9th SDMX Global Conference plenary sessions end successfully

TDT | Manama                                                  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The 9th Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange (SDMX) Global Conference, held in the Middle East for the first time, drew to a close. Under the theme ‘Empowering Data Communities’, the event was organised by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) from 29 to 31 October 2023.

The conference attracted more than 500 participants from 107 countries, including data science experts, officials from regional and international establishments, statisticians, and data users from national, regional, and international organisations, as well as academia and the private sector.

The conference emphasised the importance of SDMX as an interactive platform for statisticians, experts, and data science professionals from around the world. The initiative facilitates the exchange of statistical data, indicators, and metadata. iGA Deputy Chief Executive, Operation & Governance, Khalid Ahmed Al Mutawa, praised efforts by the authority and GCC countries to deploy digital technologies and initiatives aimed at enhancing joint statistical work in the region, noting that there is an awareness of the important role played by SDMX in the exchange and publishing of statistical and descriptive data.

He also emphasised the importance of capacity building through improving education in the field, which requires efforts and support from international organisations. There also needs to be a rethinking of department structures within organisations.

Support for statistical instructions in the region will help build these capabilities and achieve training goals, in addition to providing guidance for the field’s development, its academic programs, and the creation of awareness.

The conference discussed the important role of SDMX in the field of data governance and statistics, and enhancing the process of exchanging and disseminating data. It also delved into the initiative’s achievements in disseminating and exchanging information.

Promising future

Participants stressed that the future will be promising, leading to an expansion of knowledge, training, and skills development. The conference introduced a number of new ideas, reaffirming national efforts to raise awareness, and improve cooperation.