This study reviews and evaluates the progress made by Yemen in implementing the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries. It also reviews the macroeconomic policies adopted by the Government of Yemen with a view to improving its overall economic performance and evaluates both sectoral developments and social policies aimed at alleviating poverty.

Attending a two-week training course at UNESCWA, fourteen staff members from the Iraqi Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation (MoPDC) were trained on management topics that included strategic planning, change management, leadership, time management. This training formed the third and final training module implemented by UNESCWA on behalf of UNDP as part of its comprehensive support project for the benefit of the MoPDC. The training was conducted together with the International Management and Training Institute -IMTI (www.ymca-leb.org.lb).

The Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development Cluster of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in partnership with the International Labour Organization, held a virtual expert group meeting on women’s economic empowerment in the Arab region from 28 to 30 July 2020. Participants discussed the proposed structure and preliminary outline of a forthcoming study on women’s economic empowerment.

The 8th Meeting of the Board of Governors (BOG) of the ESCWA Technology Centre (ETC) is taking place in Amman, Jordan on the 15^th of November 2018. The Board is comprised of official representatives from 13 Arab countries. During the Board meeting, the implemented work program of ETC during 2017/2018 will be presented.  The work program includes organization of intergovernmental and expert group meetings, and publication of several technical studies and reports.