Press release

6 Apr 2011

Beirut

ESCWA Launches the Fifth Meeting of its Technical Committee

twitter social icon linkedin social icon facebook social icon mail icon

ESCWA Secretariat today opened the fifth meeting of its technical committee at the UN House in Beirut. Statements were delivered by UN Undersecretary-General and ESCWA Executive Secretary Rima Khalaf, and the Chairman of the fifth session of the technical committee, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Saleh Al-Kharabsheh. Khalaf commended the role of the technical committee in setting the priorities of ESCWA work programmes, and implementing its activities in concordance with the development needs of member countries. She emphasized the aspirations of countries in the region today for progress and development amid socio-economic challenges arising from the current political status and long-standing regional conflicts. “This compels us to join efforts in reviewing development programmes and concepts, and reconsidering priorities and implementation mechanisms of such programmes to enable countries of the region to motivate youth towards maximizing their capacities,” she added. According to Khalaf, ESCWA Secretariat has decided to add an item to the schedule of the technical committee, which explores the views of member country representatives on the work of ESCWA, with a focus on successes and points of strength, in addition to areas for improvement. In his statement, Al-Kharabsheh said that the meeting bears an exceptional importance in these eventful times and the many changes occurring in the region. He went on to say that this leads us to seriously consider formulating a new development perspective that would bring progress to our economic systems, and help youth play their role in the development process by equipping them with high qualifications through the skills of knowledge economy, education, training. The committee plays a big role in the provision of technical support to ESCWA member countries, he said. It seeks to implement big projects with regional impact in areas of energy, water and transport. It also emphasizes on building the capacities of local and rural communities to implement small and medium-sized projects that would create job opportunities at a time when governments are unable to expand the public sector. Kharabsheh noted that Jordan looks forward for member countries to join ESCWA Technology Centre (hosted by Jordan), to transform it into a vital platform in promoting, disseminating and building knowledge and innovation in this crucial development field. The meeting lasts until tomorrow 7 April. It tackles key issues related to the future work of ESCWA, such as the results of the evaluation of the intergovernmental mechanism of ESCWA and its subsidiary bodies, as well as the proposed programme of work for the biennium 2012-2013. The meeting also addresses salient regional and global priorities including good governance during conflict and the associated crises, the regional preparations for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio +20), in addition to the main activities carried out in the past months.
ESCWA - Shared Prosperity Dignified Life
Our vision

ESCWA, an innovative catalyst for a stable, just and flourishing Arab region.

Our mission

Committed to the 2030 Agenda, ESCWA’s passionate team produces innovative knowledge, fosters regional consensus and delivers transformational policy advice. Together, we work for a sustainable future for all.

Get the latest updates from ESCWA direct to your inbox.
arrow-up icon
Feedback