This report examines how inequality and personal autonomy are likely to impact on the broad political settlement in the Arab region overtime.

High poverty rates coupled with high concentration of wealth in the Arab region have highlighted the need for a stronger civic solidarity. We investigate the concentration of wealth across the Arab region and juxtapose it with the incidence of poverty. We assess the scope for fiscal redistribution from the wealthiest 10 percent to the poor.

Within the context of Food Security, ESCWA is implementing a Sida funded project on “Promoting food and water security through cooperation and capacity development in the Arab region” that includes a component on enhancing capacity in the Arab countries to assess the status of food security. In this respect, a Regional Framework on Monitoring Food Security in the Arab Region was developed in consultation and coordination with the Arab Organization for Agriculture Development (AOAD), FAO, national focal points and experts from the region.

Although the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) do not include a clear energy-related goal, it would not be possible to achieve those goals without providing reliable and affordable energy services. The provision of energy services and enhancement of regional cooperation in that area are essential to achieving sustainable development and regional integration as they contribute to driving the production forward and creating employment opportunities in all economic sectors, which in turn lead to economic growth and social stability.