The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) intends to contribute to the critical evaluation of the progress made towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the Arab region within the context of the Arab spring and discuss how these ongoing political changes link to the MDGs.

The report provides a critical perspective and seeks to provide new ideas, alternatives and analytical tools, as well as a discussion on measuring progress, following the discussions during the MDG review summit of 2010.  We expect this report to be an additional contribution of ESCWA in the discussions taking place between governmental and international stakeholders, civil society organizations and the private sector, media, researchers and academics.  The Report also seeks to improve objectivity in the evaluation of progress made and assist in expanding the interest and involvement of concerned Arab parties with the MDGs in order to make an effective contribution to the international dialogue, in preparation for the final assessment in 2013, 2015 and beyond 2015.