What: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are holding a discussion to launch a new report they produced on the Social Expenditure Monitor (SEM) for Arab States.
When: Thursday 24 November 2022 at 9:30 a.m. Beirut time.
Where: UN House, Beirut and online via Zoom.
Register here to attend the event.
Who: The launch event will feature:
- Ms. Rola Dashti, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCWA.
- Mr. Khalida Bouzar, Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States.
- Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
Why: SEM presents a new framework for measuring social expenditures by capturing critical social development priorities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It helps Arab countries formulate better fiscal policies, improve their budgeting, balance spending priorities, improve transparency and minimize public expenditure leakages.
The report offers a pioneering assessment of social policy spending in the Arab region with a detailed analysis of trends and issues. It also provides recommendations on how such spending can accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.
For more details, click here.
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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.
- Ms. Maryam Sleiman, Public Information Assistant, +961-81-769-888; email: sleiman2@un.org
- Ms. Rania Harb, Public Information Assistant, +961-70-008-879; email: harb1@un.org
