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ESCWA 27th Ministerial Session to Discuss Vital Issues of Concern to the Region

Beirut

Beirut, 26 April 2012 (ESCWA Communication and Information Unit)-- The 27th Ministerial Session of ESCWA will be held on 9-10 May 2012 at the United Nations House in Beirut under the auspices of the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Mr. Najib Mikati, as the region witnesses drastic political, economic and social changes. In January, ESCWA held a high-level meeting entitled “Reform and Transition to Democracy”, which was opened by Prime Minister Mikati and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. These important events highlight the role of ESCWA as a regional arm of the United Nations and the voice of its member countries in the international community. The Session also highlights the Commission’s role as a forum for the Governments of member countries, governmental and non-governmental organizations and experts to discuss current and future issues of concern for the Arab region.
High-level preparatory meetings will precede the Ministerial Session on 7-8 May 2012. According to Rule 12 of the Rules of Procedure of ESCWA, member countries rotate chairing the Session in Arabic alphabetical order. The United Arab Emirates will chair the 27th Session following the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan which chaired the 26th Session.
One of the most significant agenda items of the Session is “The Role of Participation and Social Justice in Achieving Sustainable and Balanced Development” which will be discussed in a ministerial round table . Other main topics of ministerial discussion include “The Ongoing Preparations for the Rio+20 Conference in the Arab Region,” and “Inclusive Financing in the ESCWA Region: Current Status and Future Prospects.” In addition, ESCWA will launch a cyber legislation guidelines project.
The opening ceremony of the Ministerial Session will begin at 90:30 a.m. on Wednesday, 9 May 2012 with a performance by the Lebanese National Symphony Orchestra in the presence of Arab and foreign diplomatic corps and representatives of regional and international organizations. Speakers at the Session include the representative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and chair of the 26th Session, the representative of the United Arab Emirates and chair of the 27th Session, the Executive Secretary of ESCWA, and the Prime Minister of Lebanon. A message of the United Nations Secretary-General for the occasion will be also delivered.