course of joint Gulf action in various fields, with a total of approximately 152 statistical products prepared this year.
Commenting further, His Excellency stated: “Dedicating a day for GCC statistics stems from a belief in the role of statistics in our lives and as a recognition of the efforts of those working in this vital field, which is a fundamental pillar towards achieving national visions aimed at the welfare of individuals and society. This day also reaffirms the sound approach taken by the member states in collecting and disseminating official statistics that accurately reflect realities and utilise them for sustainable development.”
“Joint Gulf action is based on a wide range of economic, developmental, social, environmental fields, and more. The member states are working to complete the components of economic unity within the framework of the Cooperation Council, focusing on strategically integrated projects in both economic and developmental domains, finalising requirements for the GCC Customs Union, and achieving a common Gulf market. Furthermore, efforts are underway to cooperate in establishing an integrated system for food, water and energy security, to enhance joint action towards digital transformation, modern technologies and to adopt objectives and mechanisms for the fourth industrial revolution in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI),” HE the Secretary General explained.
He also stressed that the GCC states aim to achieve economic diversification and maximise the benefits of economic potentials and unique opportunities to multiply the joint investments among the member states, develop the integration of road, railway and communication networks among them, support and enhance national industries, accelerate their growth, raise their competitiveness, and position them to compete globally, while overcoming all obstacles and difficulties facing the implementation of joint economic cooperation decisions among the member states.
Additionally, His Excellency praised the important and growing role of statistics in supporting evidence-based decision-making and in monitoring and keeping up with events, emphasising that it has become indispensable as a vital tool for achieving the aspirations of the GCC countries. He reiterated that this empowers joint Gulf committees at various levels to study the plans and policies presented to them by utilising accurate and comprehensive data to help monitor and enhance progress and provide insights that contribute to achieving desired goals.
His Excellency also highlighted this year’s celebration theme focused on the future of statistics towards sustainable Gulf development, affirming the sound approach adopted by the GCC countries in utilising and enhancing statistical work for planning processes and decision support.
“This aligns with the significant efforts made by the GCC countries in implementing their long-term national economic visions, monitoring their achievements, and fostering greater coordination, integration, and connectivity in all fields, contributing to building a better tomorrow that meets the aspirations of the GCC countries. The future of statistics towards sustainable Gulf development is bolstered by a range of means, including strengthening joint Gulf statistical work, expanding the scope of joint Gulf statistical programmes and projects, as well as intensifying the exchange of unique and successful statistical experiences and practices that each GCC country possesses. This also requires a strong partnership with GCC universities, scientific research centres, and innovation hubs, as well as leveraging Artificial Intelligence in producing statistics,” he added.
HE the Secretary General concluded his remarks by expressing gratitude and appreciation to the staff of the GCC Statistical Centre for their professional and distinguished work, and their evident efforts in building databases that provide the community with Gulf figures reflecting the real and sustainable development they are witnessing. He reiterated that these statistics showcase the progress and advancement of the GCC countries among nations worldwide across various fields, and contribute to promoting joint action programmes, which have become a source of pride for every Gulf citizen belonging to this blessed land.
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