The study Prospects for South-South Cooperation in the ESWA Region reviews the current status of cooperation between ESCWA member countries and explores potential areas for future collaboration. The experience of countries in other developing regions has demonstrated that South-South cooperation has the potential to play an important role in the generation of employment, the alleviation of poverty and the attainment of inclusive, sustained economic development through technical assistance, knowledge exchange and technology transfer.

While ESCWA member countries face a number of obstacles to increasing regional trade, a consensus exists among policymakers that the economic integration in the region is crucial both to promote economic growth and development and to overcome the challenges of globalization. This study identifies the various trade policies adopted by ESCWA member countries and assesses their impact on economic performance, in particular their contribution to improving trade and development in the region.

The report presents a historical overview of women’s movement in the Arab World. It evaluates the main elements and milestones of this movement, including its impact on the broader social environment.

Most ESCWA member countries have ratified international environmental agreements and have committed themselves to enhancing relevant governance structures, developing action plans and submitting reports on the state of the environment. The resulting sectoral approaches and fragmented policies have failed to define or address adequately the challenges that are specifically transboundary in nature. This study attempts to identify and tackle the major transboundary environmental threats in the ESCWA region.