DOHA: Qatar has begun preparations for a mid-term census due to surge in population. The census will help the government to formulate development policies and plans. The last census was conducted in 2010 while the next will be held in 2020.
“The ministry has begun the preparatory activities for implementing a simple mid-term census for 2010-2020 period, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning,” said H E Dr Saleh bin Mohammed Al Nabit, Minister of Development, Planning and Statistics on the occasion of Qatar Statistics Day. The ministry yesterday celebrated Qatar Statistics Day at Katara Cultural Village in the presence of officials and representatives of several government departments.
The minister said that the aim of the census is to update some basic statistical variables in the field of national development planning and construction plan of the state citing that it relies mainly on the data derived from administrative records to be provided by ministries and other governmental institutions. He said that the ministry is working to set up electronic link between different ministries and government departments to get accurate data instantly, he added.
The United Nations this year launched a new initiative under the title ‘a data revolution’ in order to keep pace with the international development agenda beyond 2015. The initiative comes in line with aspirations of the MDPS for building a modern statistical system that meets the needs of the national and international users of data for formulating policies and monitoring its progress, the minister said.
He added that the initiative aims to promote and encourage innovation to bridge gaps in data with the help of modern technologies and calls for establishing a global effort to improve cooperation between data producers and users.
Saber Saeed Al Harbi, Director General of GCC Statistical Centre, said that the Qatari statistics are witnessing rapid development and progress in various statistical areas due to the support of the wise government.
Mansour Al Malki, Director of Information Systems Department, MDPS, said the ministry has got the approval from the cabinet to build a National Register or National Database which will have accurate and updated social, economic and environment figures. The database will gather information from government, semi-government and other data-producing entities in Qatar. It will increase the efficacy of policymaking and development planning as policymakers and government departments will get updated and accurate data.
The MDPS honoured several government agencies and stakeholders in recognition of their contribution to the network connection, as well as media representatives for their role in raising public awareness and press coverage.
The Peninsula
