By the end of 2011, online social network Facebook users reached 481 million, demanding an expansion in software industry, as mentioned in the Information Economy Report 2012 released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Entitled “The Software Industry and Developing Countries,” the Report was launched by ESCWA today 28 November 2012, at its Headquarters in Beirut.

Agriculture research is a core pillar in sustainable and resilient agriculture development at national and regional levels. It facilitates the transfer of techniques, practices, technology, and knowledge through demonstration and analyses aiming to improve production and productivity, protect and increase the efficiency of natural resources, and ultimately improve the livelihoods of producers.

In light of the challenges and obstacles confronting the Arab region in the area of integrated water resources management, and since the General Assembly of the United Nations has declared 2013 as the International Year for Water Cooperation, ESCWA convenes the 10th session of its Committee on Water Resources on 20-22 March under the theme “Regional Water Cooperation” at the UN House, Beirut. Participants will include representatives of ESCWA Member Countries, and from relevant international and regional organizations and institutions, and civil society organizations.

       The Deputy Director of the ESCWA Centre for Women, Ms. Mehrinaz El-Awady, today said that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development may form a turning point in development policies in the world, underlining a shift in  the philosophy of development from  specific development policies linked to narrow thematic frameworks to more inclusive policies that require action in different fields.