Background

▪Providecollectiveanalysisofregionaldevelopmentchallengesandtheirrootcausesinsupportofimplementingthe2030Agenda;▪ServeasareferenceforprioritizingthemesoffutureRCMandR-UNSDGmeetingsandforrationalizingregionalWorkingGroups;▪Serveasanindicatorsofpossibleareasforfuturejointresearchandreportsorcomplementaryandreinforcinginterventionsacrossorganizations;▪ServeasaprecursortothedevelopmentofapracticalguideforUNCTstomainstreamtheregionaldimensionofdevelopmentintotheirCCAandUNDAF;▪ServeasareferenceforUNdiscussionswiththeLeagueofArabStatesonpriorityclustersofintervention.

Inpreparationforthe2019R-UNSDGandRCMmeetings,thejointSecretariathas:▪Reviewed16CCAsandUNDAFs(Algeria,Bahrain,Djibouti,Egypt,Jordan,Lebanon,Morocco,Palestine,SaudiArabia,Somalia,Sudan,Syria,Tunisia,UAE,Yemen);▪ReviewedtheoutcomedocumentsoftheArabForumsforSustainableDevelopmentfrom2016-2018;▪ReviewedtheoutcomedocumentoftheLeagueofArabStatesEconomicandSocialSummitofJanuary2019.

FindingsoftheAnalysis

FindingsoftheAnalysisofCCAs,UNDAFs,AFSDsandLASSummits-PossibleAreasofFocusforDevelopingaRegionalStrategicFramework

TheOctober2018R-UNDGmeetingagreethattheRCMandR-UNSDGshouldfurtherexplorethedevelopmentofaRegionalStrategicFrameworkto:

ThejointR-UNSDG/RCMSecretariatwastaskedwithanalyzingexistingresearchandstudiesinordertoidentifykeychallengesfacingtheregionthatcouldinformthedevelopmentofaRegionalStrategicFramework.

▪Demographics▪EconomicGrowth▪Education▪Energy▪EnvironmentandClimateChange▪GenderEquality▪Governance

▪Health▪InternationalCooperation▪InternationalMigration▪PeaceandSecurity▪PovertyReduction▪Trade▪Water

Acloseranalysisofthesethemesandthechallengesrelatedtoeachofthethemessuggestssixthemeswithastrongtransboundarydimensionthatwouldbewell-suitedfortheRegionalStrategicFramework.Thesechallengescouldbenefitfromtwomainkindsofinterventions:

▪PreparingpracticalguidancetoUNCTsonhowtoharmonizesupporttoaddressingthechallengethroughcoordinatedinterventionsinmultiplecountries;▪Preparingcollectiveinter-agencyanalysisandresearchoractionattheregionallevel.

ThetablebelowpresentsagroupingofthechallengesidentifiedbytheSecretariatbytheme,dividedintoSharedChallenges(commontomultiplecountries)andTransboundaryChallenges(thatrequirecross-borderaction).Forthesixthemeswithastrongtransboundarydimension,thetablealsosuggestspossiblequestionsthatcouldinformthefuturedevelopmentoftheRegionalStrategicFramework,dividedintoPracticalGuidancetoUNCTsonCross-borderCoordinationandCollectiveInter-agencyAnalysis,ResearchorEngagementattheRegionalLevel.

AstheAnnexesshow,thisreviewrevealedanumberofrecurringthemesthatwereidentifiedinmultipleCCAsandUNDAFs,theoutcomedocumentsofmultipleArabForumsforSustainableDevelopment,orhighlightedasprioritiesintheLeagueofArabStatesEconomicandSocialSummitofJanuary2019.Themainthemesidentifiedare:

Themes SharedChallenges TransboundaryChallenges

PracticalGuidancetoUNCTsonCross-borderCoordination CollectiveInter-agencyAnalysis,Researchor

EngagementattheRegionalLevel

▪Sustainablemanagementofnaturalresources ▪Integratedapproachtonaturalresourcemanagement

▪Climatechangeadaptation/IntegrationofCCmeasuresintonationalpoliciesandplans

▪Climatechangeadaptation/IntegrationofCCmeasuresintonationalpoliciesandplans

▪Buildresiliencetoclimateshocksandnaturaldisasters

▪Buildresiliencetoclimateshocksandnaturaldisasters

2)Howtopromotecross-bordercooperationindealingwithclimatechangeadaptationorresiliencetoclimateshocks/naturaldisasters?

Water ▪Waterscarcity,desertificationandlanddegradation

▪Limitedavailablewaterresources,poorwaterinfrastructure,accesstosafeandcleandrinkingwater,limitedwatersupplyforcommercialactivities

1)HowtoaddressthemanagementoftransboundarywaterresourcesintheUNDAFsofneighbouringcountriestoensureharmonizedpolicies?

▪Increasetheuseofrenewableenergy ▪Adoptaregionalperspectivetoincreasingtheuseofrenewableenergy

▪Ensureuniversalaccesstoaffordableandmodernenergyservices

▪Commonelectricitymarket,smartgrids,greencorridors

▪Energyefficiency ▪Energyefficiency

▪Supportsustainableeconomicgrowth

▪Increaseproductiveemploymentanddecentwork

▪Economicdiversification

▪Internationalandregionaltradetoestablishvaluechainsandsupporteconomicgrowthandjobcreation

2)HowtosupporttheestablishmentofregionalvaluechainsthroughcoordinatedsupportinanumberofUNDAFs?

▪SupportthedevelopmentoftheGreaterArabFreeTradeArea(GAFTA)andtheArabCustomsUnion

3)HowtosupportthedevelopmentofGAFTAandACU?

▪ Accesstoqualityandaffordablehealthservices

▪ Universalhealthcoverage

▪ Reproductivehealth/Maternalhealth,childhealth

PossibleChallengestobeAddressedbytheRegionalFramework

1)Howtopromotethedevelopmentofaregionalelectricitymarket/smartgrids/smartcorridorsorcross-borderrenewableenergyprojects?

EnvironmentandClimateChange

▪Formulatingsustainableapproachestoeconomicdiversificationthroughregionalandmulti-stakeholderconsultation,integrationandcooperation

EconomicGrowthandTrade

1)HowtoaddressthemanagementofsharednaturalresourcesintheUNDAFsofneighbouringcountriestoensureharmonizedpolicies?

1)Howtopromoteregional,multi-stakeholderthinkingonsustainableapproachestoeconomicdiversification?

1)Howtopromotethedevelopmentofaregionalelectricitymarket/smartgrids/smartcorridorsorcross-borderrenewableenergyprojects?

Energy

Health

▪ Women'sparticipationandequalopportunitiesinpolitical,economicandpubliclife

▪ Violenceagainstwomenandgirls

PovertyReduction ▪ Socialprotectiontoensurecoverageofpoorandvulnerablepeople

▪ Effective,accountableandtransparentinstitutionsatalllevels

▪ Promoteruleoflawandequalaccesstojustice

▪ Inclusive,participatoryandrepresentativedecision-making

▪ Accesstoandqualityofeducation

▪ Needtoensurerelevanttechnicalandvocationalskillsforemployment,decentjobsandentrepreneurship

▪ BuildthecapacityofcountriestoharnessICT

▪Developingharmonizedpoliciestointernationalmigrationacrosstheregion

▪Immigration,emigration,displacementandrefugees

▪Rapidandunregulatedurbanization,highbirthrates

▪Youth,elderly,personswithdisabilitiesandothervulnerablegroups

▪Reducingtheimpactofconflictonpopulations,mitigatingeffectsofregionalinsecurity

▪Strengthenregional/internationalcooperationandengagementwithothercountries/regionalbodies.

▪Strengthenregionalcooperationamongcivilsocietyorganizations

1)HowtodevelopharmonizedpoliciestointernationalmigrationacrosstheregionthroughcoordinatedsupportinanumberofUNDAFs?

InternationalMigrationandDemographicChange

InternationalCooperation1)Howtostrengthenregionalmulti-stakeholdercooperationandengagementonmitigatingtheimpactofconflictonpopulations?

Governance

Education

GenderEquality

SummaryofQuestionstoConsiderinFurtherDevelopingtheRegionalStrategicFramework

WayForwardApossiblenextstepindevelopingtheRegionalStrategicFrameworkcouldbetochoosesomeofthequestionsoutlinedinthetableaboveanddevelopthemfurtherintoaguidancenoteoractionplan.Anyofthequestionscouldbechosen,however,bearinginmindexistingR-UNSDG/RCMstructures,apossiblewayforwardcouldbeto:

▪TasktheInternationalMigrationWorkingGroupwithfurtherelaboratingwhatkindofguidancecouldbeprovidedtoUNCTswithregardtoharmonizingpoliciesrelatedtointernationalmigrationacrosstheregionthroughcoordinatedinterventionsinmultipleUNDAFs;

▪TasktheWaterWorkingGroupwithfurtherelaboratingwhatkindofguidancecouldbeprovidedtoUNCTswithregardtoharmonizingpoliciesrelatedtothemanagementoftransboundarywaterresourcesthroughcoordinatedinterventionsintheUNDAFsofneighbouringcountries;

▪DiscusswhethertheR-UNSDG/RCMwouldliketosetupaTaskTeamtoconsiderthefourproposalsforcollectiveinter-agencyanalysis,researchorengagementattheregionallevelanddevelopanactionplanforadvancingoneofthem.

PracticalGuidancetoUNCTsonCross-borderCoordination CollectiveInter-agencyAnalysis,ResearchorEngagementattheRegionalLevel

▪HowtosupporttheestablishmentofregionalvaluechainsthroughcoordinatedsupportinanumberofUNDAFs?

▪Howtopromotethedevelopmentofaregionalelectricitymarket/smartgrids/smartcorridorsorcross-borderrenewableenergyprojects?

▪HowtoaddressthemanagementofsharednaturalresourcesintheUNDAFsofneighbouringcountriestoensureharmonizedpolicies?

▪Howtopromotecross-bordercooperationindealingwithclimatechangeadaptationorresiliencetoclimateshocks/naturaldisasters?

▪HowtodevelopharmonizedpoliciesoninternationalmigrationacrosstheregionthroughcoordinatedsupportinanumberofUNDAFs?

▪HowtoaddressthemanagementoftransboundarywaterresourcesintheUNDAFsofneighbouringcountriestoensureharmonizedpolicies?

▪Howtopromoteregional,multi-stakeholderthinkingonsustainableapproachestoeconomicdiversification?

▪HowtosupportthedevelopmentofGAFTAandACU?

▪Howtopromotethedevelopmentofaregionalelectricitymarket/smartgrids/smartcorridorsorcross-borderrenewableenergyprojects?

▪Howtostrengthenregionalmulti-stakeholdercooperationandengagementonmitigatingtheimpactofconflictonpopulations?

Desk Review of Analysis of Issues in CCAs/UNDAFs 2019

1. Introduction InlinewiththeOperationalFrameworkforCooperation,ithasbeenagreedthattheRCMR-UNSDGin

theArabregionwilldeveloparegionalstrategicframework,coveringtheperiod2019–2023.The

regionalstrategicframeworkrespondstotheSecretary-General’scallto“ensuremoreeffectiveUNactiononchallengesandopportunitiesthatknownoborders[byensuring]thattheprocessofthedevelopmentandreviewofUNDAFsincludesmorethoroughanalysisofregionalandtransboundaryissues,withregionaleconomicandsocialcommissionsasanintegralpartoftheprocess.”(Para100–SGReport2018/7)

Thepurposeoftheregionalstrategicframeworkisto:

• Providecollectiveanalysisofregionaldevelopmentchallengesandtheirrootcausesinsupport

ofimplementingthe2030Agenda;

• ServeasareferenceforprioritizingthemesoffutureRCMandR-UNSDGmeetingsandfor

rationalizingregionalWorkingGroups;

• Serveasanindicatorofpossibleareasforfuturejointresearchandreportsorcomplementary

andreinforcinginterventionsacrossorganizations;

• ServeasaprecursortothedevelopmentofapracticalguideforUNCTstomainstreamthe

regionaldimensionofdevelopmentintotheirCCAandUNDAF;

• ServeasareferenceforUNdiscussionswiththeLeagueofArabStatesonpriorityclustersof

intervention.

TheregionalstrategicframeworkwillnotbeanexhaustivelistofissuesofimportancetoUNagenciesin

theregion;norwillitlimittheplanningofindividualagencies.Rather,theregionalstrategicframework

shouldbeablueprinttoidentifychallengesthatrequirejointactionattheregionallevelinorderto

facilitatemoreeffectiveandharmonizedprogrammingonsharedandtransboundaryissuesatthe

countrylevel.

Aspartoftheprocessofdevelopingtheregionalstrategicframework,in-depthanalysis,basedon

existingresearchandstudies,ofthechallengesfacingtheregionwillbeundertakenwithaviewto

identifyingalimitednumberofstrategicissues.

Asafirststepinthisanalysis,thejointRCM–R-UNSDGSecretariathasconductedadeskreviewof

existingCCAsandUNDAFstoextractthesharedchallengesandtransboundaryissuesidentifiedby

UNCTsintheregion.

Thisnoteoutlinesthekeyfindingsfromthisdeskreview.Thenoteisorganisedintwomainsections,1)

CommonIssues(acrosscountriesintheregion)and2)TransboundaryIssues.ThefulllistofCCAand

UNDAFsreviewedcanbefoundinAnnexA.

2. Common Issues ThemostcommonissuesacrossallCCAs/UNDAFsintheregionwereintheareasofEnvironmentand

ClimateChange,Energy,EconomicGrowth,Health,GenderEquality,PovertyReduction,Governance

andEducation.

In the areaof Environment andClimateChange, themost commonly noted issue is theneed for the

sustainablemanagement and efficient use of natural resources, followedby climate change adaption

andtheneedtobuildresiliencetoclimateshocksandnaturaldisasters,andtheintegrationofclimate

changemeasuresintonationalpoliciesandplans.Waterscarcity,desertificationandlanddegradation

werealsonotedasmajorissuesinthemajorityofCCAs/UNDAFs.Othercommonlynotedissuesinclude

biodiversity, the conservation of ecosystems and the use of terrestrial and inland freshwater

ecosystems.

In theareaofEnergy, themostcommon issuesnotedweretheneedto increasethese increasing the

use/availabilityofrenewableenergy,followedbyensuringensureuniversalaccesstoaffordable,reliable

andmodernenergyservicesandincreasingenergyefficiency.

IntheareaofEconomicGrowth,themostcommonissuenotedincludetheneedtosupportsustainable

economic growth in order to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all,

particularly forwomenand youth. Theneed for economic diversificationwas also highlighted in the

majorityof theCCAs/UNDAFs,both in theGulfandotheroilproducingcountriesaswellas innon-oil

producingcountriessuchasEgypt,Jordan,LebanonandPalestine.

In the area of Health, the most common issue noted was access to quality and affordable health

services.Othercommonlynotedissuesincludeuniversalhealthcoverage,communicablediseases,new

bornandchildhealth,non-communicablediseases,maternalhealthandsexualandreproductivehealth-

careservices.

In the area of Gender Equality, issues of women’s participation and equal opportunities in political,

economicandpubliclifeweremostcommonlynoted,followedbyissuesofdiscriminationandviolence

against women and girls. Other commonly noted issues were related to harmful cultural practices

(includingFGM)andsexualreproductivehealthrights.

In theareaofPoverty, themost common issuenotedwas theneed forappropriate socialprotection

systemstoensurecoverageofpoorandvulnerablepeople.Theneedtobuildtheresilienceofthepoor

andvulnerablepeoplewasalsonotedinmanyCCAs/UNDAFs.

IntheareaofGovernance,themostcommonlynotedissuewastheneedtodevelopeffective,

accountableandtransparentinstitutionsatalllevels,followedbypromotingtheruleoflawand

ensuringequalaccesstojustice.Othercommonlynotedissuesincludeensuringinclusive,participatory

andrepresentativedecision-makingandprovidinglegalidentityforall.

IntheareaofEducation,themostcommonlynotedissueswereinrelationtoaccessandqualityof

equation,includingearly-childhoodcare,pre-primary,primary,secondary,technical,vocationaland

tertiaryeducation.Anothercommonlyidentifiedissueistheneedforyouthandadultstohavethe

relevantskills,includingtechnicalandvocationalskills,foremployment,decentjobsand

entrepreneurship.

AnexpandedlistofissuesidentifiedcanbefoundinAnnexB.

3. Transboundary Issues

3.1 International Migration Despiteitsrelevanceintheregion,migrationdoesnotfeatureheavilyinCCAs/UNDAFs,withonlyathird

oftheCCAs/UNDAFsreviewednoteditasanissue.However,itislikelythatthisisduetothe

transboundarynatureoftheissueandthefactthatrespondingtointernationalmigrationatthe

nationallevelisachallenge.

3.2 Climate Change TheissueofClimateChangefeaturesheavilyinallCCAs/UNDAFswithalmostallUNCTsidentifyingitas

animportantissueandanareaofinterventionforUNCTs.Specifically,theneedforclimatechange

adaptionandbuildingresiliencetoclimateshocksandnaturaldisasterswerethemostcommonly

identifiedissues,followedbytheneedtointegrateclimatechangemeasuresintonationalpolicies,

strategiesandplanning.

3.3 Energy TheissueofEnergyfeaturesinalmostallCCAs/UNDAFs.Thefocusisverymuchonensuringuniversal

accesstoaffordable,reliableandmodernenergyservices,increasingtheuse/availabilityofrenewable

energy,andimprovingenergyefficiencyofexistingsources.

3.4 Water WaterscarcityisidentifiedinallCCAs/UNDAFreviewedandisanissuethataffectsallcountriesinthe

region.Theissuesrangefromlimitedavailableofwatertopoorwaterinfrastructure,resultinginlimited

accesstosafeandcleandrinkingwater,aswellaslimitedwatersupplyforcommercialactivities.

3.5 Peace and Security PeaceandsecurityfeatureheavilyintheCCAs/UNDAFsintheregionwithalmostallCCAs/UNDAFs

identifyingthisasamajorissue.However,asexpected,thefocusvariesfromcountrytocountry.For

thosecountrieswithanongoingconflict,thefocusisonpromptingpeaceandreducingtheimpactof

theconflictonthepopulation.Inneighbouringcountries,thefocusisonensuringstabilityand

mitigatingtheeffectsofneighbouring/regionalinsecurity,includingsupportingnationalsecurityactors

tocombatterrorism,preventviolentextremismandgenerallypromotepeaceandsecurity.

3.6 Trade ThemajorityofCCAs/UNDAFsreviewednoteinternationalandregionaltradeasanissueandtheneed

tostrengthenregionalandinternationaltradetosupporteconomicgrowthandjobcreation.

3.7 International Cooperation ThemajorityofCCAs/UNDAFsreviewedmakeadirectreferencetoneedtheneedtostrengthen

regionaland/orinternationalcooperationandtheengagementwithothercountriesand/or

international/regionalbodies.Wherethereisreference,itprimarilyfocussesonNorth-South,South-

SouthandTriangularCooperation,ODAorglobal/regionalpartnership.AnumberoftheGulf

CountriesidentifypartnershipwiththecooperationwiththeGCCandinDjibouti,thereisaspecific

mentionoftheneedtoworkwithIGAD.

Annex A: List of CCAs/UNDAFs Reviewed

Algeria

• CCA(2015)

• UNDAF2016-2020

Bahrain

• CCA(2015)

• UNSPF2018-2022

Djibouti

• CCA(2016)

• UNDAF2018-2022

Egypt

• CCA(2016)

• UNPDF2018-2022

Jordan

• CCA(2017)

• UNSDF2018-2022

Lebanon

• CCA(2016)

• UNSF2017-2020

Libya

• CCA(2018)

• UNSF2019-2020

Morocco

• CCA(2015)

• UNDAF2017-2021

Palestine

• CCA(2016)

• UNDAF2018-2022

SaudiArabia

• CCA(2015)

• UNCCSF2017-2021

Somalia

• CCA(2017)

• UNSF2017-2020

Sudan

• CCA(2016)

• UNDAF2018-2021

Syria

• UNSF2016-2017

Tunisia

• CCA(2013)

• UNDAF2015-2019

UAE

• UNCSF2016-2020

Yemen

• UNDAF2012-2015

Annex B: Common Issues Identified

ThissectionprovidesfurtherdetailonthemostcommonlyidentifiedissuesintheCCAs/UNDAFS.Thevaluesprovidedin

thetablesindicatethepercentageofCCAs/UNDAFsinwhichthespecificissuewasidentified,e.g.100%ofCCAs/UNDAFsidentifiedthesustainablemanagementandefficientuseofnaturalresourcesasanissue.

Most Commonly Identified Issues (Top 50 ranked)

Issue %EnvironmentandClimateChange–Waterscarcity

andwaterresourcesmanagement 100%

EnvironmentandClimateChange–Sustainable

managementandefficientuseofnaturalresources 100%

EnvironmentandClimateChange–Resilienceand

adaptivecapacity 100%

Energy–Energyaccess 100%

EconomicGrowth–Percapitaeconomicgrowth 94%

EconomicGrowth–Fullandproductive

employmentanddecentworkforall 94%

EnvironmentandClimateChange–Integrate

climatechangemeasuresintonationalpolicies,

strategiesandplanning 88%

Health-Universalhealthcoverage 81%

GenderEquality–Women'sparticipation 81%

Governance–Accountableandtransparent

institutions 81%

Poverty–Socialprotectionsystems 75%

Education–Primaryandsecondaryeducation 75%

GenderEquality–Discriminationagainstallwomen

andgirls 75%

GenderEquality–Violenceagainstwomen 63%

EconomicGrowth–Economicproductivitythrough

diversification 63%

EnvironmentandClimateChange–Combat

desertificationandlanddegradation 63%

Governance–Ruleoflawandaccesstojustice 63%

Partnerships–Availabilityofhigh-quality,timely

andreliabledata 63%

Poverty–Reducepoverty 50%

Education–Earlychildhooddevelopment,careand

pre-primaryeducation 50%

Education–Technical,vocationalandtertiary

education,includinguniversity 50%

Education–Skills(incl.technicalandvocational

skills) 50%

Education–Equalaccess 50%

Inequality–Social,economicandpoliticalinclusion

ofall 50%

Governance–Inclusive,participatoryand

representativedecision-making 50%

Hunger–Endmalnutrition 44%

Hunger–Agriculturalproductivity 44%

Health–Communicablediseases 44%

Energy–Renewableenergy 44%

EconomicGrowth–Development-orientedpolicies 44%

EconomicGrowth–Youthunemployment 44%

Governance–Legalidentityforall 44%

Partnerships–Statisticalcapacity-building 44%

Poverty–Eradicateextremepoverty 38%

Hunger–Endhunger 38%

Health–New-bornandchildmortality 38%

Health–Non-communicablediseases 38%

GenderEquality–Harmfulpractices 38%

Migration–Orderly,safe,regularandresponsible

migration 38%

SustainableCities–Inclusiveandsustainable

urbanization 38%

EnvironmentandClimateChange–Useof

terrestrialandinlandfreshwaterecosystems 38%

EnvironmentandClimateChange–Conservationof

mountainecosystem/biodiversity 38%

Health–Maternalmortality 31%

Water–Safedrinkingwater 31%

Water–Sanitationandhygiene 31%

EconomicGrowth–Decoupleeconomicgrowth

fromenvironmentaldegradation 31%

EnvironmentandClimateChange–Sustainable

managementofalltypesofforests 31%

Governance-Reduceallformsofviolence 31%

Partnerships–Multilateraltradingsystem 31%

Partnerships–Implementationofduty-freeand

quota-freemarketaccess 31%

Most Commonly Identified Issues by Thematic Area

EnvironmentandClimateChange(Top10)

Issues %

Sustainablemanagementandefficientuseof

naturalresources100%

Climateresilienceandadaptivecapacity 100%

Waterscarcityandwaterresourcesmanagement

Integrateclimatechangemeasuresintonational

policies,strategiesandplanning88%

Combatdesertificationandlanddegradation 63%

Conservationofmountainecosystem/biodiversity 38%

Useofterrestrialandinlandfreshwaterecosystems 38%

Sustainablemanagementofalltypesofforests 31%

Managementofchemicalsandallwastes 25%

Reducewaste 25%

Sustainableconsumptionandproduction 25%

Energy

Issues %

Energyaccess 100%

Renewableenergy 44%

Energyefficiency 25%

EconomicGrowth

Issues %

Fullandproductiveemploymentanddecentwork

forall94%

Percapitaeconomicgrowth 94%

Economicproductivitythroughdiversification 63%

Development-orientedpolicies 44%

Youthunemployment 44%

Decoupleeconomicgrowthfromenvironmental

degradation31%

Forcedlabour 19%

AidforTrade 6%

Expandaccesstobanking,insuranceandfinancial 6%

Sustainabletourism 6%

Health(Top10)

Issues %

Universalhealthcoverage 81%

Communicablediseases 44%

New-bornandchildmortality 38%

Non-communicablediseases 38%

Maternalmortality 31%

Sexualandreproductivehealth-careservices 25%

Hazardouschemicalsandair,waterandsoilpollution

andcontamination19%

Sexualandreproductivehealthrights 19%

Healthfinancingandresourcing 13%

Substanceabuse 13%

GenderEquality

Issues %

Women'sparticipation 81%

Discriminationagainstallwomenandgirls 75%

Violenceagainstwomen 63%

Harmfulculturalpractices,includingFGM 38%

Unpaidanddomesticwork 13%

Policyandlegislation 6%

Poverty

Issues %

Socialprotectionsystems 75%

Reducepoverty 50%

Eradicateextremepoverty 38%

Resilience 25%

Economicrights 6%

Governance

Issues %

Accountableandtransparentinstitutions 81%

Ruleoflawandaccesstojustice 63%

Inclusive,participatoryandrepresentativedecision-

making50%

Legalidentityforall 44%

Reduceallformsofviolence 31%

Accesstoinformation 19%

Childabuseandtrafficking 19%

Reducecorruptionandbribery 19%

Illicitfinancialandarmsflows 13%

Non-discriminatorylawsandpolicies 6%

Education

Issues %

Primaryandsecondaryeducation 75%

Earlychildhooddevelopment,careandpre-primary

education50%

Equalaccess 50%

Skills(incl.technicalandvocationalskills) 50%

Technical,vocationalandtertiaryeducation,

includinguniversity50%

Facilities 19%

Supplyofteachers 19%

Literacyandnumeracy 13%

Knowledgeandskillstopromotesustainable

development6%

Partnerships(Top10)

Issues %

Availabilityofhigh-quality,timelyandreliabledata 63%

Effectivepublic,public-privateandcivilsociety

partnerships31%

Duty-freeandquota-freemarketaccess 31%

Multilateraltradingsystem 31%

Exportsofdevelopingcountries 25%

Multi-stakeholderPartnershipsGlobalpartnership 25%

Investmentpromotion 19%

Long-termdebtsustainability 19%

Officialdevelopmentassistance 19%

North-South,South-Southandtriangular

cooperation13%

Inequality

Issues %

Social,economicandpoliticalinclusionofall 50%

Incomegrowthofthebottom40% 19%

Enhancedrepresentation 6%

Migration

Issues %

Orderly,safe,regularandresponsiblemigration 38%

SustainableCities

Issues %

Inclusiveandsustainableurbanization 38%

Environmentalimpactofcities 19%

Nationalandregionaldevelopmentplanning 6%

Publicspaces 6%

Safe,affordable,accessibleandsustainable

transportsystems6%

CleanWater

Issues %

CleanWater–Sanitationandhygiene 31%

CleanWater–Waterquality(pollutionand

hazardouswaste)6%

CleanWater–Water-relatedecosystems 6%

Infrastructure

Issues %

Quality,reliable,sustainableandresilient

infrastructure25%

Cleanandenvironmentallysoundinfrastructure 25%

Industrialization

Issues %

Inclusiveandsustainableindustrialisation 19%

1

DeskReviewofKeyRegionalChallengesIdentifiedbytheArabForumsforSustainableDevelopmentDraft19March2019

Introduction

InlinewiththeOperationalFrameworkforCooperation,ithasbeenagreedthatthe RCM R-UNSDG in the Arab region will develop a regional strategicframework, covering the period 2019–2023. The regional strategic frameworkresponds to the Secretary-General’s call to “ensuremoreeffectiveUNactiononchallengesandopportunitiesthatknownoborders[byensuring]thattheprocessof the development and review of UNDAFs includes more thorough analysis ofregionalandtransboundaryissues,withregionaleconomicandsocialcommissionsasanintegralpartoftheprocess.”(Para100–SGReport2018/7)Thepurposeoftheregionalstrategicframeworkisto:

• Providecollectiveanalysisof regionaldevelopmentchallengesand theirrootcausesinsupportofimplementingthe2030Agenda;

• ServeasareferenceforprioritizingthemesoffutureRCMandR-UNSDGmeetingsandforrationalizingregionalWorkingGroups;

• Serve as an indicator of possible areas for future joint research andreports or complementary and reinforcing interventions acrossorganizations;

• ServeasaprecursortothedevelopmentofapracticalguideforUNCTstomainstream the regional dimension of development into their CCA andUNDAF;

• ServeasareferenceforUNdiscussionswiththeLeagueofArabStatesonpriorityclustersofintervention.

The regional strategic framework will not be an exhaustive list of issues ofimportance to UN agencies in the region; nor will it limit the planning ofindividual agencies. Rather, the regional strategic framework should be ablueprint to identifychallengesthatrequire jointactionat theregional level inorder to facilitatemoreeffective andharmonizedprogrammingon sharedandtransboundaryissuesatthecountrylevel.

Aspartoftheprocessofdevelopingtheregionalstrategic framework, in-depthanalysis, based on existing research and studies, of the challenges facing theregion will be undertaken with a view to identifying a limited number ofstrategicissues.

As a first step in this analysis, the joint RCM – R-UNSDG Secretariat hasconducted a desk review of the key regional challenge identified by the ArabForumsforSustainableDevelopment.

2

Overview

TheArabForumsforSustainableDevelopmentareanannualhigh-levelregionalplatform, where multiple stakeholders discuss coordination pathways for theimplementation, follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for SustainableDevelopment in the Arab region.Their findings and recommendations,conveyingkeymessagesfromtheregionanditscountries,arepresentedattheHigh-LevelPoliticalForuminNewYork.

The Arab Forums have identified a number of priority challenges facing theregionthatwouldbenefitfromcoordinatedresponsesbytheRegionalUNDS.AkeycommonthreadarisingfromtheForumsisthatdevelopmentplanning inthe region needs to more effectively recognize and incorporate thelinkages among the Sustainable Development Goals relating to theenvironment, natural resources, climate change and economic and socialobjectives.

Given the regional and cross-border nature of challenges related todemographics, environmental degradation, water and energy supply andconsumption, and economic diversification, the Forums have concluded thatcooperation must be stepped up to develop coordinated and consistentsolutionsandpoliciesthatensuresustainableresourcesandalifeofdignityforall.

1. DemographicChallenges

TheArabForums forSustainableDevelopmenthave identifieddemographicsabeing of paramount importance in the Arab region, wheremost countries areundergoing major demographic transformations. There have beenunprecedented population movements caused by immigration, emigration,displacementsandrefugees,withalltheattendantnegativeimpactsonthelivesofthemigrants,displacedpersonsandrefugeesthemselves.

At the same time, there has been a natural change in demographic makeupcaused by such factors as high birth rates and rapid and unregulatedurbanization. These dynamics highlight the need for a different approach thatrespondstothedevelopmentneedsofyoungpeople,whoareamajorityinmanyArab countries, and the needs of other demographic groups identified in the2030 Agenda, including children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities,migrants,refugeesandothervulnerablegroups.Developingadequateresponsestothesechallengesrequiredcross-bordercooperationandcoordination.

2. EconomicDiversification

TheArabForums forSustainableDevelopmenthaveconfirmedthe importanceof adopting a sustainable development approach built on economicdiversification,addressingconsumptionpatternsandstrengtheningsustainableproduction inviewof thechallenges facingArabcountries, includingeconomicpressures,demographicchangesandthedepletionofnaturalresourcessuchasoil,waterandagriculturalland.

They have further stressed the importance of involving a broad group ofstakeholders–includinglocalgovernments,theprivatesectorandcivilsociety–

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in formulating sustainable policies on economic diversification, investing inscienceandtechnology,andstrengtheningregionalcooperationandintegrationto build capacity, mobilize resources and be able to fully benefit from thecontinuingindustrialrevolution.

3. Energy

The Arab Forums for Sustainable Development have highlighted the need forArabeconomiestomovetowardssustainableenergy,whiletakingintoaccountdisparities in country priorities resulting from the conditions they face, giventhatbusiness-as-usualinthefieldsofenergyandnaturalresourcemanagementintheArabregionisnotsustainable.

They have also highlighted the need to consider renewable energy from aregionalperspective,ratherthanfromthatofindividualcountries,toachieveanoptimal share of renewable energy in the energy mix. This requiresstrengthening cooperation, networking and trade between Arab countries aswell as promoting Arab integration projects and initiatives, such as an Arabcommonelectricitymarket,whilefocusingonsmartgridsandgreencorridors.

4. Environment

TheArabForumsforSustainableDevelopmenthavestressedtheimportanceofmitigating the negative effects of economic growth on the environment byevaluating the environmental impact of development projects and byincorporating issues of biodiversity and natural resources into developmentplanning.

Theyhavefurtherunderscoredtheneedtopreservebiodiversityandfollowanintegrated approach to natural resource management, given that naturalresource depletion both leads to and results from conflict and displacement,which requires identifying mechanisms that prevent land degradation anddesertification so as to reduce pressure on populations and services andpreserve peace. These challenges are not limited by the borders of states andfindingeffectivesolutionstomanagingthemrequiresregionalcooperationandcoordination.

5. Water

TheArabForums forSustainableDevelopmenthave reaffirmed the imperativetostrivetoachievewatersecurityintheArabregionatthelevelofhouseholdsand local communities, at the subnational, national and regional levels andbetween countries, to guarantee theprovisionof andaccess to sufficient cleanwaterandsanitationservicesforall.

They have also stressed the importance of participation, partnerships andinternationalfunding,inadditiontocapacitybuildingandpreparingfornaturaldisasterssuchasdroughtandfloods,askeyfactorsforachievingwatersecurityintheArabregion.

6. RoleofCivilSocietyOrganizations

Finally, the Arab Forums for Sustainable Development have called for theestablishmentofaplatformforcivilsocietyorganizationsoperatingintheArab

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region, to serve as a regional mechanism to reinforce the role civil societyorganizations in sustainable development, in following up on theimplementationofnationalplans,includingthe2030Agenda,andinscrutinizingGovernments.

KeyIssues,RecommendationsandActionsArisingformtheLeagueofArabStatesEconomicandSocialSummit

IssuesIdentifiedintheDeclaration Details RecommendationsandActions

Migration DuetothemagnitudeofthecrisisofrefugeesanddisplacedpersonsinArabStatesandtheconsequenteconomicandsocialburdensonhostArabcountries,themajorchallengesareimprovingthesituationofrefugeesanddisplacedpersonsandreducingtheimpacttheirpresencehasonthehostcountries.

Stresstheneedforallinternationaldonors,specializedorganizationsandArabfundstosecurefundingfortheimplementationofdevelopmentprojectsinhostingArabcountriestosupportnationaldevelopmentprojectsandtoreducetheeconomicandsocialimpactofsuchtemporaryhosting.CallformoreArabandinternationalinvestmentsinthehostcountries.

Palestine BelievinginthecollectiveArabandIslamicresponsibilitytowardJerusalemtopreservetheArab,IslamicandChristianidentityofJerusalem,andstressingtheneedforallrelevantorganizationsandentitiestostandtogethertosecurethenecessaryfundingtoimplementprojectsinthestrategicdevelopmentplanforJerusalem(2018–2022).AffirmtheinternationalmandategiventoUNRWA,basedonthedecisiontoestablishit,andrejectanydecisionaimedatendingorreducingitsrole.StatestoabidebyinternationallawandlegitimateinternationalresolutionsrelatedtothelegalstatusofJerusalemandnottorecognizeitasthecapitaloftheIsraelioccupationorthemovingofembassiestoit.

Callonallrelevantorganizationsandentitiestoidentifythemeanstomobilizepublicsupportfortheimplementationoftheplan.Callforsecuringthemeansandfundingneededforitsbudgetinorderforittocarryoutitsroleandresponsibilities.AffirmArabdeterminationtotakepoliticalandeconomicmeasuresagainstanydecisionthatviolatesthelegalstatusofJerusalem.

DevelopmentofInformationandCommunicationTechnology

RecognizingtheimportanceofinformationandcommunicationtechnologyindevelopmentandtheneedforArabcountriestokeepup-to-dateintheICTrevolutionbyadoptingproactivepoliciesinordertobuildtheneededpotentialtobenefitfromthedigitaleconomyandtosupportspecialinitiatives.EmphasizingtheimportanceofdevelopingajointArabvisioninthedigitaleconomy.

ValuetheinitiativeofHisHighnesstheEmirofKuwaitSheikhSabahAl-AhmadAl-JaberAl-Sabahtoestablishaninvestmentfundinthefieldsoftechnologyanddigitaleconomyof$200million,incooperationwiththeprivatesector.KuwaitandQatarhavebothcontributed$50million,whichwillbeentrustedtotheArabFundforEconomicandSocialDevelopment.CallonArabcountriestosupportthisinitiativeandtofacilitatethestrengtheningofthejointArabeconomyandtocreatepromisingjobsforArabyouth.HopethatbanksandtheArabfundwillconsiderusingpartsoftheirannualnetprofittosupportfutureneedsandensuringthecontinuityofthisfund.

FrameworkofArabEconomicIntegration

SupportingtheprocessofArabeconomicandsocialdevelopmentandstrengtheningtheframeworkofArabeconomicintegration.

TheneedtofollowupontheprogressoftheGreaterArabFreeTradeArea(GAFTA)andtheneedsfortheArabCustomsUnion,withthehopeofreachingajointArabmarket,andtheneedtoputforthalleffortstoovercomeobstaclesthatpreventthesefromhappening.StresstheimportanceoffundingprojectsforArabintegrationandthecompletionoftheAidforTradeInitiativeforArabStates.

SmallandMedium-sizedEnterprises(SMEs)

EmphasizingthevitalandimportantroleplayedbySMEsinbothdevelopedanddevelopingeconomiesinsolvingtheproblemofunemployment,andrecognizingtheircrucialroleinincreasingnationalincomeandindustrial

AdoptedapilotprojectforthedevelopmentoftheSMEsectorinordertoensuretheintegrationofArabeconomies,createcompetitiveadvantagesandreduce

production.

unemployment.Stresstheneedforamechanismtofollow-upthefunctioningofthispilotandevaluatingthepoliciesandprogramsfordevelopingSMEsCallsontheprivatesectortosupportthecompetitionoftheseinstitutions.

Energy Therearechangesanddevelopmentsbeingwitnessedbycountriesoftheworld,whichhighlighttheimportanceofdiversifyingenergysources.

AdoptedtheArabStrategyforSustainableEnergy2030,inordertoachievethesustainabledevelopmentofanArabenergysystem.

Poverty Emphasizingtheimportanceofinvestinginthehumanastheshortestpathtoachievingtherequiredeconomicgrowth,andasaresponsetotherapidglobaldevelopmentsthathavenegativelyimpactedArabdevelopment,leadingtoanincreaseinpovertyandunemploymentrates.

AdoptedtheArabStrategicFrameworktoEradicatePoverty2020-2030asawaytoenhanceArabeffortstoachievecomprehensivesustainabledevelopmentintheArabregion,withagoalofreducingmulti-dimensionalpovertyby50%by2030,andstressedtheimportanceoffollowinguponitsimplementation.Callontheprivatesector,institutionsandcivilsocietyintheArabworldtoprovideallthenecessarysupporttoreflectpositivelyontheArabhuman.

HealthandWell-being Basedonthebeliefintheimportanceofprovidinghealthcaretoallmembersofsociety:

Approvedthe“PinkWallet”initiativeasaregionalinitiativeforwomen'shealthintheArabregion,inordertoimplementtheSDGsandensurethatallpeopleenjoyhealthandwellbeingatallages.

TechnicalandVocationalEducation

UpgradingtechnicalandvocationaleducationintheArabworldandlinkingittotherequirementsofthelabormarketasoneoftheelementsofcomprehensive

Emphasizeontheneedtodevelopskillsandencouragecreativityandinnovation.

development.

Emphasizetheneedtoimprovelegislationgoverningthelabormarketandvocationaltraininginordertoachievetheobjectivesofsustainabledevelopment.

Family BasedontheimportanceofroleofthefamilyintheimplementationoftheSustainableDevelopmentAgendaatthesocial,economicandculturallevels:

AdoptedthedocumentofthePlatformforActionfortheFamilyintheArabRegion,aspartofimplementingtheSDGs.

Women InrecognizingtheimportanceofwomenplayinganactiveroleinArabsocietiesandtheneedtoempowerandintegratetheminalleconomic,socialanddevelopmentalissues,inordertoenablethemtoplaytheirroleasthemainengineforachievingtheSDGs:

AgreedtotheProgramfortheIntegrationofWomenandGirlsintotheCommunityDevelopmentProcess,whichaimstoraiseawareness,educateandtrainwomen,andprovidethemwithallnecessaryservices,andcommittedtoprovidingthenecessarysupportfortheimplementationofthisprogram.

Children Theimprovementofthequalityoflifeforall,especiallychildren,isthepathwayfortheprogressofnations,andprovidingadecentlifeforchildren,especiallythoseinwhoaredisplacedorrefugeesisimportant.

Adoptedthe“ArabStrategyfortheProtectionofChildrenwhoarerefugees/displacedintheArabRegion”asaguideandanenforcementoftheirrights,improvetheirsituationandaddresstheirlivingconditions.Stressedtheneedforrelevantpartnerstoworktogetherinthefieldofchildprotectiontofindsolutionsandsaveanentiregenerationfromloss.Adoptedtherecommendationsofthestudyof"ChildLaborintheArabRegion,"inpreparationforaregionalstrategytocombatchildlaborinordertoaddressviolationsofchildren’srightsandpreparethemaspromisingyouthabletoenterthemarketasskilledandproductiveemployees.

PrivateSector RecognizingtheimportanceoftheroleoftheprivatesectorinfinancingsustainabledevelopmentinArab

WelcometheresultsoftheFourthArabPrivateSectorForumheldonthesidelinesoftheArab

KeyissueshighlightedintheStatementsofArabLeaders:

SaudiArabia:Removetradebarriers,Roleoftheprivatesector,improveinter-investmentandinter-trade

Lebanon:Terrorism,Conflicts,Israelioccupation,Migration,CallforestablishingArabfundforReconstruction

countriesandinachievingeconomicandsocialadvancementandintegration:

DevelopmentSummitinBeirut,whichaimstodeveloptheaspirationsoftheprivatesectorintheArabsocietyinordertostrengthenitsroleaswellastopromotetheactiveroleofArabwomenintheArabbusinesscommunity,narrowthegendergapandcreatemoreeffectivemechanismstoincreaseanddevelopinter-Arabtrade,enhancetheroleofinnovation,andsupportentrepreneurshipandsmallenterprises,andtheintroductionofmoreinitiativesthatareinfavorofachievingsustainabledevelopmentandArabeconomicintegration.

Youth Theimportanceofempoweringyouthtoactivelyparticipateinsocietybystrengtheningtheroleofyouthorganizationsinachievingcomprehensivedevelopment,whichwillpositivelyimpactyouth,providejobopportunitiesanddevelopskillsamongyoungpeople,especiallyrefugeesanddisplacedpeople,asaninvestmentinthefutureoftheregion:

WelcometheresultsoftheFourthArabYouthForum,whichwasheldonthesidelinesoftheArabDevelopmentSummit.

Civilsociety Civilsocietyisaneffectivepartnerforgovernmentsinworkingfordevelopment,complementingitsroleandintegratingitinliftingtheburdensandproblemsoffofourArabcountries,inordertosupportoureffortstoachievesustainabledevelopment:

WelcometheresultsoftheFourthArabCivilSocietyForum,whichwasheldonthesidelinesoftheArabDevelopmentSummit,especiallytheactivationoftheprincipleofpartnershipbetweengovernmentsandcivilsocietyorganizationsactiveintheArabworld.

Jordan:Roleofprivatesector,Israelioccupation,Peaceandsecurity

Palestine:Israelioccupation,Callforfunding(Jerusalem,Palestine,UNRWA).

Algeria:Regionalintegration,Terrorism,Peaceandsecurity,Improvetradecooperation,Energy,SMEs,Women’sempowerment,Education

Sudan:Foodsecurity,IntegratedArabinvestments,inter-trade,Arabcommonmarket,Youthforum,Public-privatepartnership

Bahrain:ArabYouthForum,ArabPrivateSectorForum,Foodsecurity,Conflictsandsecurity,MOUonArabMarketforElectricityCooperation(energy),SectoraldevelopmentinJerusalem,Refugeesanddisplacedpersons,Tradeunions,Freetrade,SMEs,Digitaleconomy,Family,Children,Women,Education,Poverty

Iraq:Regionaleconomicintegration,Terrorism,Climatechange,Foodsecurity,Sustainableenergy,Displacedpersons,Conflictsandwars,Children

UAE:Foodsecurity,Investmentandtrade,Digitaleconomy,Energy,Tourism,FfD,Innovation,ICT,Artificialintelligence,Electronictrade

Yemen:Conflict,Hunger,Displacedpersons,Youthandunemployment,Childrenandwomen,Health,Reconstruction

Kuwait:SMEs,Youth,Foodandwatersecurity,Electricalnetwork,Customsunion,Poverty,Unemployment,Health,Roleoftheprivatesector,Technology

Egypt:Terrorism,Poverty,Unemployment,FfD,Innovation,Education,Health,Youth,Roleoftheprivatesector,Electricity,Trade,Family

Tunisia:Conflict,Economicintegration,Technology,Politicalapproachtopeaceandsecurity,Tradeandinvestment,Migration,Displacedpersons

Issue #oftimesmentionedTrade 10Israelioccupation,Palestine,Jerusalem,UNRWA

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Energy 7Refugees,Displacedpersons,Migration 7RoleofthePrivateSector 6Conflict 5Youth 5

Food 5Investment 4Terrorism 4PeaceandSecurity 4SMEs 3Women 3Children 3Education 3Health 3Unemployment 3Poverty 3EconomicIntegration 3Family 2Innovation 2FfD 2Reconstruction 2DigitalEconomy 2Corruption 1Hunger 1Water 1Tourism 1Technology 1Corruption 1AI 1CustomsUnion 1