Report of the Regional UNDG Arab States/ MENA Meeting Amman, Jordan - 14 October 2014

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1 Report of the Regional UNDG Arab States/ MENA Meeting Amman, Jordan - 14 October Welcoming remarks by RC/HC in Jordan On behalf of the UNCT in Jordan the RC/HC welcomed the participants and provided a brief overview of the current situation in-country, highlighting that the impact of the Syria conflict has transitioned into a crisis for Jordan necessitating a comprehensive response that prioritizes humanitarian and developments assistance. 1.2 Opening remarks by R-UNDG Chair Chair of the Regional UN Development Group of the Arab States/MENA provided an overview of the agenda and noted that this meeting was taking place at a time when the region continues to face difficult circumstances that require the R-UNDG to play a central role in providing opportunities and alternatives for improving the living conditions in the region. The Chair added that this calls for a greater consolidation of our capacities and a more coordinated and meaningful coordination and response as highlighted in the recent UN General Assembly (UNGA) session. Recalling the Resilience-based Development Approach position paper, endorsed by the R-UNDG in 2013, the Chair reiterated the need to complement the vital humanitarian response to these crises with a scaled up resilience and development response. This is guided by national plans that, in the case of the Syria crisis, will be translated into country chapters of the Regional, Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP). The Chair also provided an update on the recent Conference on Reconstruction in Gaza held on 12 October 2014 and briefed on the Rights Up Front initiative in the region, and how this applies specifically to countries with serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. 2. Post 2015 and SDGs in the Arab States/MENA UNDP Head of the Team on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, presented the perspective at the local level of the Post-2015 agenda and informed that the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development proposed 17 goals and 169 targets. He added that the UN General Assembly agreed in September that this will form the basis for the future development agenda. He stressed that the availability of adequate and reliable data has been identified as a key challenge in this process. On the next steps, the Secretary-General will issue a Synthesis Report in November 2014, formal intergovernmental negotiations will take place in January 2015 and the final Post-2015 Agenda will be agreed upon in September ESCWA Director for Sustainable Development Policies Division, presented the regional perspective to post-2015 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She indicated that the SG s Synthesis Report will bring together the four components of the post-2015 agenda and is due in November Regarding the vision component, it is important for the region to single out the justice element under the human rights principle. As to the SDGs, the Arab group requested that goal 16 includes targets on ending all forms of colonial domination and foreign occupation, strengthening adherence to international law by all stakeholders and intensifying international cooperation on countering terrorism. Another important issue for the region relates to refugees and IDPs (internally displaced people), which was not highlighted sufficiently in the OWG outcome document. On the accountability component, Arab countries expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of national mechanisms beyond reporting to include corrective measures, and regarding the ability of the global community to discuss issues of occupation, double standards and terrorism. Given its mandate through a ministerial resolution to organize regional forums for sustainable development and provide direct input to HLPF, ESCWA is planning to organize the 2 nd meeting of the Forum in April 2015 to discuss the 1 st Arab SD report. At the upcoming meeting of the Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM), the thematic working group on MDGs will be expanded to include the SDGs, and the revised TORs will be discussed 1

2 The R-UNDG agreed on the importance of access to development data for Arab countries and of ensuring proper and timely coordination between agencies and government counterparts at all levels. The Chair highlighted the need for organization of a special R-UNDG event in NY this December with the Region s Permanent Representatives to the UN to advance the discourse on the Post-2015 Development Agenda process. 3. R-UNDG Youth Theme Group Regional UNDG Good Practices in the Arab States/ MENA The UNICEF and UNFPA Regional Directors, in their capacities as the Co-Chairs of the working group on youth, provided an overview of the ongoing mapping exercise. The mapping exercise that started in March 2014 by ILO, UNFPA and UNDP reviewed 164 programmes of which 10 were selected for best practices. The presentation included a set of recommendations for the R-UNDG s consideration: commitment to scale up and coordinate good practices for a more comprehensive approach, and for integrating outcome evaluations in programme planning. The presentation also underscored the considerable size of the region s youth population (20% of the total population) which is expected to increase from the current 72 million to 82 million by 2025 and the magnitude of challenges this population group faces in terms of unemployment, inadequate civic participation, gender-based violence, education, inadequate access to health including sexual and reproductive health information and services, child support, etc. Youth issues should be factored into both regional and national planning and policies. Summary discussion The Syria RC, Coordinator of Sub-regional Facility and FAO Regional Representative discussed reasons why the region s youth are joining armed groups, noting that this is not only driven beyond a lack of economic opportunities, but also by other societal voids. WHO and ILO highlighted the need to give a voice to the youth through a joint and coordinated UN approach that places them at the core of the Post-2015 Development Agenda. In this regard, UNFPA emphasized that population dynamics, such as youth bulge, urbanization, migration and displacement of population, have to be considered as cross cutting issues while harmonizing the Post-2015 Development Agenda and SDGs at the regional level with the global ones. The R-UNDG Chair informed that UNDP will produce an Arab Human Development Report on Youth in The R-UNDG recognized the complexity and magnitude of challenges facing the region s youth and stressed the need to scale up ongoing programmatic and policy interventions through a coordinated and comprehensive approach, especially in crisis countries. The R-UNDG highlighted the need to advance the thematic work for the development of the regional response to the SWAP on Youth and to address the opportunities gap for youth from the overall development aspect, including economic and income generation opportunities. The R UNDG underscored the need for integrating youth issues in Post 2015 SDGs and targets. 4. Sub-Regional R-UNDG Priorities in the Gulf and Maghreb The R-UNDG Chair stressed the need for stronger, more targeted support to UN Country Teams in these countries, given the specificities in these sub-regions. To that end, the R-UNDG Chair proposed to establish two Theme Groups to assist the R-UNDG in developing a common position towards these sub-regions in terms of strategic positioning of the UN and identification of priority entry points, and called for volunteers to lead the work of the Theme Groups. The R-UNDG agreed to establish two Theme Groups and encouraged all the agencies to participate in and contribute to the work of the Theme Groups. UNAIDS and FAO, with support of UNDP, will co-lead the Theme Group for Maghreb sub-region whereas UNDP will lead the Theme Group on the NCCs with support provided by UNEP and FAO. Within one month a concept note, ToR and timeline for the work of each of the Theme Groups will be presented by the co-leads to the R-UNDG for consideration. 2

3 5. Accelerating Progress in Achieving the MDGs 4 & 5 and Civil Registration and Vital Statistics The WHO Regional Director chaired the session addressing the above two distinct priority areas for R-UNDG. He was joined by the UNICEF and UNFPA Regional Directors in presenting the status of implementation of the joint initiative on Saving the Lives of Mothers and Children. They also presented the challenges on the ground especially in countries in emergencies calling upon the collective R-UNDG to advocate and support the UNCTs implementation efforts on the ground. UNFPA highlighted the importance of family planning as a central component of MDG 5 (B), especially in reducing maternal and child mortality. He also referred to the challenges in addressing the reproductive and maternal health needs of refugees and displaced women in the region and underscored the importance of reproductive health in universal health coverage. WHO then presented its Regional Framework strategy for the improvement of civil registration and vital statistics highlighting that this area is currently gaining international attention to support planning and decision making by countries. He stated several challenges such as: lack of political power; lack of systems in place for registration; insufficient governance and legal framework and poor quality of registration process and incomplete birth and death certificates. He raised the vital collective role that R-UNDG could play to improve CRVS at the country level. The R-UNDG confirmed its joint commitment and support towards achieving the MDGs and the defined targets for MDGs 4 & 5, mindful of new realities and specificities in the region, especially the displacement of a large number of children and women of reproductive age. It identified the need for further advocacy among national counterparts and donors in order to strengthen efforts and support to accelerating achievement of the targets. The R-UNDG also agreed that the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics be a priority and approved to form a High Level Task Force led by WHO 5. ToR will be shared with the R-UNDG within two weeks. UN Women, ESCWA and UNFPA expressed interest in supporting the High Level Task Force, including the need to ensure gender disaggregation of data 6. Regional UNDG Resilience Agenda 6.1 Palestine The R-UNDG Chair opened the session expressing gratitude to the RCs, UNCT members, UN staff (both national and international) and their families in the region s crisis countries for their continued commitment and dedication despite the difficult contexts and often extreme security conditions. FAO opt Head of Programme and OIC, a.i. for West Bank and Gaza provided an overview of the situation in Gaza and informed that to effectively respond the humanitarian community has worked with the Palestinian Authorities (PA) to develop the Gaza Crisis Appeal. He added that the Palestinian Government s National Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza is a preliminary assessment of immediate humanitarian, reconstruction, early recovery and long-term development needs. In support the UN has formulated a two-year UN Support Plan for the Transformation of the Gaza Strip totaling over $2 billion. UNDP opt Deputy Special Representative, stressed the need for stronger political engagement and common UN positioning. She also informed that there are persisting issues of access into Gaza specifically for reconstruction materials and stressed the importance of supporting national leadership not only in developing programmes, but also in institutional integration between West Bank and Gaza. UNICEF opt Deputy Special Representative, informed that the ongoing Post-Disaster Needs Assessment requested by the Palestinian Authority is being carried out by UN, EU and WB. The R-UNDG was asked to urgently provide needed technical support. Summary discussion UNEP and UNHABITAT both underscored the need for long-term planning. UNDP highlighted the importance of the Conference and the responsibility of the international community to support the National Consensus Government. UNDP and UN DOCO are in touch to identify potential deployment of experts to support the Post- 3

4 Disaster Needs Assessment. The R-UNDG Chair noted that the Conference underscored the importance of lifting the blockade, addressing the root causes of the conflict, boosting economic opportunities, supporting both refugees and non-refugees in Gaza and assisting the government and all its institutions. She added that although resources will remain a challenge there is a need to continue coordinating and implementing in good faith. The R-UNDG expressed its commitment towards coordinated UN support to the opt UNCT by providing available technical support, strategic leadership and political engagement with the Palestinian Government of National Consensus in its reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, as well as in resource mobilization and partnership building. 6.2 Syria and the sub-region, and the Iraq crisis Syria UN RC/HC provided an overview of the situation in the country and the steps taken to formulate the Response Plan for He stressed the need to engage with the Syrian government and other counterparts to look at a longerterm strategy for Syria and for the UN to move towards a coherent and common approach, given the current high level of fragmentation. Adding that there is room for negotiation with the government regarding the activation of additional clusters. However, this will require an institutional commitment from UN Agencies to ensure provision of resources, capacities, expertise and accountable leadership. Lebanon DSCL/RC/HC informed that the stability of Lebanon remains at risk and the conditions for the implementation of the resilience agenda are challenging with a large number of Syrian refugees (equaling 25% of Lebanon s population). The National Response Plan, currently being developed, will provide a long-term perspective on the crisis and will mirror the 3RP process. Challenges need to be addressed urgently, namely 1) the weak government management 2) funding issues 3) the inconsistency of data 4) need to improve coordination among agencies and their commitment within the sectoral groups. Jordan RC/HC explained the role of the UN in supporting the development of the national response plan through wide consultations with the Government, donors and the UN System. The RC explained that in 2015 the UNCT will amend the UNDAF to include a refugee component. Adding that the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation has requested the UN to establish a Multi-Partner Trust Fund. The RC then requested support from the R-UNDG in the following 1) utilizing the resilience based development principles to bridge humanitarian and development assistance in Jordan, 2) increasing the level of seniority of UN representatives in- country, 3) strengthening coherence in agencies response by pursuing a holistic approach prioritizing both humanitarian and development assistance. Egypt RC/HC (via VTC) explained that Egypt remains affected by political instability, food insecurity and unemployment. Due to the lack of opportunities and restrictions in entering the country (alleged affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood), the number of refugees is expected to decrease by end of year. She informed that to date the Government has not developed a response plan. She highlighted the need to avoid fragmentation in mobilizing resources; strengthening the protection measures for Syrian refugees; and gathering quality data. Iraq DSRSG/RC/HC provided an overview of the situation in the country and explained that while the national government does not have a response plan, the Kurdistan Region has initiated the preparation of a plan to respond to the spill-over from the Syria crisis. Recently a Humanitarian Needs Overview was completed. A post-conflict needs assessment with the WB is also being planned. UNDP Sub-Regional Development Coordinator, UNHCR Deputy Regional Director, and OCHA Regional Representative, gave a joint-presentation on the regional response to the crisis. They explained that the Comprehensive Regional Strategic Framework for the Syria Crisis (CRSF) is the guiding framework behind the 3RP, focusing on the resilience approach and aiming at strengthening national ownership, leadership and coordination as well as building cost-effective delivery mechanisms. They highlighted that the 3RP is country driven, integrated and comprehensive response, within a regional framework. 4

5 The video on resilience prepared by the Sub-regional Facility was screened ( and agencies were asked to inform whether they would like to include their agencies logo. The R-UNDG reaffirmed the principle of the resilience-based development response as a critical approach complementing ongoing humanitarian efforts. The R-UNDG formally endorsed the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) approach and all agencies were requested to support the national plans development. 6.3 Libya and Yemen Libya DSRSG/RC provided an overview of the country situation and the response of the UN system in supporting the political process and in breaking the dynamic of mistrust between Libyans. He informed that DPA is currently leading the Libyan Strategic Assessment to identify problems hindering the implementation of the UN mandate and providing the Security Council with options for realigning UN presence. The DSRSG/RC invited the R-UNDG to put together all existing assessments to feed into a UN action plan and to explore possibilities for the return of the UN to Libya. Summary discussion The Coordinator of the Sub-regional Facility and the Libya DSRSG/RC discussed the importance of disarming the militias as key to achieving stability. However it was noted that this is particularly challenging given the large number of well-armed militias and that it is important to make advancements towards the consolidation of peace. Yemen RC provided an overview of the latest developments in-country and explained that due to its complex nature the situation cannot simply be resolved by the signing of a peace agreement due to the longstanding grievances. He explained the need for the UN to engage with government counterparts to advocate for inclusion of all Yemeni factions and to address economic and security challenges facing the country. Summary discussion The R-UNDG Chair and the Yemen RC stressed the importance of an all-inclusive political process. ILO noted it is looking forward to having operational presence in Yemen and requested guidance from the RC in this regard. 7. Brief Panel Updates on Regional Thematic priorities and Agreement on R-UNDG Support Actions/ Work plan 2015 UNHCR Deputy Regional Director chaired the session and opened by inviting UNISDR, UNAIDS and UN Women to present. 7.1 UN Plan of Action on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience UNISDR Head of the Regional Office, provided an overview of the DRR Plan of Action outlining that the plan has two main commitments: 1) achieving a more comprehensive understanding of the risks in the region (currently, 10 countries in the Arab region are undertaking a review), and 2) making DRR a priority in UN agencies programmes to ensure funding. He informed that the Aqaba Declaration on DRR was adopted and the next steps are being rolled out. The R-UNDG endorsed both the rollout of the Plan and piloting of implementation in a few countries. 7.2 Arab AIDS Strategy ( ) UNAIDS Regional Director, provided an overview of the first multisectoral intergovernmental AIDS Strategy in MENA region which was developed in cooperation with the League of Arab States and endorsed by the Council of Arab Ministers of Health. The Strategy covers all Arab States. UNAIDS requested the R-UNDG support the implementation of the strategy, ensuring that it is included in agencies programmes and in the Post-2015 Development Agenda. 5

6 7.3 Status of Arab Women Report UN Women Regional Director, explained that the status of Arab women Report has a two-fold approach. The first part is a desk review and the second is a perception survey that will help to provide further guided interventions. UN Women previously shared the Report s concept note. The R-UNDG agreed to support the writing of the report as needed and agencies will delegate a focal point for follow up. 8. UNDG Reform Priorities in the Arab States/ MENA ILO Regional director chaired the session and opened by inviting UN DOCO Team Leader and Regional Liaison Advisor, to provide updates on the UNDG reforms. He briefed the R-UNDG on Delivering as One/ SOPs process and stressed the need for the UN development system to unite in its commitments to deliver as one in support of sustainable development. He underscored the UNDGwide support to the SOPs/DaO reflected through signatures of the UNDG Principles on the final SOPs/DaO document and called upon the R-UNDG to support the implementation of the SOPs/DaO in the region. He queried the possibility of piloting certain elements of the SOPs/DaO given the challenging national contexts in the region. On the UNDG Global Cost-Sharing mechanism, he informed that 2014 was the first year UNDG tested this and it has been largely successful. Of the 18 agencies that are expected to contribute, 11 agencies have confirmed that they will be paying the full amounts for 2014/2015. It is important for the UNDG to reach agreement on the cost-sharing for the 2016/2017 biennium later this year. As part of the cost-sharing system, UN DOCO will provide funds in 2015 for a P3 post per region and a large number of countries will be receiving the full crisis country allocation. On the RC Assessment Selection he informed that one of the SG s priorities is to improve gender and geographical balance, and one of the major challenges is to address the shortage of Arabic or Russian speaking candidates. Of the 18 countries with UN offices in the Arab region, only 3 have female RCs and none is an Arabic speaker. The R-UNDG recognized the need to intensify efforts towards increasing the number of women and of Arabic speaking RCs in the region and to providing support in mentoring and recruiting qualified candidates. A Theme Group will be established to provide targeted support to female RCs and to strengthen the identification of women RCs across the system. UN Women volunteered to chair the Theme Group. The background documentation for the meeting is available online: Username: undg-arabstates Password: amman2013 6

7 Annex I: Agenda Regional UNDG Arab States/ MENA Meeting InterContinental Hotel, Amman, Jordan 14 October, 2014 Agenda Monday 13 October 7:30 pm Welcome R-UNDG Group Dinner at the Bourjal Hamam Restaurant of the Intercontinental Hotel Tuesday 14 October Riwaq Conference Room 9:00 9:30 am 1. Opening Remarks Ms. Sima Bahous, R-UNDG Chair, Assistant Secretary General Regional challenges, progress and priorities 9:30 10:30 am 2. Post 2015 and SDGs in the Arab States/MENA Ms. Sima Bahous, R- UNDG Chair, Assistant Secretary-General; Mr. Paul Ladd, Head of the Team on Post-2015 Development Agenda, UNDP; Ms. Roula Majdalani, Director, Sustainable Development Policies Division, ESCWA 10:30 11:00 am Refreshment break 11:00 11:45 am 3. R-UNDG Youth Theme Group Regional UNDG Good Practices in the Arab States/ MENA R-UNDG Co-Chairs: Ms. Maria Calivis, Regional Director for the Middle East & North Africa, UNICEF; Mr. Mohamed Abdel Ahad, Regional Director, Arab States Regional Office, UNFPA Discussion, R-UNDG endorsement 11:45 12:00 pm AOB: 4. Sub-Regional R-UNDG Priorities in the NCCs and Maghreb Lead Agency Co-chair volunteers to establish R-UNDG Theme Groups 12:00 12:30 pm 5. Accelerating Progress in Achieving the MDGs 4 & 5 and Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Chair: Mr. Ala Alwan, Regional Director Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, WHO; Ms. Maria Calivis, Regional Director for the Middle East & North Africa, UNICEF; Mr. Mohamed Abdel Ahad, Regional Director for the Arab States, UNFPA 7

8 12:30 1:00 pm 6. Regional UNDG Resilience Agenda Ms. Sima Bahous R-UNDG Chair, Assistant Secretary-General 6.1 Palestine Ms. Anne-Marie Dufay, OPT UNICEF Deputy Special Representative; Ms. Narjess Saidane, OPT UNDP Deputy Special Representative, UNDP; Dr. Azzam Saleh, OPT FAO Head of Programme and OIC, a.i. for West Bank and Gaza Situation in Gaza, Challenges of Recovery and Reconstruction. Support to the Unity Government and development in the West Bank 1:00 2:00 pm Group Lunch provided 2:00 3:15 pm 6.2 Syria and the sub-region, and the Iraq crisis Mr. Yacoub El Hillo, Syria UN RC/HC; Mr. Ross Mountain, Lebanon DSCL/RC/HC; Edward Kallon, Jordan RC/HC; Ms. Anita Nirody, Egypt RC/HC (via VTC); Ms. Jacquie Badcock, Iraq DSRSG/RC/HC; Mr. Francois Reybet-Degat, Deputy Regional Director Middle East and North Africa, UNHCR; Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez, Sub-regional Facility Coordinator; Ms. Sanjana Quazi, Regional Representative, OCHA. Capacities and options for crisis response: the resilience agenda, joint advocacy and action, partnerships, country-level and regional engagement, and the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) 3:15 4: Libya and Yemen Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Libya DSRSG/RC; Mr. Paolo Lembo, Yemen UN RC Libya s Strategic Assessment update and discussion of options Yemen and the Resilience based approach to development 4:00 4:15 pm Refreshment Break 4:15 5:00 pm 7. Brief Panel Updates on Regional Thematic priorities and Agreement on R-UNDG Support Actions/ Work plan 2015 Chair: Mr. Francois Reybet-Degat, Deputy Regional Director Middle East and North Africa, UNHCR 1. UN Plan of Action on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Mr. Amjad Madani Abbashar, Head of the Regional Office for Arab States, UNISDR 2. Arab AIDS Strategy ( ) Dr. Yamina Chakkar, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, UNAIDS 8

9 3. Status of Arab Women Report Dr. Sameera Al Tuwaijri, Regional Director for Arab States, UN Women 5:00 6:00 pm 8. UNDG Reform Priorities in the Arab States/ MENA Chair: Ms. Nada El Nashif, Regional Director for Arab States, ILO UNDG updates and priorities for R-UNDG Mr. Bradley Foerster, Team Leader, Regional Liaison Advisor Unit, UN DOCO 1. Delivering as One/ SOPs 2. UNDG Global Cost Sharing 3. RC Assessment & Selection the need for talent management and the promotion of women leaders in the Arab States/ MENA region 4. Discussion, R-UNDG commitments and endorsements 6:00 6:15 pm 9. Summary of R-UNDG Agreed Actions for 2015 Work plan & Closing Remarks Ms. Sima Bahous, R-UNDG Chair, Assistant Secretary General 9

10 Annex II: List of participants Regional UNDG Arab States/ MENA meeting Amman, Jordan, 14 October 2014 List of Attendees Regional Directors Team Name of agency Name 1. Regional UNDG Chair Ms. Sima Bahous Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, Regional Director for Arab States and Chair of the R/UNDG Regional Bureau for Arab States New York 2. UNICEF Ms. Maria Calivis Regional Director for the Middle East & North Africa Amman 3. ILO Ms. Nada Al-Nashif Regional Director ILO Regional Office for the Arab States Beirut 4. UNHCR Mr. Francois Reybet-Degat Deputy Director of the agency Bureau for the Middle East and North Africa and Regional Refugee Coordinator Amman 5. UNFPA Mr. Mohamed Abdel Ahad Regional Director Arab States Regional Office United Nations Population Fund 6. WFP Mr. Mohamed Diab Regional Director Regional Bureau for Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe 10

11 Regional Directors Team Name of agency Name 7. WHO Dr. Ala Alwan Regional Director WHO Regional Office for Eastern Mediterranean 8. UNISDR Mr. Amjad Madani Abbashar Head - Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS) 9. UNAIDS Dr. Yamina Chakkar Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa 10. OCHA Ms. Sanjana Quazi OCHA Regional Representative 11. UNWOMEN Ms. Sameera Al Tuwaijri Regional Director Regional Office for Arab States 12. UNWOMEN Mr. Mohammad Naciri Deputy Regional Director UN Women Arab States Regional Office 13. UNHABITAT Mr. Dyfed Aubrey Director a.i. Regional office for Arab States (ROAS) 14. OHCHR Mr. Abdel Salam Sidahmed Regional Representative Beirut 15. UNESCO Hamed Alhamami Director, Regional Bureau of Education Arab States Lebanon rdo@emro.who.int abbashar@un.org ChakkarY@unaids.org quazi@un.org sameera.altuwaijri@unwomen.org mohammad.naciri@unwomen.org dyfed.aubrey@unhabitat.org asidahmed@ohchr.org h.alhammami@unesco.org 11

12 Regional Directors Team Name of agency Name 16. UNOPS Mr. Bruce McCarron Regional Director Europe and the Middle East Regional Office Copenhagen 17. UNOPS Mr. Moin Karim Deputy Regional Director Europe and the Middle East Regional Office Copenhagen 18. UNEP Mr. Iyad Abumoghli Regional Director Manama 19. FAO Mr. Abdessalam Ould Ahmed FAO Assistant Director General & Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa 20. UNDP Mr. Khaled Abdelshafi Chief Country Operations Division New York 21. DOCO Mr. Bradley Foerster Policy Advisor UN Development Operations Coordination Office New York Guests Name of agency Name 1. ESCWA Ms. Roula Majdalani, Director Sustainable Development Policies Division Beirut 12

13 Guests Name of agency Name 2. RC Iraq Ms. Jacqueline Badcock DSRSG/RC/HC 3. RC Libya Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed DSRSG/UN RC/UNDP RR 4. RC Lebanon Mr. Ross Mountain DSCL/RC/HC a.i. 5. RC Syria Mr. Yacoub El Hillo RC/HC 6. RC Jordan Mr. Edward Kallon RC/HC 7. RC Yemen Mr. Paolo Lembo RC 8. UNOPS Amman 9. UNESCO Jordan Ms. Bana Kaloti Director of the Amman Hub Ms. Costanza Farina Director 10. UNDP Sub- Regional Facility Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez Sub-Regional Coordinator 11. FAO Ms. Tanja Popovic Liaison and Operations Officer Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa 12. FAO Palestine Mr. Azzam Saleh Head of Programme and OIC, a.i. for West Bank and Gaza 13. UNDP Palestine Ms. Narjess Saidane Deputy Special Representative 13

14 Guests Name of agency Name 14. UNICEF Palestine Ms. Anne-Marie Dufay Deputy Special Representative 15. UNDP Mr. Paul Ladd Policy Advisor Bureau for Policy and Programme Support New York 16. UNEP Ms. Melanie Hutchinson Regional Coordinator Manama 17. UNEP Mr. Hassan Partow Post conflicts and disasters advisor Manama 18. UNICEF Ms. Veera Mendonca Regional Adviser Adolescent Development 19. WHO Ms. Naeema Al-Gasseer Manager Interagency Affairs & Partnerships Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office 20. WHO Mr. Christopher Maher Manager Polio Eradication and Emergency Support Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office 21. UNHCR Ms. Marina Throne-Holst Senior Interagency and Donors Relations Officer 22. RCO Syria Mr. Hisham Taha Head of the Syria RCO

15 Observers Name of agency Name 1. R-UNDG Mr. Aris Seferovic Regional Coordination Specialist a.i. 2. R-UNDG Ms. Marta Lanzoni Programme Analyst 3. R-UNDG Ms. Karima Nehmeh Special Assistant to R-UNDG Chair/UNDP Regional Director 4. RCO Jordan Mr. Alberto Natta 5. Sub-regional facility Ms. Karin Friedrich 15