NAIROBI: Saudi Arabia’s chief statistician used a major international data summit in Kenya to promote preparations for the 2026 UN World Data Forum in Riyadh, and highlight the Kingdom’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence, geospatial information and statistical systems to support sustainable development.
The participation of the General Authority for Statistics’ President Fahad Al-Dossari at the June 2 to 5 Global Data Festival in Nairobi was reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Al-Dossari led GASTAT’s delegation to the gathering, which brought together government officials, statisticians, technology experts and development partners from around the world to discuss the growing role of data and emerging technologies in addressing global challenges.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Al-Dossari said Saudi Arabia remains committed to strengthening data and statistical systems, supporting innovation and expanding international cooperation through the use of advanced technologies.
He said integrating official statistics, geospatial information and AI would be critical to tackling development challenges and improving decision-making.
On the sidelines of the event, Al-Dossari held meetings with international organizations and national statistics agencies to discuss preparations for the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh from Nov. 9 to 12.
Talks also focused on the “Road to Riyadh” initiative and efforts to align outcomes from the Nairobi festival with preparations for the global forum.
Al-Dossari also met Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data CEO Jenna Slotin to review arrangements for the Riyadh forum and explore future areas of cooperation.
The Nairobi event marked the first time the Global Data Festival has been held in Africa, underscoring Kenya’s growing reputation as a regional technology and innovation hub.
Organizers said more than 1,500 delegates attended the summit, which was held alongside the Kenya Space Expo and Conference and focused on the use of data, AI and space technologies to address climate change, food security and economic growth.
Kenya’s Economic Planning Department said delegates from about 90 countries participated under the theme “Powering Resilience, Innovation, and Partnership through Data and Technology.”
The festival was opened by Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who called for stronger partnerships to unlock the potential of AI and Earth Observation technologies in agriculture, climate resilience and economic development.
Kenyan officials also used the event to showcase efforts by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics to modernize data collection and analysis through satellite imagery, real-time analytics and other digital tools.
