AITRS Board of Trustees Holds 50th Meeting in MuscatMuscat, 13 Oct (ONA) — The 50th session of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics (AITRS) was held today in Muscat, in the presence of the heads of Arab statistical agencies, some representatives from regional and international organizations and members of the Board of Trustees.The session reviewed a number of key items, including an evaluation of the Institute’s 2020–2030 strategy, the approval of the 2026–2027 action plan and budget, a discussion of the performance evaluation study results, and presentations on statistical initiatives in Arab countries.Dr. Khalifa Abdullah Al Barwani, CEO of the National Centre for Statistics and Information, emphasized that Oman’s hosting of this meeting reflects the stature it has reached in the field of statistics and information and its pivotal role in supporting Arab statistical cooperation.In his address, he added that these meetings, which bring together heads and representatives of statistical agencies from various Arab countries, represent an opportunity to exchange experiences and explore ways to enhance statistical practices in accordance with international standards, thereby serving sustainable development in the Arab region.On his turn, Dr. Ziad Abdullah, AISTR Director General stated that this session represents a pivotal milestone in the Institute’s journey spanning five decades of dedication and development. He affirmed that “this meeting places a significant responsibility on us to keep pace with the technological revolution in the world of data and to enhance statistical training and research programs to serve sustainable development in our Arab world.”This session marks an important milestone in the journey of joint Arab statistical work, as it coincides with the passage of fifty sessions of institutional work in developing statistical capacities and enhancing Arab integration in the fields of statistical training and research.This meeting is held within the framework of the Institute’s journey as an Arab regional organization operating under the umbrella of the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States, concerned with developing Arab statistical capacities and promoting regional integration in the fields of statistical training and research.— Ends/AH