Over the past few years, many Arab countries have witnessed popular uprisings in which ordinary men and women have demanded freedom, social justice and dignity. Political transitions as a result of these uprisings have brought to the fore a number of short term challenges that will have a decisive impact on the long term prospects of these countries and the region as a whole.

Following the Libyan parliamentary elections held in June 2014 and the inability of the Government to extend its authority beyond Tripoli, in addition to the political instability and intensified armed violence around the capital city of Tripoli and the second largest city of Bengazi, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) produced a note to examine the economic situation in Libya and review the main challenges the Libyan economy is facing.

Under the banner of “Social Justice in the Policies of Arab States”, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) will hold its 28th Session from 15 to 18 September 2014 in the Regency Hotel, Tunis. The Session will highlight the importance of Arab cooperation in establishing new development models to meet growing demands for social justice and equality.

ESCWA launched today from its headquarters in Riad el Solh, Beirut, a report entitled “The conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic: The impact at the Macroeconomic Level and the Obstacles on the Way to the Millennium Development Goals.” A host of Arab and foreign diplomats and experts took part in the event. Also participating was the Editor-in-Chief of As Safir newspaper Talal Salman who delivered a keynote address (attached in Arabic).