ESCWA is committed to creating a region-wide networking and partnerships platform with public and private-sector stakeholders to foster science, technology and innovation (STI) in the region.

New technologies such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart payment systems present Arab countries with the opportunity to bridge the knowledge gap and become more integrated in the global economy.

The 21st century has come to be synonymous with the concept of the information or knowledge society. Smart technology is already transforming that idea into one of the smart society.

ESCWA provides member countries with technical and advisory services on technological development on request, in the following areas:

Women are severely affected by the ongoing wars, intense violence and crumbling State services that torment much of the region today. Along with children, women make up the majority of displaced persons.

Since the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, the United Nations has increasingly focused on “gender mainstreaming”, that is, ensuring that the concerns of women and men are equally reflected in policymaking and programmes. The Economic and Social Council defines gender main



Gender-based violence (GBV), violence directed against a person on the basis of gender, is a global phenomenon and a grave violation of human rights. Its most common form is violence against women.