ESCWA Disability Framework: 115 indicators to bridge the gap between policy and statistics, is the first three-dimensional disability framework that maps disability-related indicators to three major development frameworks: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Framework and its 115 indicators embodies a major step forward in bridging the gap between policy and statistics and monitor progress made. The Framework will be an important tool for guiding efforts at the national, regional and global levels to harmonize the production of comparable data. It will facilitate reporting on the situation of persons with disabilities in critical disability-inclusive development goals. These include inclusive education, employment, empowerment, health and justice. The framework will, through improved disability statistics, provide a clearer picture to compare persons with disabilities and those with no disabilities. The framework will also assist data producers to provide valuable and better information for policymakers to ensure that all people with disabilities everywhere and anywhere are indeed included.

The year 2011 was a turning point for the Arab world. The power of citizens has created new momentum for change, opening the door of opportunity for the Arab people. As an institution that provides regional public goods, ESCWA had to transform its approach to development. In this regard, ESCWA has started preparatory work in earnest to launch three key flagship publications that will chart out, in cooperation with intellectuals and researchers in the region, alternative development trajectories.

The Arab Economic Integration report singles out the agricultural sector as one which can truly take off with the right mix of proactive policies and underlying conditions.