The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), Statistics Division, Economic Analysis Section is organizing an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) in order to review the preliminary work and results concerning its programmed activity, "the Survey of Economic and Social Developments in the ESCWA Region 2008-2009". The objective of this activity is to strengthen the capacity of member countries to design and implement sound economic policies and strategies for sustainable economic growth and poverty alleviation and for regional integration in a globalizing world" through increased knowledge among stakeholders in the region of the issues that should be taken into account in designing and implementing suitable macroeconomic policies and strategies for better response to the International Financial Crisis.

The Survey of Economic and Social Developments in the ESCWA region, a mandated publication and has been known as the ESCWA's flagship publication since 1974. The Survey addresses the major economic and social trends in the ESCWA region, and traces developments at the global level and their implications in the region.

Prominent group of experts with social and economic expertise from Europe and the region, as well as from Lebanon, will be attending the meeting which will be held at the United Nations House, Riad El Solh Square, Beirut-Lebanon from 21 to 22 December 2009.