Page 197 - Special Topic Session (STS) - Volume 2

STS479 Sabit A.H et al.
through modernization of statistical processes and methodologies. (GCC-Stat,
2015)
At the heart of the 2015-2020 strategy are a number of regional statistical
projects, with the aim of producing harmonised regional statistics based on
international best practices. Provision of statistical information in support of
Sustainable Development Goals, is a key element.
This paper discusses the role that GCC-Stat has played in supporting the
modernization of the GCC statistical system, with particular focus on provision
of SDG indicators. Before discussing the status of SDG reporting in the region,
the paper begins by discussing some of the drivers for statistical
modernization in the GCC.

2. Drivers for Statistical Modernisation in the GCC
The first statistical offices in GCC countries were established in the early
1960’s and produced a range of economic and social indicators, derived from
surveys and a range of administrative records. This information was key for
much of the planning of GCC countries throughout the next few decades.
As in many other countries, the demands for statistical information have
increased significantly, in response to new local needs and international
reporting requirements. A leading driver has been the increasing
diversification of the economy, as countries move away from a reliance on Oil
and Gas. At the same time, there is an increasing range of data and information
available in the region, from both the public and private sector (McBeth, Al
Harbi, Al Muzahmi, 2018),
While many of the National Statistical Institutions (NSIs) still conduct surveys,
all are transforming. This includes using new data sources (including Big data),
new ways of using existing sources (including administrative data) and
transforming dissemination directions and systems. In many cases, these
changes are rapid, consistent with the direction set out in the UN Data
Revolution report. (United Nations, 2014)
In 2016, countries across the Arab world issued the Doha Declaration on a
Data Revolution in the Arab World. This declaration recognised the great
potential of the Data Revolution in the region, including opening up of new
data sources, developing institutional and governance frameworks that
provide open access to new data sources, and the importance of partnerships
to transfer knowledge and share new data. (MDPS, 2016). Subsequently the
First GCC Statistical Forum was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in early 2017. This
forum of producers, users and academics from across the GCC, emphasized
the needed to strengthen cooperation and dialogue mechanisms between
users and producers, explore public private partnerships in statistics to
increase the frequency of data and develop new data sources, and to take full
advantage of modern statistical tools and technologies (GAStat, 2017).

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