The Arab region is one of the world's most arid regions. They are subject to significant changes in rainfall rates from year to year, which is clearly reflected in the scarcity of water resources. Scientific research confirmed that the whole region will be exposed to severe climate changes, either from low rainfall or from high temperatures and a clear increase in the frequency of cycles of drought. These factors adversely affect agricultural productivity for rainfed and, to some extent, irrigated crops.


This edition of the National Accounts Studies of the ESCWA Region, Bulletin no. 28, includes available data and ESCWA estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) at both current and constant prices, in addition to the consolidated national accounts of ESCWA member countries during the four-year period between 2003-2007, and the estimated real GDP growth for 2008.
 

The paper discusses the role of civil society in the Arab region in implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Prepared by ESCWA’s Unit on Agenda 2030 and presented as the main paper at the regional conference on the role of civil society in the Arab region in the implementation of Agenda 2030, Doha, Qatar, 20-21 April 2016.