The Committee on Social Development was established pursuant to Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) resolution 198 (XVII) of 31 May 1994, which was endorsed by the United Nations Economic and Social Council in its resolution 1994/27 of 26 July 1994. The Committee’s mandate includes enhancing regional cooperation on social development issues and the participation of member States in planning ESCWA activities in that field.
 
The twelfth session of the Committee on Social Development will review the work undertaken by ESCWA in the field of social development since the previous session. Member State representatives will also be briefed on activities of the Intersessional Group of Experts on Disability and will present progress achieved in implementing the Committee’s recommendations in their respective countries.
 
The Committee will also address three priority issues in the field of social development in the Arab region: social protection reform; inclusion of older persons; and the nexus approach to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It will make concrete recommendations on ways to advance social development in the region