This report tackles microfinance amidst conflict in the ESCWA region through a review of the main issues, such as the provision of microfinance services, the role of microfinance in development and the unique challenges faced by conflict-affected countries concerning microcredit and the development of financial markets. It also surveys microcredit providers in ESCWA conflict-affected countries, with an overview of the Arab World and a country level analysis of Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine.

The Arab regional dialogue will be organized around the five action tracks of the Summit and examine them through the lens of the different stakeholders (NGO, research and academia, government, private sector, etc.), and will consider cross-cutting issues such as finance, innovation, and empowerment of youth, women, and other vulnerable groups.

This brief explores the transformation of civic engagement and participation leading up to and following the Arab uprisings, as well as the challenges and potential of the new channels of participation.

This Annual Report summarizes the accomplishments achieved by ESCWA under its seven subprogrammes in 2008. Using a results-based approach in reviewing those accomplishments, the report provides a comprehensive perspective on the major socio-economic development issues and challenges facing the region.