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Social Development Report 5: Unpacking the promise to leave no one behind in the Arab region

ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL2.GPID/2025/2


Country: Arab region, Kingdom of Bahrain, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Lebanese Republic, Kingdom of Morocco, Sultanate of Oman, Republic of Tunisia

Publication Type: Flagship publications

Publication Subject: Social Development Report

Cluster: Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development

Focus Area: 2030 Agenda, Gender equality, Inclusive development, Natural resource sustainability, Population dynamics & migration, Resilient development & conflict prevention

Initiatives: Supporting Least Developed Countries, Women’s economic empowerment, Strengthening transboundary risk mitigation, International migration, Life Cycle, Reducing inequalities, Arab-European Research Network on Disability , Arab Digital Inclusion Platform, Including persons with disabilities in the labour market, Promoting social justice, Reforming social protection systems, Realizing the rights of persons with disabilities

SDGs: Agenda 2030, Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Keywords: Ageing persons, Agricultural workers, Arab countries, Bahrain, Case studies, Discrimination, Displaced persons, Education, Equality, Gender-based violence, Health services, Informal sector, Informal settlements, Jordan, Lebanon, Migrants, Morocco, Oman, Persons with disabilities, Recommendations, Refugees, Social development, Social security, Socially disadvantaged persons, Sustainable development, Tunisia, Unemployment, Women, Women workers, Youth

Social Development Report 5: Unpacking the promise to leave no one behind in the Arab region

February 2025

This Social Development Report, the fifth in this series, provides deep analysis of the status of marginalized and excluded population groups facing severe vulnerabilities in the Arab region. This report examines the region’s ability to meet its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development promise of leaving no one behind.  Using the Sustainable Development Goal framework, the report reveals startling realities, with approximately 187 million individuals in the region being left behind across critical dimensions including social protection and access to health, education and housing services.

Through intersectional analysis, the report examines the root causes of inequality and showcases pioneering initiatives addressing these challenges. The report presents actionable policy recommendations to empower marginalized groups and ensure more inclusion and equity towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.  The report also highlights the urgency of integrating the leave no one behind framework into national strategies and calls for the reinvigoration of data collection and monitoring.

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2030 Agenda, Gender equality, Inclusive development, Natural resource sustainability, Population dynamics & migration, Resilient development & conflict prevention
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