This study is divided into four sections. The first reviews the three main provisions of Article 33 by outlining the structure, composition and functions of the main institutional frameworks for implementing and monitoring the Convention. Where possible, examples from other countries around the globe are provided to illustrate the implementation of Article 33 in practice. The second section reviews the current state of implementation of Article 33 in the Arab region. The authors use information collected from a questionnaire sent to member States of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)to illustrate key regional trends regarding Arab countries’ institutional setups in relation to Article 33. Finally, the paper outlines potential opportunities and challenges for Arab States in implementing Article 33 and concludes with some recommendations for further improving government compliance with the Convention.

​Within the framework of the “Regional Initiative for Promoting Small-Scale Renewable Energy Applications in rural areas of the Arab region (REGEND)” Project, the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is partnering with the Institute for Global Prosperity (IGP), University College London, RELIEF Centre and Chatham House to organize a workshop on “Transitions to Renewable Energy and Sustainable Prosperity in Lebanon: The Role of Municipalities, Education and Future Scenarios for 2030”.
 
The objective of this workshop is to discuss how alternatives and equitable energy supply systems can be built in Lebanon. The dialogue will be tackling issues such as the chronic lack of data about energy use and demand, the potential of government policies to enable equitable energy supply and the stakeholders’ engagement to effectively contribute to Lebanon’s long-term development goals.

Arab Society: A Compendium of Social Statistics is the latest in a series of biennial compendia of the Statistics Division of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).  Drawing on data provided mainly from national statistical offices, it focuses on issues of population, employment, housing conditions, education, health and culture. The eleventh issue of the Compendium pays special attention to education in ESCWA member countries. It presents education profiles for fourteen of the seventeen ESCWA member countries.

The 28th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) today continued its discussions, and assessed latest findings on economic and social developments in the Arab region. High-level government officials from the member countries of ESCWA were presented with the “Survey of Economic and Social Developments in the Western Asia Region” which covers 2013 and early 2014.