The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Arab region has led to a decrease in the number of passenger flights by more than half in the first six months of 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. 

“The more we succeed in empowering Arab women, the greater is our progress towards sustainable human development”

With these words, ESCWA Executive Secretary Bader AlDafa summed up the vision that guides the Commission in its women-centered programs and activities, which have recently grown to include a TV program, entitled “Women in Economy”. The program is broadcasted on the Arab Woman Channel, and presented by Ghada Ballout Zeytoun.

During a meeting held by the World Bank in Washington D.C. in May 2015, ESCWA delivered a briefing on the methodology and challenges hindered the implementation of the project of producing Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) estimates for the years 2012 and 2013 based on the experiences gained during the 2011 International Comparison Program (ICP) Round. 

This year marks the 21st commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Over one billion people - or approximately 15 percent of the world population - live with disability. In the Arab region, significant strides have been made over recent years to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. Despite these efforts however, persons with disabilities in Arab countries continue to face substantial barriers in accessing health care, education and employment.