Beirut, 8 May 2012 (ESCWA Communication and Information Unit)— The member countries of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) unanimously accepted the Republic of Tunisia as a member of the Commission, to be brought up to the United Nations Economic and Social Council for final approval. Meanwhile, member countries also welcomed each of Libya’s and Morocco’s requests to join ESCWA. This step final approval by the ministerial Session Wednesday and reviewing in the member countries’ capitals before a final decision is made.

On 17 September 2014, Arab ministers and senior regional and foreign officials took part today in the opening of the 28th ministerial session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), a key regional event hosted by the Tunisian government, and held under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Mr. Moncef Al Marzouki. In the opening session, Arab and foreign diplomats and senior officials listened to statements that echoed Arab concerns and aspirations towards a better tomorrow guided by social justice.

Our discussions will cover questions of competitiveness and innovation, the challenges of translating policy into practice as well as capacity and governance of procurement. All of this embedded in the principles of Agenda 2030, especially Sustainable Development Goal 12 that calls for ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.