Social Development Report 5

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.