The thirteenth issue of the Bulletin on Population and Vital Statistics in the ESCWA Region disseminates data on population size and composition, and on vital events, namely fertility, mortality, marriage and divorce in ESCWA member countries for the period 2000-2009. Data were drawn from different national sources including surveys, censuses and civil registration systems and were compiled mainly from questionnaires prepared by ESCWA and filled by member countries. For accuracy purposes, data have been checked for reliability.

After decades of market-oriented reforms, the ESCWA region is facing fundamental questions about the parameters of future development. The expectation that top-down economic stabilization, liberalization of markets and strategic privatization would lead to more competitive, diversified and inclusive economies has only partially materialized. The employment situation in particular remains a constant challenge and needs to be addressed through a more integrated approach to labour market policy, combining economic and social policy.

The study focuses on the methodology for using administrative records on collecting population and housing censuses. It highlights the challenges and opportunities and the importance of Identification number (ID) in the administrative registers in obtaining related data on population and housing census.

This document elaborates the content examined during the Arab Regional Consultative Dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals. First, the discussion showed the importance of SDGs for the Arab region since they will make a significant contribution to global and regional cooperation on development and have far-reaching implications for national planning.