Syria participated in the 10th Global Conference on Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange (SDMX), held in Rome, Italy, under the theme “Smarter Data for Better Insights.” Anas Saleem, head of the Syrian Planning and Statistics Authority, said the participation represents a key step toward integrating Syria’s national statistical system into the global data exchange framework. He noted that joining the SDMX system would grant Syria official international recognition for its statistical data and align the country’s practices with global standards.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
Saleem explained adopting the SDMX system would allow Syria to compare its data with that of other member countries using unified mechanisms for coding and classification. This standardization, he said, will strengthen the reliability of Syria’s statistics and make them internationally comparable.
Syria’s participation also aims to study the mechanisms of the SDMX platform, evaluate the compatibility of the national statistical system with international requirements, and identify potential national and international partners capable of providing technical and technological support.
As part of the initiative, the Planning and Statistics Authority proposed reactivating technical cooperation with Euro-Mediterranean Statistics through a three-year plan. The proposal includes an exploratory visit to a participating neighboring country and the preparation of a technical document analyzing Syria’s statistical infrastructure. The document will also outline opportunities for regional and international cooperation to support Syria’s integration into global statistical systems.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Saleem acknowledged several challenges currently facing the integration process, including the absence of a unified national database and the incomplete development of Syria’s statistical platform. He emphasized that international technical assistance—through bilateral arrangements with SDMX member states—will play a crucial role in providing expertise, logistical resources, and institutional support.
Following the conference, Syria intends to continue developing its national data system in cooperation with the national statistics team to prepare for the full implementation of SDMX standards. Saleem added this process will enhance Syria’s credibility and strengthen its position on the global statistics map.
About the SDMX System
SDMX is an ISO standard designed to describe statistical data and metadata, streamline their exchange, and improve the efficiency of sharing information among statistical and related organizations.
The SDMX Conference, held every two years, is a leading international forum for producers and users of structured data. It serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge, innovations, and best practices in data and metadata management. Bringing together policymakers, economists, and data experts, the conference promotes the use of structured data to improve evidence-based policymaking at national, regional, and international levels.
