emirates7 - The first-ever ‘Regional Data and Community Development Forum’, organized by the Department of Statistics and Community Development, will take place on October 9–10, focusing on sustainability, urban planning, and development.
The forum will bring together government representatives, global business leaders, and data experts to discuss the future of data-driven development, with a particular focus on improving quality of life and addressing key global challenges.
Under the theme ‘Driving Change’, the event will be held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah. The two-day forum will cover crucial sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, business, and technology. It will feature over 60 sessions, including 18 insightful talks, 20 expert panel discussions, and 24 specialized workshops.
An exhibition alongside the forum will showcase cutting-edge data technologies and innovations, with more than ten organizations displaying the latest in data utilization.
On the first day, a key session titled ‘What Do Numbers Reveal About Community Satisfaction?’ will delve into how data can enhance community well-being. Experts will discuss how big data, surveys, and market research can pinpoint factors that improve happiness and quality of life. They will also address how data can guide policy-making and resource allocation to support overall development and improve public services.
The main session on the second day, ‘Cities of Tomorrow: Data Integration for Sustainable Development,’ will tackle the challenges posed by growing populations and changing urban environments. Panelists will explore the role of data in creating smarter, more sustainable cities, highlighting who leads urban development and how governments can proactively plan for future urban expansion.
Discussions on future cities will center on global best practices in sustainable urban planning, emphasizing the importance of data in designing scalable infrastructure, transportation, and services. The session will also underscore how data analysis is key to shaping these future cities.
In the area of sustainability, the session ‘Data and the Economy of Sustainability’ will explore how advanced data analytics can accelerate the shift to a circular economy. Speakers will focus on using data to optimize resource management, advance alternative energy, and promote innovative recycling technologies. The session will highlight the tools needed to address environmental challenges while balancing economic growth and environmental conservation. It will also touch on how strategic data investments can support eco-friendly policies and track progress toward sustainability goals.
Amid growing concerns over natural disasters, the session ‘Data-Driven Solutions for Mitigating Natural Disasters’ on Day 2 will examine the potential of AI in predicting such events. Experts will discuss the reliability of AI for disaster forecasting and the caution needed in over-relying on technology for critical decisions. The session will explore trust in AI models, potential biases in data analysis, and the role of public-private partnerships in developing innovative tools to address climate challenges, aiming to outline a roadmap for a safer, more sustainable future.
The forum will also feature discussions on other important data-related topics. The session ‘Successful Censuses: Cases from the Region’ will highlight the significance of demographic data in policy development. Meanwhile, the panel ‘Integrating Youth in the Data Industry’ will emphasize the role of young people in the data-driven era and the need to equip them with digital skills to actively participate in building smart, sustainable communities.
Another notable discussion, ‘Data Literacy: The Key to Future Success,’ will focus on the importance of data literacy across different sectors, exploring how proficiency in data analysis can empower individuals and organizations to make informed decisions, drive innovation, and stay competitive.
The forum will bring together government representatives, global business leaders, and data experts to discuss the future of data-driven development, with a particular focus on improving quality of life and addressing key global challenges.
Under the theme ‘Driving Change’, the event will be held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah. The two-day forum will cover crucial sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, business, and technology. It will feature over 60 sessions, including 18 insightful talks, 20 expert panel discussions, and 24 specialized workshops.
An exhibition alongside the forum will showcase cutting-edge data technologies and innovations, with more than ten organizations displaying the latest in data utilization.
On the first day, a key session titled ‘What Do Numbers Reveal About Community Satisfaction?’ will delve into how data can enhance community well-being. Experts will discuss how big data, surveys, and market research can pinpoint factors that improve happiness and quality of life. They will also address how data can guide policy-making and resource allocation to support overall development and improve public services.
The main session on the second day, ‘Cities of Tomorrow: Data Integration for Sustainable Development,’ will tackle the challenges posed by growing populations and changing urban environments. Panelists will explore the role of data in creating smarter, more sustainable cities, highlighting who leads urban development and how governments can proactively plan for future urban expansion.
Discussions on future cities will center on global best practices in sustainable urban planning, emphasizing the importance of data in designing scalable infrastructure, transportation, and services. The session will also underscore how data analysis is key to shaping these future cities.
In the area of sustainability, the session ‘Data and the Economy of Sustainability’ will explore how advanced data analytics can accelerate the shift to a circular economy. Speakers will focus on using data to optimize resource management, advance alternative energy, and promote innovative recycling technologies. The session will highlight the tools needed to address environmental challenges while balancing economic growth and environmental conservation. It will also touch on how strategic data investments can support eco-friendly policies and track progress toward sustainability goals.
Amid growing concerns over natural disasters, the session ‘Data-Driven Solutions for Mitigating Natural Disasters’ on Day 2 will examine the potential of AI in predicting such events. Experts will discuss the reliability of AI for disaster forecasting and the caution needed in over-relying on technology for critical decisions. The session will explore trust in AI models, potential biases in data analysis, and the role of public-private partnerships in developing innovative tools to address climate challenges, aiming to outline a roadmap for a safer, more sustainable future.
The forum will also feature discussions on other important data-related topics. The session ‘Successful Censuses: Cases from the Region’ will highlight the significance of demographic data in policy development. Meanwhile, the panel ‘Integrating Youth in the Data Industry’ will emphasize the role of young people in the data-driven era and the need to equip them with digital skills to actively participate in building smart, sustainable communities.
Another notable discussion, ‘Data Literacy: The Key to Future Success,’ will focus on the importance of data literacy across different sectors, exploring how proficiency in data analysis can empower individuals and organizations to make informed decisions, drive innovation, and stay competitive.