What: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are convening the first Arab Public Finance and Budgeting Forum, under the theme “Enhancing Social Sector Expenditure and Fiscal Sustainability”.
When: From Wednesday 12 to Thursday 13 November 2025, at 9 a.m. Beirut time.
Who: The opening session of the Forum will feature welcoming remarks by:
- Yassine Jaber, Minister of Finance, Lebanon;
- Mourad Wahba, Executive Secretary (OIC), ESCWA;
- Edouard Beigbeder, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, UNICEF.
Following the opening, six ministers from the Arab region will carry out a panel discussion:
- Minister Yassine Jaber
- Wafa’ Saeed Yacoub Bani Mustafa, Minister of Social Development, Jordan
- Bihi Iman Egeh, Minister of Finance, Somalia
- Mohammed Yisr Barnieh, Minister of Finance, Syria
- Taif Sami Mohammed, Minister of Finance, Iraq
- Abdallah Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh-Sidia, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Mauritania
The Forum will present data-driven and AI-powered tools for smart budgeting, showcasing regional progress in applying the Social Expenditure Monitor (SEM) and other innovative fiscal policy instruments that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In addition to ministers, the Forum will bring together senior officials, development partners, and experts from across the Arab region. Discussions will focus on ways to make public spending more equitable, efficient, and fiscally sustainable.
Where: UN House in Beirut and online via Zoom.
Register on this link.
Media colleagues who wish to attend and cover the Forum physically should confirm by 10 November with the ESCWA Communication Unit and send a photo passport to the emails below to claim their badges.
Why: The Arab region faces growing fiscal and economic pressures, from mounting debt and limited revenue to the impacts of climate change and conflict, threatening progress towards sustainable development.
The Forum aims to strengthen regional collaboration, share practical experiences, and build institutional capacity to design and implement “smart spending” policies that promote inclusive social development while safeguarding fiscal sustainability.
Note to Editors: The Forum builds on the SEM framework, which provides a comprehensive approach to measuring and optimizing social spending in the Arab region. It serves as a regional platform for exchanging knowledge, showcasing innovation, and advancing reforms for more equitable and effective budgeting.
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About ESCWA:
One of five United Nations regional commissions, ESCWA supports inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in Arab States, and works on enhancing regional integration.
For more information and inquiries:
- Ms. Maryam Sleiman, Public Information Assistant
📞 +961 81 769 888 | ✉️ [email protected] - Ms. Rania Harb, Public Information Assistant
📞 +961 70 008 879 | ✉️ [email protected]
