UAE selected for UN statistics advisory board in regional first

The United Arab Emirates has been selected to serve on a United Nations advisory board overseeing the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, marking the first time a country from the region has been appointed to the body.

The announcement was made during the 57th session of the UN Statistical Commission, held in New York from March 3-6, one of the world’s largest international gatherings of statisticians and data experts.

The new Consultative Advisory Board is designed to strengthen global commitment to the principles that guide official statistics, including ensuring the credibility, transparency and independence of data at a time of rapid change in the global data landscape.

The UAE’s appointment follows its election to the United Nations Statistical Commission for the 2025–2028 term, where it is currently the only Arab country serving on the commission.

A delegation from the UAE attending the meeting included officials from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, the Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development, and the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations Committee.

The advisory board brings together international experts in official statistics, including members drawn from the UN Statistical Commission, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between technical experts and global decision-makers.

Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, said the UAE would use its membership to support the practical application of global statistical standards and share its experience in improving data quality and governance.

She added that the country would also work to promote responsible use of emerging technologies and strengthen international cooperation to help build a more resilient global statistical system.