The study provides a framework for the formulation of innovation policies that support economic growth and the implementation of the SDGs in the Arab region.

One year before the conclusion of the global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) (2006-2010), and shortly before the expiration of one of the most important and contentious global agreements shaping the current global Internet governance structure, namely the Joint Project Agreement (JPA) between the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the United States Department of Commerce, ESCWA published this study to support the Arab region in its efforts to develop a regional framework for Internet governance.



In facing development challenges, policymakers and humanitarian aid practitioners rely on traditional data sources from official sources to inform their decisions with regards to both host communities as well as refugees. These sources can be costly, time-consuming and difficult to collect, particularly amidst a context susceptible to multiple crises. Also, they are infrequently updated, which can make the information they contain obsolete, especially within the highly volatile political and socioeconomic context of the Arab region.  With the advent of the ‘Data Revolution’, we are currently surrounded by a wealth of information, known as “Big Data”. Vast amounts of data are examined in order to extract patterns and insights, and recommendations and solutions are then formulated accordingly. This pilot project explores the potential of unconventional data sources in informing policymakers of the conditions and vulnerabilities of Syrian refugees and Lebanese host communities.