Beirut, 31 January 2019 (Communication and Information Unit)--The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) today launched the first-of-its-kind Arab region Data Portal (EDP) that offers users a variety of statistical services and products covering a range of social and economics areas, while facilitating open access to a wealth of statistical data, analysis, and information on its member states.
The Acting Executive Secretary of ESCWA, Mr. Mounir Tabet, said that “We are seeking to include the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development related data and information as soon as possible,” and stressed that the team will add data on other Arab countries that have not yet joined the Regional Commission.
Mr. Rami Zaatari, from ESCWA Statistics Division, presented the portal and all the efforts it entailed over the last few years, and revealed that the portal currently comprises one million data points which are expected to increase. He showcased the portal key features which include browsing social, economic, environment, disability and gender related data on all Arab countries.
The data portal also allows retrieving detailed information on specific countries and indicators, and to browse, search and download related publications. Most importantly, all the content is in both English and Arabic.
In addition, a registered user or a data explorer can turn data into insights using powerful visualization tools; create, customize and export their own dashboard; display data using tables, various charts types, and geographic maps. They can share them, search them, and access the portal using computer or mobile devices.
This was followed by a demonstration of how to use the portal with examples on what to find in it. A manual will soon be issued on how to use it.
For more information:
The portal link: http://data.unescwa.org/
For more information:
Nabil Abu-Dargham, Head, ESCWA Communication and Information Unit
+961-70-993-144; email: dargham@un.org
Ms Rania Harb +961-70-008-879; email: harb1@un.org