This study explores the structure, membership and main activities of Arab organizations of persons with disabilities in the context of the global disability movement.

To highlight means by which communities in the Arab region can become more resilient to address the risks arising from desertification, drought and the depletion of natural resources, in order to preserve terrestrial ecosystems, shift to more sustainable consumption and production patterns, to prevent the land degradation, and to rehabilitate agricultural land; in order to preserve the already scarce natural resources and enhance food security in the Arab region.

The report presents an overview of progress achieved in the implementation of the Beijing Platform of Action (BPFA), twenty years following the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, during the Fourth Conference on Women ( 1995).

This issue presents data and statistical indicators on external trade in goods of ESCWA member countries. Data are presented in time series until 2007 and were drawn primarily from national sources, as well as from secondary sources where appropriate. ESCWA hopes that this issue of the External Trade Bulletin, which provides total and detailed data on intraregional and international trade of member countries, would be useful to policymakers, analysts, researchers and other users at the national, regional and international levels. This issue comprises three parts.