On 11 March 2020, WHO announced that Covid-19 outbreak can be characterized as a pandemic. Although the epicenters of the pandemic are currently in the United States and Europe, majority of Arab countries are heavily affected by the virus. In the region, impacts of the Covid-19 crisis are expected to be devastating given prevalent poverty and informality, conflicts and displacement, shrinking oil revenues as well as other factors.

ESCWA organized a virtual dialogue on the emerging impact of Covid-19 pandemic on Food Security in the Arab region on April 23, 2020. The dialogue was attended by the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Regional Office for the Near East, officials responsible for food security issues in relevant ministries in the Arab countries, as well as a group of regional and local experts.

ESCWA is organizing the 2018 civil society dialogue in partnership with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Lebanon and Beyond Reform & Development

Violence against women is a violation of basic human rights, it does not only impact the victim, but also affects the economy and society as a whole. It detracts from the wellbeing and the dignity of women and threatens its security, and has serious consequences on their health. It affects their participation in public affairs, and impedes the course of development.