The strengthening of ties and the exchange of expertise with United States (US) bodies were the topics on the table at a high-level meeting conducted by Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD) recently. Taking place at Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the activity saw the Sharjah government department host a delegation from the US Consulate General in Dubai to discuss ways of enhancing relationships between the two entities for mutual benefit.

Attending the meeting were Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD), and Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Department of Government Relations. They were accompanied by HE Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Director of DSCD, and special advisors from the department. Included in the US delegation were Beth Smith, Political Economic Section Chief at the US Consulate General and Sean Greenley and Joseph Giblin, political and economic officers at the consulate’s Political and Economic Section.

The discussions on the day’s agenda saw the representatives review methods for Sharjah to communicate directly with US departments of security and development and the means to strengthen collaboration with these departments in the future. The talks also touched on statistical work, assessing the emirate’s achievements in this regard and examining how DSCD could benefit from the US’s expertise in the domain. During the event, senior officials of both parties looked at the possibility of conducting exchange visits and sharing technology and knowledge relating to statistics and development. The representatives concluded with an agreement to coordinate efforts for conducting bilateral meetings on a regular basis.

Speaking after the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani commented how such activities were in keeping with DSCD’s commitment to foster partnerships with various relevant bodies, both locally and internationally.

“In line with its strategy to provide more accurate statistical information by using the latest international programmes, DSCD constantly strives to strengthen cooperation with various local and international bodies. This is to continue advancing the emirate’s systems in order to remain at the forefront of progress in the region’s statistical work.”

“The meeting with the delegation from the US Consulate General was aimed at developing bilateral strategic relations and moving from a phase of cooperation to one of integration. The consulate will facilitate our communication with the departments concerned with security and development, which will help DSCD stay abreast of the latest developments in the field of statistical work. This enhanced partnership will help us to incorporate the best statistical approaches in developing our work methods and we were delighted to have the opportunity to acquaint the US Consulate General’s representative with our methods and experiences that have enabled us to make landmark achievements," he added. 

DSCD is an influential government body in Sharjah’s drive towards sustainable development and operates under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah. In keeping with the UAE’s national vision, the department conducts social research and surveys to ensure the delivery of high quality community services, thereby supporting Sharjah’s development strategies that aim to lay the foundations for a more sustainable future for its citizens and for the citizens of the UAE.