On 20-22 June 2012, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) took place in Rio de Janeiro, capturing global attention and participation. Some 12,000 government and civil society representatives attended the conference, including heads of State and ministers from more than 190 countries. At the conclusion of Rio+20, the outcome document “The Future We Want” was approved and more than 700 pledges of financial support (totaling US$513 billion) were made.

“Advancing Sustainable Development in Post-Conflict Countries: the Cases of Lebanon and Liberia” was a side event discussion ESCWA hosted in collaboration with the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) during the Rio + 20 Conference, which was held on 20-22 June 2012 Rio de Janeiro.

During a press briefing to highlight the main findings of the “Survey of Economic and Social Development in the ESCWA Region 2011-2012,” held this morning at the U.N. House in Beirut, Mr. Abdullah Al-Dardari, Director of Economic Development and Globalization Division (EDGD) said that all-time high oil revenue amidst the Arab Spring resulted in growth polarization between major oil exporters and the rest of the ESCWA region.

ESCWA Deputy Executive Secretary Nadim Khouri pointed out that the Commission has given a considerable attention to the trade and transport facilitation subject since 2001. It launched the Integrated Transport System in the Arab Mashreq (ITSAM), which aims at supporting regional integration in the region and enhance intra-Arab regional trade.