The inaugural Regional Data and Community Development Forum, organised by the Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD) in Sharjah from 9th to 10th October, will host over 100 global experts, officials, and data specialists to discuss how data can drive development in six key sectors at
Themed “Driving Change”, the forum at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre will feature over 60 activities highlighting the role of data in advancing healthcare, education, infrastructure, sustainability, technology, and business.
The agenda includes 18 talks, 20 panel discussions, 24 workshops, and an exhibition with more than 10 entities showcasing the latest data innovations.
The two-day event will bring together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including data leaders, academics, and experts, to exchange strategies, share expertise, and explore innovative approaches to data use for social development.
The forum aims to emphasise data’s potential to drive positive change, empowering decision-makers to organise and utilise data for sustainable development. This year’s theme is a call for collaboration to build communities based on accurate data for informed decision-making. It also seeks to raise awareness of data’s importance, enhance professional capabilities, and foster innovation in this sector critical to societal and national development goals.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of DSCD, highlighted the forum as a key platform to redefine data’s impact on policy and development. He said, “Data allows policymakers to analyse patterns, predict trends, and shape a better future. Rapid digital transformation, particularly in AI, presents challenges and opportunities, making it vital for experts to share best practices to harness its full potential for the benefit of all.”
He added, “This event will play a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s and the region’s sustainable development goals, with expectations for actionable recommendations to build knowledge- and innovation-based economies. We hope the forum sets new standards for data usage as we address the challenge and opportunity of the 80 percent of unstructured and unutilised global data.”
The forum will focus on six key sectors where data drives development: healthcare, education, infrastructure, sustainability, AI and technology, and business. Through panel discussions, speeches, and workshops, the forum will explore how data can be used to advance these sectors, drawing on regional and international expertise and success stories from the UAE and beyond.
It will examine the future of healthcare in light of AI and big data, along with its impact on wellbeing and lifestyle trends. In education, the forum will address how data can improve education systems, reduce unemployment, and align with labour market needs.
Infrastructure discussions will focus on using data for sustainable urban expansion and improving quality of life. The sustainability sector will look at data’s role in monitoring environmental changes, disaster management, and integrating AI into advanced systems.
Technological advancements, especially AI, and their impact on data analysis will be explored, including implications for traditional statistical models. Discussions will also cover data privacy, ethical use, and cybersecurity challenges, as well as strategies for businesses and entrepreneurs to leverage big data for growth and innovation.
The forum is organised in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the GCC Statistical Centre, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, and other federal, regional, and international entities.
Source: Wam.ae
