Muscat:The first Regional Workshop on Improving Child Statistics in the GCC countries has commenced in Muscat, organized by the Statistical Center for the GCC (GCC-Stat) in collaboration with UNICEF, from October 27 to 29. This workshop is held under the patronage of HH Sayyida Dr. Mona Fahd Al Said, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation at Sultan Qaboos University and Chairperson of the Children First Association.
According to Oman News Agency, the workshop aims to standardize statistical efforts across the GCC to create an integrated system of data and indicators on children. This system is intended to be accurate, comprehensive, and comparable across countries, setting the stage for a joint GCC plan to enhance child statistics.
Intisar Abdullah Al Wahaibi, Director General of GCC-Stat, emphasized that improving children's wellbeing and developing their capabilities are foundational to building the future of societies. She noted the importance of effective policies based on precise data that reflect children's circumstances and needs, highlighting that children under 15 years make up nearly a fifth of the GCC's population, which is projected to increase significantly by 2044. Al Wahaibi pointed out the challenges of data availability, variations in definitions, and the need for data integration and knowledge transformation for planning purposes. GCC-Stat is committed to coordinating with national statistical offices, child-focused institutions, UNICEF, and other partners to enhance the consistency and comparability of child statistics in the region.
Sumaira Chowdhury, UNICEF Representative in Oman, underscored the significance of robust child data systems in monitoring child rights and wellbeing. She mentioned UNICEF's Minimum Data Package for Children as a tool to help GCC countries address priority data gaps and improve the comparability of child indicators. Chowdhury expressed hope that the workshop's recommendations would contribute to discussions at the upcoming UN World Data Forum in Riyadh.
During the three-day workshop, participants will examine methods to unify statistical concepts, definitions, and methodologies, and develop a common framework of core indicators for regular production by GCC countries, adhering to international standards while considering national contexts. Key areas of focus include health and nutrition, education and learning, social protection, protection from violence and neglect, living conditions, disability, and children's psychosocial well-being.
The workshop will also explore the integration of administrative records, sectoral data, and household surveys to minimize data duplication and address gaps, while ensuring data governance and privacy for children's information. Additionally, discussions will address the development of a proposed GCC Child Data Portal, envisioned as a comprehensive platform for child-related indicators, reports, and studies, featuring interactive dashboards for accessible data for decision-makers and institutions involved with children.
Source Oman News Agency