What is this Forum?

The Regional Data & Community Development Forum is the region’s first of its kind, bringing together leading global experts and decision-makers across sectors to explore how data can transform sustainable social development into tangible realities.

Organized by Sharjah’s Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD), this groundbreaking forum will host insightful discussions, talks, sessions, and workshops that demonstrate the power of data to address key community challenges and propel meaningful, lasting development.

The Regional Data and Community Development Forum

The Regional Data and Community Development Forum is initiated by the Department of Statistics and Community Development in Sharjah UAE. Its inaugural session will take place in October 2024 aiming to become a leading regional and international platform and a key reference for the applications of data science in serving communities achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing individual well-being.

The forum brings together social development experts statistical institutions economists and decision-makers from various fields. It explores ways of utilizing data to achieve sustainable development through policies and strategies that promote growth across economic and social sectors educational and health systems urban identity infrastructure and cultural and national identity. Additionally the forum aims to serve as an educational platform empowering individuals to use data in achieving their health professional and social goals.

Scheduled for October 9-10 2024 the forum will feature a series of panel discussions keynotes inspirational talks masterclasses and workshops. It is organized in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the Gulf Cooperation Council Statistical Center in collaboration with local and regional organizations. The forum will conclude with recommendations that propose new initiatives projects and laws.

About DSCD

The Department of Statistics and Community Development is the official statistics office of the Emirate of Sharjah. It specializes in collecting and analyzing reliable and accurate data across various social economic demographic environmental and health sectors. This data is used to develop strategies policies and developmental planning aiding decision-making in the emirate by sharing information with local and federal government entities.

The department employs best practices and international standards in its work continually striving to attract experts and organize specialized events in data science and community development. This ensures it stays abreast of sector developments and serves the community and governments in the best possible way.

About Sharjah

The Emirate of Sharjah is the third-largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates with its borders extending to both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Sharjah holds historical economic and cultural significance boasting urban and geological heritage sites dating back over 125000 years. Initially home to the most prominent trading port on the Arabian Gulf Sharjah's economic activity has evolved into a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem making it rank the seventh in the MENA region in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report by Startup Genome.

Sharjah is renowned for its cultural and artistic development projects. Over the years it has flourished into a vibrant cultural hub under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi Ruler of Sharjah and member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates. UNESCO named Sharjah the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998. In 2014 it was chosen as the Islamic Culture Capital by the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization and in 2015 Sharjah was named the Arab Tourism Capital. With the advancement of media and the promotion of cultural and intellectual content Sharjah was designated the Arab Press Capital in 2016 and the World Book Capital in 2019 recognizing its significant role in supporting books and promoting reading and knowledge as a foundation for dialogue among civilizations.

Sharjah is home to 16 museums and hosts renowned events such as the Sharjah Biennial the Sharjah International Book Fair the Sharjah Architecture Triennial and many more. The emirate is characterized by its rich heritage and modern development reflecting growth and prosperity. For more information about Sharjah please visit here.