A delegation from SESRIC, headed by H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK, paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Dr. Mohd. Uzir MAHIDIN, Chief Statistician of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) on 12 October 2023 at the Headquarters of DOSM in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The purpose of the visit was to discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation projects and activities in the field of official statistics.

During the meeting, H.E. SELÇUK expressed gratitude for the unwavering and continuous support DOSM has provided to SESRIC in statistical activities. In a comprehensive overview, She highlighted and commended the significant contributions made by DOSM to the activities conducted under the esteemed OIC Statistical Commission (OIC-StatCom) and the transformative SESRIC Statistical Capacity Building (StatCaB) Programme.

A remarkable fact illuminated during the meeting was DOSM’s active engagement with SESRIC since 2007, demonstrating a truly commendable commitment to collaboration. The numbers spoke for themselves, with DOSM having participated in 142 StatCaB programmes. This collective effort gathered a total of 1,160 renowned statistical experts from diverse OIC member countries. Through such exceptional collaboration, an interconnected network of statistical professionals has flourished, united in their dedication to advancing and harmonising official statistics within the esteemed OIC community.

In addition to acknowledging DOSM’s invaluable support, H.E. SELÇUK graciously extended her gratitude to H.E. Dr. MAHIDIN, recognising his exemplary Chairmanship during the 7^th and 8^th Sessions of OIC-StatCom. His effective leadership further amplified the collective achievements and paved the way for innovative and impactful initiatives within the statistical sphere.

At the outset, H.E. Dr. MAHIDIN thanked H.E. SELÇUK for her visit and discussed ways to further enhance the existing cooperation between DOSM and SESRIC. The focus was on areas of mutual interest and shared objectives. The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore cooperation in specific areas such as the key actions of the Strategic Vision 2030 of OIC-StatCom, as well as the initiatives of DOSM in digitalization, conducting census, SDG indicators, and related frameworks.

Both institutions expressed their commitment to strengthen the current level of collaboration through a renewal of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This renewal will be discussed at the OIC-StatCom Follow-up Session, which is planned as a side event of the United Nations Statistical Commission in 2024. The aim is to address key challenges and contribute to the socio-economic development of Malaysia and the wider OIC community.

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