Digital content has come to play a major role given the vital contribution by information and knowledge in meeting economic and social development goals, and the role of information and communication technologies in producing, categorizing, sharing and disseminating such information. This study, which paves the way for drafting an Arab strategy on content building, represents a follow-up to efforts made by ESCWA in the area of digital content.

Global demand for water is expected to increase by 50 per cent by the year 2025, while ESCWAs share of renewable water resources remains the lowest in the world. Despite the necessity for sound planning for the protection of shared water resources in ESCWA member countries, it is still difficult for neighbouring countries to negotiate a joint and integrated strategy for action.

Based on modern theories analysing the impact of demography on development, the Population and Development Report is aimed at enhancing the understanding of the relation between those two factors, and at increasing awareness of challenges posed by population dynamics and demographic changes. This Report also stresses on the importance of strategic stands that consider population as a qualitative and quantitative variable affecting the economic, social, political and environmental forces.