Second edition of Doha Data Forum kicks off

22 October 2024

Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani., Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the second edition of the Doha Data Forum, hosted by the National Planning Council (NPC) under the theme “Innovation in Sustainable Development,” kicked off this week.   

The two-day forum brings together representatives from ministries, government entities, universities, research centres and international organisations, including UN bodies and Arab and Islamic institutions, to explore the key role of statistics, data analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning in tackling global sustainability challenges. It aims to foster data innovation that advances both the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030. 

 In his keynote address, HE Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, President of the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau and Secretary-General of the NPC, emphasised the importance of this year’s forum and its role in accelerating sustainable development. 

Most notably, HE Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa revealed the upcoming launch of Qatar’s National Data Strategy, which is designed to address the rapidly evolving demands of the digital era. HE explained: “We, at the National Planning Council, are currently working on preparing the National Strategy for Data and Statistics, which is scheduled to be launched during the final quarter of this year. It comes to meet the urgent needs in the digital evolution era, given the pivotal and important role of data and statistics in making informed and sustainable decisions.” 

HE Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa also unveiled plans to establish a national training centre for data and statistics, aimed at cultivating a national workforce that leverages the power of data across sectors. He added: “The centre will serve as a lifelong learning hub, fostering expertise in advanced data management, analysis, machine learning and cutting-edge data technologies.”  

The forum brings together distinguished academics and experts from diverse fields including data science, economics, environmental studies, public policy and social sciences to discuss how statistics and data analytics can be utilised to develop innovative solutions for sustainable development challenges, best practices and successful initiatives. 

This year’s forum focuses on the role of data innovation and machine learning, particularly in monitoring environmental and social programs, improving predictive modelling, and identifying potential risks. These insights can support evidence-based decision-making in forming relevant policies and strategies and in optimising resources.  

The Doha Data Forum is an ideal platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between stakeholders in data systems, statistics and technology. By bringing together representatives from government entities, academia, industry leaders, and civil society, it aims to accelerate collective action toward a more sustainable and equitable future through the power of data.