This document contains fact sheets on important water challenges facing the Arab region. For example, climate change is one of the challenges that affects the availability of water resources, and the rise of water-related disasters. In addition, sanitation is a major challenge given the rapid growth in economic and social development. Also, the water demand is increasing in the agricultural, domestic and industrial sectors, yet the Arab countries witness water scarcity as many of them are listed among the poorest in freshwater resources.

This module, implemented within a United Nations Development Account (DA) project on “Developing the capacities of ESCWA member countries to address the water and energy nexus for achieving Sustainable Developing Goals”, tackles water and energy issues from a technology transfer perspective. The aim is to further cooperation between Arab countries across industrial sectors to enhance resource efficiency and the use of renewable energy, for operations such as use and maintenance of water and energy utilities, oil and gas processes, or irrigation. The module also aims to assist authorities in the creation of environments that are more conducive to, and supportive of, technology transfer.



This report is meant to supplement Millennium Development ‎Goals (MDGs) reporting that has taken place at the country and global levels.

This study was carried out at the request of ESCWA member countries through the Committee on Transport of the Commission. It reviews the ways in which the region is responding to the liberalization and commercialization of air transport and makes a number of recommendations to regional Governments regarding regional cooperation, the establishment of a fair and open air transport market, the coordination of air traffic control, the use of information and communications technology, environmental protection and the removal of procedural barriers to trade and transport.