ESCWA Policy Briefs
The ESCWA Policy Briefs are a series of short briefs intended to provide the latest data, analysis, methods, and information on various issues affecting the Arab Region. Produced by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, the briefs discuss relevant global issues and challenges affecting the region. They call for recommendations, and in some cases, needed reforms, noting challenges and policy implications.
ISSN (online):
31052363
Language:
English
Arabic
9
results
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Situation Report on International Migration in the Arab Region 2025, Migration-development Nexus: Pathways to Prosperity - Policy Brief
Publication Date: June 2025More LessThe migration-development nexus has witnessed increasing attention in recent years, both globally and regionally, reflecting the profound impact that population movements have on both countries of origin and of destination, both within and beyond the region. The 2024 edition of the Situation Report on International Migration in the Arab Region examines the critical nexus of migration and development in a region undergoing transformative demographic, economic, social and technological shifts. It offers an analysis of migration trends, challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the dual role of migration as both a driver and a product of development. Key insights highlight the potential of migration to contribute positively to host societies and countries of origin. Migrants bring valuable skills, knowledge and cultural diversity, while remittances support families, reduce poverty, and spur economic growth. However, achieving these outcomes requires policies that safeguard migrants’ rights and maximize their contributions to development. Regional cooperation is also essential, as the interconnected nature of Arab countries means migration policies in one country can significantly affect neighbouring nations. The present report provides a road map to harness migration’s potential, while addressing its challenges. By adopting a holistic and forward-looking approach, the Arab region can position migration as a source of strength, resilience and shared prosperity.
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The Socioeconomic Impacts of the 2024 War on Lebanon: Policy Brief
Publication Date: June 2025More LessThe 2024 war on Lebanon inflicted severe damage and left deep, long-lasting consequences. This report presents a comprehensive analysis of its immediate impacts, and is intended to outline a clear path for immediate recovery and guide medium- and long-term reform efforts. It examines the war’s direct impacts on infrastructure and economic systems, and exposes the heavy human and social toll it has taken. The report also assesses the macroeconomic implications, highlighting the worsening structural challenges and the resulting economic and social risks. It concludes with a set of public policy recommendations that serve as a solid foundation for comprehensive recovery and future-oriented reconstruction.
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United States Tariff Shockwaves: Impact on the Arab Region
Publication Date: June 2025More LessThis policy brief examines recent United States tariff shockwaves and the 90-day tariff pause, highlighting both direct impacts – particularly on Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia – and indirect spillovers through weaker demand from China and the European Union, and falling oil prices. Preliminary estimates for 2025 suggest moderate macroeconomic effects for the Agadir Agreement countries and limited impacts for the Gulf Cooperation Council economies. The brief underscores rising fiscal vulnerabilities and calls upon Arab States to strengthen regional integration, diversify trade and engage with the United States to enhance economic resilience.
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Gender Statistics in the Arab Region: Seeking a Long-awaited Balance
Publication Date: June 2025More LessThe Arab region is facing significant challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with progress towards gender equality being particularly slow and uneven. Despite a doubling of data availability, substantial gaps persist in various areas. The present statistical brief provides a snapshot of gender disparities across various sectors, and presents data-driven insights for policymakers, researchers and advocates. The key topics covered include women in politics, finance, education, employment, child marriage, and violence against women. The statistical brief underscores both the progress achieved and the critical need for further efforts to accelerate change.
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Demographic Trends in the Arab Region: 1950–2030
Publication Date: June 2025More LessThe Arab region comprises 22 countries with considerable social, economic, political, cultural and geographic diversity. This diversity is further reflected in the region’s demographic profile, with countries at different stages in the demographic transition, which is characterized by a shift from high levels of fertility and mortality to low levels, largely attributed to advances in healthcare, education and economic development. This statistical brief outlines the Arab region’s demographic profile, highlighting notable similarities and differences among the 22 countries today. The brief further highlights demographic trends that the region has experienced since 1950, such as the overall decrease in fertility and decrease in infant mortality rates, as well as the significant gains in life expectancy, and considers how these trends compare to other regions of the world. Finally, the policy implications of demographic change are explored.
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Multidimensional Poverty Reduction: An Unaccomplished Mission in Several Arab Countries
Publication Date: June 2025More LessBuilding on the second Arab Multidimensional Poverty Report (2023), this policy brief offers a critical update on the state of multidimensional poverty in selected Arab countries. Drawing on recent survey data from three Arab middle-income countries, Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia, and three least developed countries (LDCs), Comoros, Mauritania, and Yemen, the brief highlights nuanced and often persistent challenges. The brief reveals that while some progress has been made in certain areas, multidimensional poverty in several Arab countries, particularly LDCs, has remained alarmingly high or seen only marginal reductions over the past decade. It underscores an urgent need for policymakers to intensify efforts in key areas such as education, essential public services, and basic living conditions. This brief provides critical, data-driven insights for stakeholders to address the complex and varying challenges of multidimensional poverty, advocating for targeted interventions and sustained efforts to foster equitable development across the Arab region.
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Empowering a Sustainable Future: Green Jobs in the Arab Region
Publication Date: June 2025More LessThis policy brief examines the evolving landscape of green jobs in the Arab region, drawing on real-time data from the ESCWA Skills Monitor to identify trends, gaps and opportunities. Despite global momentum, green jobs account for just 5.06 per cent of online job postings in the Arab region as of 2024, with the highest concentrations observed in larger economies such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar. This policy brief takes a closer look at the oil and gas sector to assess the extent of its transition toward sustainability. Findings show that 23 per cent of jobs within the sector are now classified as green, signalling early signs of greening in one of the region’s most carbon-intensive industries. However, there remains a disconnect between occupations with high green alignment and those in high demand. Policies that scale up green investment, embed sustainability in education and workforce systems, and enhance labour market intelligence are needed to guide a just and inclusive green transition.
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Women’s Participation in Political Life in the Arab Region: Closing Gaps to Increase Women’s Participation in Decision-making Processes
Publication Date: May 2025More LessThe present policy brief examines three main barriers to women’s political participation in the Arab region, namely the limited application of temporary special measures, discriminatory laws and practices against women in the private and public spheres, and institutional attitudes towards women such as negative views and stereotypes about women’s capabilities in leadership roles. The brief presents best policy practices from Arab countries and globally that have contributed to closing the gaps across these three main dimensions related to women’s political participation. It also offers policy options for Arab Governments using specific country examples from the region to address existing barriers to increasing women’s political participation. It illustrates how these policy options can support countries in improving their performance on international developmental and gender equality indices. This policy brief is the third in a policy briefs series on “the contribution of development indices in closing the gender gap and advancing social and economic development”.
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Skills Across Borders: A Comparative Analysis of Labour Markets in Qatar and Tunisia
Publication Date: May 2025More LessThis policy brief explores differences in skills requirements in job roles in Qatar and Tunisia. In Qatar, jobs tend to require specialized, industry-aligned skills; in Tunisia, employers tend to place greater emphasis on cross-functional competencies. High unemployment in Tunisia, particularly among graduates, drives skilled workers to Qatar, many of whom take skilled jobs in the ICT, healthcare, education and administration sectors. The brief recommends targeted pre-migration training, cross-national certifications, and partnerships with Qatari employers to address skill gaps. It also calls for Tunisia to establish skills repatriation programmes to help it to make the best possible use of returning migrants’ expertise in developing the local work force. These strategies, if implemented, could contribute to enhancing Tunisian migrant workers’ employability abroad while fostering economic growth in their home country.
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