Saudi Arabia awarded hosting rights for the 6th UN World Data Forum 2026

Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has officially received the hosting rights for the 6th UN World Data Forum, which will take place in Riyadh in 2026.

The announcement was made at the conclusion of the 5th edition of the forum, held in Medellín, Colombia, from November 12 to 15, 2024. Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), accepted the rights on behalf of the Kingdom.

The decision followed a majority vote within the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building in Statistics (HLG-PCCB), which commended Saudi Arabia’s outstanding bid and capabilities.

Dr. Aldossari acknowledged the empowerment GASTAT has received, which has bolstered its local and international presence, enabling the Kingdom to compete on the global stage.

“This achievement is a reflection of the significant advancements across various sectors in Saudi Arabia, including our statistical system,” Aldossari said.

“Hosting the 6th UN World Data Forum provides us with a valuable opportunity to share our expertise in statistics and establish strategic partnerships with national statistical offices worldwide.”

In his speech, Dr. Aldossari also expressed gratitude to the Government of Colombia, the United Nations, and the National Department of Statistics (DANE) for their efforts in organizing the event.

He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the quality and transparency of statistical data, underscoring the Kingdom’s leadership in the region and its pivotal role in advancing statistical excellence.

The UN World Data Forum is a major international event, attracting over 20,000 participants, including representatives from governments, national statistical offices, international and regional organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector. It serves as a platform to discuss challenges in global data and statistics and fosters collaboration among policymakers and experts from around the world.