ESCWA opened today its meeting on “Economic Policies Supporting the Transition to a Green Economy in the Arab Region” at the UN House, Beirut. The meeting is held in cooperation with the Institut des Finances Basil Fuleihan, the UN Environment Program (UNEP), and the League of Arab States.

United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, said that this year’s observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People “comes at a time when Palestinians continue to suffer the indignities and violence of occupation and conflict, but also at a time when a new beginning has been made in efforts to achieve a two State solution to the conflict.” Ban’s words came in the message he addressed on the International Day for Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed on 29 November of each year, in the wake of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 32/40 B.

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.

The Arab Regional Conference for the Ten Year Review and Appraisal of the Outcome of HABITAT II “Ten Years after Istanbul: Call for Equity” will be held from 11 to 13 April at the UN House, Beirut.