This paper estimates the financing gap for Arab countries with low income and/or diversified economy, which in 2009 ranged between US$54.5 and US$57.9 billion.

This forum allowed many activists and experts from different Arab countries to present their views and experiences in the field of participation. It also focused on identifying opportunities for achieving real and sustainable change in the Arab region. The aim of the forum is to engage stakeholders in finding solutions to the various challenges that the Arab States are facing, and in defining the role that civil society organizations and social activists should play in addressing these challenges and developing a vision for the future of the region.



The information society, in which information is processed efficiently, including the production, exchange, adaptation, and use of information, is the appropriate environment for achieving sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. However, the move towards the information society constitutes a real challenge to developing countries, particularly in view of the expanding digital divide with developed countries, thus rendering them increasingly vulnerable to a reduction of their productive and economic capacities.