This report shows that the Arab countries are currently undergoing profound age-structural transitions which will have significant implications for their development. It argues that countries can best manage and benefit from the consequences of the age structural transitions taking place across the Arab region by adopting a life course approach in analysis and policy. However social and economic policies in the Arab countries have not succeeded in integrating this approach. This report therefore suggests reforms across social and economic policy areas including labour market and social protection reforms and suggests how the post-2015 UN Development Agenda can integrate a life course perspective. It brings a new urgency to the debate arguing that transformational change is needed to integrate the needs and potentials of the different age groups in the Arab countries.

This publication is one of a series of analytical Reports issued by the Population and Social Development Section of the Social Development Division at the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). It aims to deepen knowledge of the interrelation between population and development issues. The fourth edition of this Report is issued as one of the work programme activities of the Population and Social Development Section. These activities stress the importance to treat youth as a distinct sociodemographic group that needs to be targeted by specific national policies.