Arab Public Finance and Budgeting Forum

Drawing on insights from the 2022 Social Expenditure Monitor Report, ESCWA and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are spearheading the inaugural regional Arab Public Finance and Budgeting Forum. This initiative responds directly to member States’ requests for a dedicated platform to facilitate regional dialogue on strengthening social sector investment and achieving fiscal sustainability across the Arab region.

The Forum brings together ministers of finance, social affairs, planning and economy, alongside high-level officials from their respective ministries, United Nations agencies, regional organizations, and international experts in social and fiscal policy reforms.

By harnessing data-driven, AI-powered policy innovation tools and fostering inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement, the Forum aims to advance comprehensive macro-fiscal strategies that tackle systemic vulnerabilities and champion spending that is smart, effective, and equitable.