The rapid pace of advancement in information and communications technology (ICT) and the increasing ICT application possibilities in the economic, social and cultural fields are accompanied, on the one hand, by exacerbating technological risks concocted by hackers abusing the global transnational nature of the digital environment, therefore undermining the confidence of users in ICT and its applications.

The global survey represents a key initiative under the framework of the Joint UNRC Approach to Trade Facilitation, which was agreed upon by the Executive Secretaries of the five UNRCs in Beirut (January 2010) to enable the UNRCs to present a joint (global) view on key trade facilitation issues. The questionnaire for the global survey was jointly prepared and finalized by UNRCs and OECD to ensure data could be shared and compared.

Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all - Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) - requires significant effort in scaling-up renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Arab region while addressing climate change. The success of this energy transition is largely tied to strengthening the regional cooperation and trade among Arab countries, the development of grid interconnections between countries and the promotion of pan-Arab electricity market which focuses on smart grids and green corridors.

The workshop focused on innovation in public sector, its various approaches and its impact on social and economic development.