In an effort to assess the status of the information society, and in-line with the WSIS Action Lines, ESCWA prepared national profiles of the Information Society for each member country every two years (from 2003 to 2013), and compiled a biennial regional profile that included a comparative analysis.

ESCWA prepared this study in the context of its activities aimed at improving statistical work in member countries. The purpose of the study consists of enhancing capacities of member countries in designing and implementing the integrated household survey which contributes to promoting capacities to develop, follow up and evaluate plans and programmes, and to building social and economic indicators which allow to monitor progress achieved in realizing the Millennium Development Goals, in particular the goal of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.

The Survey reports on the most recent economic and social developments in the region and makes policy recommendations based on an in-depth analysis of regional development issues. The main theme of this edition is rights to development in the ESCWA region.

• Survey of Economic and Social Developments in the ESCWA Region, 2005-2006, Summary

The post-colonial socio-political landscape of the ESCWA region has witnessed a seemingly endless chain of conflict, fragile peace and constantly heightened levels of political tension, all of which have had negative ramifications for governance and socio-economic development in the region. Indeed, conflict, political tension, rentier economies and parochial systems of governance have undermined social cohesion, access to natural resources, inclusive growth, economic diversification, justice and peace itself.