The session discussed several strategic areas, including the next phase of the OIC Program in the field of statistics for 2026–2030, updating population and housing statistics, and developing data sources and statistical systems.
During the session, Mrs. Duaa Sultan delivered a statement on behalf of women heads of national statistical offices of OIC Member States, highlighting the importance of continuing to strengthen women’s participation in the statistical field . She also emphasized the importance of empowering female professionals and providing greater opportunities for knowledge exchange among national statistical offices of OIC Member States, benefiting from successful practices in developing official statistics, and adopting effective measures to enhance women’s representation at various levels and positions in the statistical field.
The session’s key recommendations focused on strengthening the monitoring of women’s representation in national statistical offices through the development of a comprehensive career pathway based on training and mentoring, incorporating female professionals into succession planning, providing opportunities to gain leadership experience, and expanding areas of technical cooperation and twinning.
The recommendations also included holding a specialized meeting to advance women in statistics prior to the Commission’s sessions, establishing a regional network of women statistical experts, and providing female professionals with opportunities to participate as speakers and session chairs within the OIC-StatCom action plan for 2026–2030, in line with the Organization’s action plan for the Advancement of Women and the Islamabad Ministerial Declaration.
Mrs. Duaa Sultan also highlighted the Kingdom of Bahrain’s efforts to advance statistical work and the use of digital transformation, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and administrative data in producing statistics and indicators. She also highlighted efforts to strengthen datasets and facilitate data exchange among government entities, supporting the efficiency of statistical work.
The Deputy Chief Executive stressed on the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to continuing statistical cooperation and exchanging expertise at the regional and international levels, further strengthening the role of data and statistics in supporting sustainable development, decision-making, and the development of government policies and programs.