United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon, is one of the five regional commissions under the administrative direction of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. UN-ESCWA promotes economic and social development of Western Asia through regional and subregional cooperation and integration. It devises, promotes, and executes development assistance activities and projects in tune with the needs and priorities of the region of Western Asia. UN-ESCWA coordinates its activities with those of the major departments/offices of the United Nations at Headquarters and of specialized agencies and intergovernmental organizations, such as the League of Arab States, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, with a view to avoid duplication and ensure complementarity, synergy and exchange of information. ESCWA has 14 member States (the latest is Sudan that joined in 2008 ), and reports to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

History

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA or ESCWA) was first established in 1973 as the UN Economic Commission for Western Asia (UN-ECWA). It was established by Economic and Social Council resolution 1818 (LV)and was the successor to United Nations Economic and Social Office in Beirut (UNESOB). The organization's name was changed from Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) to Economic and Social Commission...
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