ESCWA WEEKLY NEWS No. 62

Capacity-building workshop on blockchain technology in Qatar

In Doha, ESCWA and the Ministry of Transport and Communication (MoTC) held a capacity-building workshop on 26 and 27 February to discuss best blockchain policies and applications with national stakeholders.

The workshop highlighted that blockchain is one of the most promising disruptive technologies, expected to affect all economic sectors from agriculture to trade. The adoption of blockchain technology in developing public services could also enhance confidence, transparency and security.

Participants stressed that, to maximize the impact of blockchain, an appropriate legal framework and a clear national plan are required.

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Promoting renewable energy technologies for rural development in Tunisia

On 25 and 26 February, ESCWA, the National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME) and the General Commission for Regional Development (CGDR) organized a national policy workshop on “Regulatory, Institutional and Financial Frameworks Needed to Promote Small-Scale Renewable Energy Technologies and Applications for Rural Development” in Tunis, under the framework of the Sida-funded project, REGEND.

Discussions focused on the analysis of policies, strategies and frameworks for rural development, and the promotion of small-scale renewable energy applications.

Participants identified the challenges and barriers faced, formulated recommendations, and suggested mechanisms for monitoring, reporting and verification to create an enabling environment that improves rural development in Tunisia.

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Institutional planning for the Supreme Council for Family Affairs of Kuwait

As part of its continuing cooperation with Kuwait, ESCWA organized a workshop on institutional planning for the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, on 19 and 20 February in Kuwait City.

The workshop brought together 17 participants from the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Supreme Council for Planning and Development.

Participants discussed international instruments and mechanisms relevant to the intervention areas of the newly established Supreme Council, including family, women, youth and persons with disabilities. They also highlighted best practices and shared experiences as to the mandate and functions of successful national women’s machineries. Finally, participants were introduced to the different methods and tools of strategic planning.

ESCWA and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs agreed on a technical cooperation road map for further assistance.
 

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Integrated education in the Sudan

In the Sudan, ESCWA held three workshops on integrated education funded by the Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation (AICS). The workshops, held from 10 to 13 February in Khartoum and the Red Sea, were attended by administrators and high-level officials from the Ministry of Education, as well as data collectors.

The ESCWA Regional Adviser on Disability highlighted the importance of upholding the right to education for children with disabilities, which would contribute to improving the quality of education for all children, social cohesion and acceptance of diversity.

Participants agreed on the need to adopt participatory means for collecting and analyzing data and information at all levels.

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Did you know...

… that the population in the Arab region continues to grow rapidly and that as it does, it is diversifying? Based on the current rate of growth, the population of the region is expected to double in size in approximately 35 years.

Photo credit: Roberto David

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