Since the Millennium Summit in 2000, countries and international agencies have been compiling data to monitor progress towards the MDGs. The availability and quality of the data at the international and national levels is however not the same. The UN Statistical Commission has called attention to the need of reducing these discrepancies, and countries worldwide have pointed out the importance of assessing progress at sub-national levels and better explore national sources.

Background information

This meeting will be held in accordance with the ETC Statute to give guidance to the Centre on its work program for 2019 based on the outcome of the 30^th ministerial session and key regional technological priorities that relate to its work, as well as to identify countries’ priorities and challenges in harnessing national capabilities in science, technology, and innovation in the implementation of the sustainable development goals.
The specific objectives of the meeting are:

• Discuss the translation of the outcome of ESCWA ministerial session (including Beirut Consensus and the outcome of the high level three round tables) into priority areas that could be included in ETC work program for 2019.
• Deliberate on technology priorities and needs of member countries that fall within ETC strategic objectives and areas of intervention.

The Expert Group Meeting on “Development Under Crisis Conditions” (Beirut, 27-28 June 2006) aimed at reaching a common understanding of the impact of conflict on socio-economic and political development in the region. It also sought to identify means of assisting member states in pursuing their Millennium Development Goals despite instability and political volatility. The meeting examined comparative experiences with development implementation under crisis conditions in three locales: Iraq, the Palestinian Territories, and Lebanon.