UN-ESCWA Executive-Secretary Badr Omar AlDafa took part end of August in two UN retreats in Torino, Italy. The first retreat held between 29 and 30 August was the Second Senior Managers Retreat, while the second was the UN Regional Commissions Retreat between 31 August and 2 September.

This study results show that reducing energy subsidy generates a fiscal space for the Tunisian economy. In the first bunch of simulations we supposed that this ‘saved’ amounts are totally directed to the reduction of fiscal deficit. This policy enhances the fiscal sustainability and reduces indebtment but have a negative impact on growth and job creation. The microsimulation approach shows that, after considering all taxes and direct cash transfers and indirect subsidies, the rate of poverty decreases from disposable income to consumable income.

The advancement of women’s rights is a matter of urgency in the Arab region and essential for meaningful development. Although significant progress towards women’s empowerment has been made in most Arab countries, women in the region continue to face great challenges and uncertainty, particularly in situations of conflict, economic difficulties and political instability. Gender-based discrimination remains widespread and their access to resources, opportunities and decision-making continues to be limited.

The objective of this regional seminar is to focus on policy reforms that can promote financing of renewable energy investments with the aim of strengthening the capacity of national and local policymakers.