The subject of the sixth issue is the enabling environment. The issue includes three articles on financing for and investment in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. In addition, there is a full report on broadband telecommunication services in the ESCWA region. The issue concludes with an assessment of models for invention-related cyber legislation.

The World Day to Combat Desertification is observed worldwide on 17 June every year. The focus in 2015 was the attainment of food security for all through sustainable food systems. This theme brought together two sustainable development goals, namely to end hunger and achieve food security (goal 2) and to protect terrestrial ecosystems (goal 15), which are very relevant for the Arab region; a dryland region facing mounting challenges, including food insecurity and the degradation of the natural resource base, notably soils.

Serbia has diverse energy supplies, but energy generation largely relies on lignite. The country also started a process of aligning its energy policies with EU directives, which requires important improvements in the country’s sustainable energy management.

Critical issues confronting policymakers, administrators, staff and stakeholders in combating and preventing land degradation are assessed in this review, with particular emphasis on determining the successful implementation of programmes. The causes and impact of land degradation are examined, the usefulness of programmes is judged and stakeholder participation is assessed. Case studies are presented from Egypt, Jordan, the Syrian Arab Republic and the United Arab Emirates and action-oriented recommendations on successful interventions are suggested.