On 11 December 2014, ESCWA and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) launched of a four-year project to bolster food and water security in the Arab region. SIDA has donated USD 2.7 million while the contribution of ESCWA will amount to USD 0.8 million. The project generates unique national and regional data on the present and future situation of food and water security; design coordinated regional policies to enhance food and water security; and help governments respond to dwindling arable lands and increased water scarcity, while meeting growing food needs. For further information: http://www.escwa.un.org/information/pressescwaprint.asp?id_code=700