The 8th International Conference of the Union of Arab Statisticians was successfully held on April 16–17, 2025, at Tishk International University in Erbil, Iraq. The event was conducted under the esteemed patronage of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, highlighting its significance in the academic and statistical communities. The general theme was “The Synergy Between Artificial Intelligence and Effective Statistics to Achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”

There were five major themes for the conference as follows:

  1. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2030:

This theme addresses how AI can transform societal functions, enhancing digital transformation, supporting economic and social progress, improving healthcare and education, creating jobs, and fostering good governance.

  1. The Role of Effective Statistics in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2030

Discussions will focus on the impact of statistics in comprehending and implementing the SDGs, including creativity and innovation in data utilization, the role of Arab statistical institutions, and the importance of training and capacity building.

  1. Digital Technology for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

This theme explores the role of digital governance, the impact of technology on public administration, and the use of digital tools to build resilient communities and promote sustainable development in its multiple dimensions.

  1. The Role of Technology-Supported Statistics in Meeting the Requirements of Future Societies

Panels will consider how technological advancements can enhance data collection and analysis, support decision-making processes, and address global societal needs including environmental protection and community prosperity.

  1. The Potential of Artificial Intelligence and Statistics in Addressing Complex Global Challenges, and Their Role in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

This session will delve into the synergies between AI and statistical models in tackling global challenges such as climate change, disease management, agricultural improvement, and resource efficiency.

The main objectives of the conference aimed to be a milestone event, bringing together leading minds to discuss and shape the future of technology and statistics in service of global sustainability and development. Scholars, professionals, and policy makers were invited to join in advancing these crucial discussions that aim not only to reflect but to act on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The conference brought together a diverse group of participants, including academic researchers, government officials, and industry professionals from across the Arab world. The conference was under the patronage of HE the minister of higher education and scientific research – KRG.

The Important participants of the conference were:

  1.  Dr. Idris Hadi Saleh, the chairman of the board of trustees of the university.
  2. Mohammed Hussein Kalary – representing HE the minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research – KRG.
  3. HE Dr. Sultan Abu Orabi, the president of TIU.
  4. Ali Sindi, Former Minister of Planning – KRG.
  5. Haider Frehat, the General Director of the Jordan Statistics Office,
  6. Ghazi Rahho, the Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Statisticians.
  7. Ola Awadh, the Chairman of the Palestine Statistics Authority.
  8. Dhiya’a Awad, the Chairman of the General Authority for Statistics and Geographic Information Systems, Baghdad.
  9. Ziad Abdallah, the general director of the center of statistical training and research.
  10. Serwan Muhayyaddin, the deputy minister of planning – KRG.
  11. Ahmed Monsur, the CEO of REALSOFT (the company that prepared the software for the Iraq Census.
  12. Vahel Lutfallah, Sergion Center of Cardiology.
  13. Mohammed Kawa Baban, Sergion Center of Cardiology.

 

The conference opened by HE Dr. Idris Hadi the chairman of the board of trustees of TIU.

The conference started by the national anthems of both Iraq and Kurdistan, followed by Quran recitation.

The primary focus was on advancing statistical methodologies and their applications in various sectors, fostering collaboration among Arab statisticians, and promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

Keynote speeches were delivered by prominent figures in the field of statistics, AI, and SDGs, addressing contemporary challenges and innovations. The conference featured multiple sessions covering topics such as data analysis, statistical modeling, and the role of statistics in policy-making. Workshops and panel discussions provided attendees with opportunities to engage in in-depth discussions and network with peers.​

The successful organization of this conference underscores Tishk International University’s commitment to facilitating scholarly discourse and contributing to the development of statistical sciences in the region. The event not only enhanced the university’s academic profile but also strengthened ties among Arab statisticians, paving the way for future collaborative endeavors.

General Conclusions of the Eighth International Conference of the Arab Statisticians Union

  1. Innovative Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Statistics:
    The conference highlighted the growing synergy between artificial intelligence and statistics, emphasizing their combined potential in addressing complex social, economic, and environmental challenges—particularly within the framework of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
  2. Strong Research Participation:

Out of 84 research papers submitted, 40 were accepted for presentation at the conference. The submissions reflected significant diversity among researchers and practitioners, demonstrating the increasing interest and capabilities in the Arab region in the fields of data science, digital transformation, and statistical applications.

  1. Multidisciplinary Themes:
    The presented research papers covered a wide range of interdisciplinary topics, including:

    • The use of AI in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
    • Big data and open data as new sources for official statistics.
    • Applications of machine learning and deep learning in economic forecasting, disease diagnosis, and election studies.
    • Modern panel data models, time-series forecasting, and nonparametric methods in public policy and social research.
  2. Digital Transformation and the Role of Statistical Institutions:

Emphasis was placed on the pivotal role of Arab statistical institutions in producing reliable indicators and data to support sustainable development, along with the importance of strengthening their institutional capacities, adopting international standards, and investing in digitally supported statistical technologies.

  1. Evidence-Based Decision-Making:

The conference stressed the importance of accurate statistical models and AI tools in enhancing transparency, decision-making, and crisis prediction—particularly in post-conflict contexts and developing countries.

  1. Support for Capacity Building and Regional Cooperation:

Participants called for increased cooperation among Arab countries in training, scientific research, and infrastructure sharing to improve data quality and availability.

  1. Recommendations for Future Conferences and Work:
    • Enhance open data accessibility and encourage innovation in data collection tools.
    • Support gender-sensitive and inclusive statistical practices.
    • Establish a permanent regional task force to monitor progress in achieving sustainable development goals using AI and statistics.
    • Invest in young and emerging researchers through tailored workshops and mentorship programs.