The mandate of the Committee on Financing for Development in the States Members of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia includes (a) discussing priorities under the programme of work and midterm action plans of the Commission in the field of financing for development; (b) following up on progress in financing for development policies in member States and making recommendations in that regard; (c) monitoring developments in regional and international forums, conferences and processes with regard to financing for development, and coordinating regional efforts towards the implementation of related resolutions and recommendations emanating from such platforms; and (d) supporting cooperation between the secretariat of the Commission and specialized ministerial councils of the League of Arab States, and organizations and unions formed under its umbrella, and with other specialized regional organizations, to build capacity and harmonize policies and strategies aimed at leveraging funds to finance development; and supporting communication efforts, partnerships and the harmonization of positions in the international arena.

The event focused on innovation approaches and emerging and disruptive technologies that could aid in the achievement of the SDGs.

“The more we succeed in empowering Arab women, the greater is our progress towards sustainable human development”

With these words, ESCWA Executive Secretary Bader AlDafa summed up the vision that guides the Commission in its women-centered programs and activities, which have recently grown to include a TV program, entitled “Women in Economy”. The program is broadcasted on the Arab Woman Channel, and presented by Ghada Ballout Zeytoun.

ESCWA launched in partnership with the League of Arab States a technical material on "Disability in the Arab Region: An Overview". The launch took place during a regional seminar on disability policies in Arab countries in light of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD.