Data is vital factor in promoting culture and reinforcing noble values: Sharjah Forum

Sharjah: Data is not merely static numbers or complex statistics, but rather the true and most accurate narrative that reflects the needs of communities, participants at the Inaugural ‘Regional Data & Community Development Forum heard on Wednesday.

The two-day Forum titled ‘Driving Change’ opened in Sharjah under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, 

Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi is the Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department, the Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD).

In his opening remarks, Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi described data as “the story of history, the language of the future, and the architect of the next industrial revolution”.

 “The impact of data extends beyond economic and service sectors; it is a vital factor in promoting culture and reinforcing noble values. Data helps bridge social gaps, and promotes justice, equality, and equal opportunities.

 It guides appropriate programmes to combat poverty and unemployment, and helps human capital development. For these reasons and more, Sharjah is hosting this forum to highlight that all resources, including data, must be used to achieve the ambitions of communities and improve people’s lives," he added.

“From the moment I began speaking to you until now, the world has produced enough data to change policies, decisions, and entire plans, even correcting entire paths. Let us be pioneers in harnessing this wealth for the benefit of our communities and the world at large,” he added.

Leading UN official highlights Sharjah’s commitment to human-centric development in a video message from the UN headquarters in New York, Stefan Schweinfest, Director of the United Nations Statistics Division, said: “We need to use data gathered from the community, for the community.”

“At the global level, our discussions have expanded the notion of a national statistical system to a national information system and even to a national data ecosystem. I also recognise that UAE, and in particular Sharjah, 

has consistently embraced the notion of human-centric development. This event is extremely valuable as it brings together different stakeholders from diverse countries and sectors so that we can share experiences and develop a joint sense of purpose.”