Gender statistics inform policy and programme decisions, and are critical for effective monitoring and analyses of gender gains and gaps. The need and demand for gender statistics at the national, regional and global level for systematic mainstreaming of a gender perspective within national statistical systems and in the production of gender statistics remain unmet in many areas.

Monday, 16 January 2012 (United Nation Information Service) – Participants in ESCWA’s high-level meeting on “Reform and Transitions to Democracy” in Beirut have tackled issues related to challenges facing Arab countries as a result of regional awakening. They highlighted the danger of sacrificing civil and human rights in the name of security and regional stability and emphasized the significance of civic values as the only means to confront communal divisions and the obstruction of transitions to democracy.

The National Accounts Studies of the Arab Region, Bulletin No.33, presents available data on and ESCWA estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) at both current and constant prices, and consolidated national accounts of each ESCWA member country during the period 2007-2012; in addition to estimated real GDP growth for 2013.

ESCWA collected data for this publication primarily from responses to questionnaires, national statistical offices and other official sources. ESCWA hopes that this publication will benefit economists, social researchers and planners.

ESCWA Transport Committee adopted today the proposal for the formation of a working group on the harmonization of institutional frameworks and legislation in the transport sector in the ESCWA region. Transport officials of ESCWA’s 14 member countries adopted this proposal at the 11th Session of the ESCWA Transport Committee, which was held on 22-24 March under the auspices of Lebanese Minister of Transportation, Ghazi Aridi.