A group of experts and academics reviewed inclusivity and innovation strategies as part of the “Road to Riyadh” events, leading up to the global event in November 2026.
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) held a dialogue session on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, titled “Beyond Numbers: The Social Dimension of Data.” This event is an extension of the series of sessions previously organized by the Authority under the “Road to Riyadh” initiative; a strategic launchpad preparing the Kingdom to host the 6th UN World Data Forum in Riyadh during November 2026.
The session served as a pivotal platform to highlight the growing role of Saudi women in the statistics and innovation sector. Discussions focused on enhancing inclusivity within the national statistical ecosystem and reviewing successful local and international experiences in empowering women and youth in the data sector, while spotlighting leadership initiatives that have supported female participation in this vital field.
Empowering Talent and Forward-Looking Vision
The session saw wide participation from elite experts, academics, and specialists, alongside officials from research centers and local and international universities. The working papers and discussions covered several strategic pillars, including:
- Empowerment Strategies: Examining global and local mechanisms to enhance the presence of women across various statistical fields.
- The Human Dimension of Data: Deepening awareness of how to transform “silent figures” into tools for understanding societal shifts.
- Decision-Making: The role of statistics in supporting more inclusive decisions that respond to community needs, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
Participants emphasized that linking data to social reality contributes to building more accurate public policies, noting that young Saudi talents are now playing a leading role in shaping the future statistical landscape of the region.
Strengthening Community Statistical Awareness
The session aimed to solidify the concept of statistics as a developmental tool rather than mere numerical monitoring. It reviewed initiatives designed to bridge the gap between data and actual community needs, thereby raising the quality of national statistical outputs and ensuring they align with international standards approved by the United Nations.
What Does This Mean for the Business Sector?
These statistical advancements reflect a high level of maturity in the information infrastructure that the private sector relies on for market studies and investment opportunity assessments. The focus on the “Social Dimension of Data” provides companies and organizations with deeper insights into demographics, consumer behavior, and labor force trends. This reduces investment risks and supports decision-making based on accurate, comprehensive facts.
In this context, Absher Business works to help companies leverage this qualitative data in their expansion and operational plans. By providing support in understanding updated systems and regulations, it ensures investors keep pace with the rapid social and economic transformations driven by the Kingdomโs national vision.
