SESRIC participated virtually in the 40^th Meeting of the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB), held on 10–11 November 2025 in a hybrid format at the headquarters of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The meeting brought together the heads of National Statistical Offices (NSOs), senior officials, and experts from international organizations and development partners to review progress in global statistical capacity-building and advance preparations for the United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) 2026, which will be hosted by GASTAT in Riyadh during 9–12 November 2026.

During the two-day meeting, participants discussed key topics such as financing for data and statistics, the implementation of the Medellín Framework, and the post-2030 data agenda. Dedicated sessions focused on planning and logistical preparations for the UNWDF 2026, including programme design, thematic tracks, and coordination among international partners.

SESRIC expressed its readiness to contribute to the work of HLG-PCCB and extended appreciation to GASTAT, Saudi Arabia and United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) for their continued efforts in leading the global partnership for data and statistics.

As part of the “Road to Riyadh” initiative, SESRIC and GASTAT will collaborate on hosting the 15^th Session of the OIC Statistical Commission (OIC-StatCom) in September 2026 in Jeddah, ahead of the UNWDF 2026, as proposed by GASTAT. This will be the second time that GASTAT hosts the Commission, following the successful 12^th Session held in 2023 with the participation of representatives from nearly 40 OIC countries. The meeting also served as a platform to exchange experiences and strengthen collaboration among international and regional statistical institutions.

Through its participation in the HLG-PCCB meetings and related global fora, SESRIC continues to advocate for the interests of OIC countries in international statistical processes. The Centre remains committed to supporting evidence-based policymaking, strengthening national statistical capacities, and promoting the role of official statistics in achieving the goals set under OIC Programme of Action and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the global level.

For more information please visit: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/hlg/

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