ESCWA WEEKLY NEWS No. 70

ESCWA launches second phase of the Libya Socioeconomic Dialogue project

ESCWA launched the second phase of its "Libya Socioeconomic Dialogue Project” in a first online session, which brought together a number of Libyan citizens from various backgrounds representing the different segments of Libyan society.

This inceptive discussion centered on "balanced and sustainable spatial development, and local participation", a topic forming part of the economic segment of the dialogue, which will tackle ways to achieve sustainable economic development for an inclusive and diverse economy.

The Libya Socioeconomic Dialogue Project of ESCWA provides a platform for Libyans to formulate an inclusive, comprehensive and achievable vision to transition from ending the conflict to building sustainable peace.

Photo credit: Istock/cinoby

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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food security in the Arab region

ESCWA organized a virtual dialogue on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food security in the Arab region, on 23 April. The aim was to facilitate the exchange of experiences and information, and to support food security enhancement in the Arab region.

The session was attended by representatives of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) and the Regional Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), officials in charge of food security in relevant ministries in the Arab countries, as well as experts.

ESCWA put forward a set of regional and local measures to alleviate the food-related impact of COVID-19. Other regional organizations and experts advised on priority issues and actions that should be taken in current circumstances. Participants suggested the development of an electronic platform to document countries’ initiatives and measures, and further encourage exchange of experiences and lessons learned.
 

Reducing Gas Flaring in Arab Countries: A Sustainable Development Necessity

The Arab region relies heavily on fossil fuels. Despite its relatively small total emission level compared with industrialized economies, its carbon footprint is rising rapidly. This is an increasingly worrying trend for a region already facing significant risks from climate change.

The reduction and eventual elimination of gas flaring could help to address the region’s energy vulnerability. To propose means to achieve that goal, ESCWA issued a technical paper reviewing the gas flaring situation in Arab countries and identifying the related challenges.

The paper makes recommendations on key aspects to reduce gas flaring and proposes opportunities to monetize the recovered gas. It also outlines links between gas flaring reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Did you know...

… that reducing gas flaring supports the achievement of the SDGs?

Gas flaring has been proven to affect the health and well-being of communities living near flaring sites. Gas recovery and use to generate electricity would instead contribute to improving people’s health conditions and their access to energy.

Photo credit: Istock/Alextov

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