This study provides a base line assessment of laws and policies affecting the realization of gender equality and the protection of women from violence in the region. The 18 country reports highlight successful legal provisions and identify gaps that countries need to address to meet their international obligations and commitments.

Beirut, 25 Oct 2011 (UN Information Service) —ESCWA Technology Centre (ETC) opened today an expert group meeting on “Promotion of South-South Cooperation in Technology Transfer”. The meeting is organized in collaboration with the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Lebanon (FCCIAL), and held at the Chamber of Beirut. Speakers at the opening session included Director of ETC Fouad Mrad and Director General of the Industrial Research Institute in Lebanon Bassam Frenn.

The United Nations employs multilingualism as a tool to promote multilateralism and cross-cultural communication, with each of the six official languages celebrated on a specific day. World Arabic Language Day is commemorated on 18 December, the day when the United Nations General Assembly approved Arabic as an official and working language of the United Nations.

Cyber-crime is an emerging global threat which affects developed and developing countries alike. This Review examines selected aspects of cybercrime, underlining its effect on the socioeconomic development of the Arab region. Those aspects include the action of cyberdissidents and hacktivists, as well as specific cases of cybercrime in the region. The publication reviews the project on the regional harmonization of cyberlegislation undertaken by ESCWA, and stresses its importance in the fight against cybercrime.