About Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA)

• ECWA serves as a platform for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries.
• It functions as a part of the Secretariat of the United Nations and is one of the five regional commissions that report to the Economic and Social Council, the main organ of the United Nations responsible for coordinating economic and social activities.
• In 1985, the Commission was renamed the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in line with Economic and Social Council resolution 1985/69 of 26 July 1985. This was done to more fully recognize the social aspect of the Commission’s activities.
• The Commission has had its headquarters in various Arab capitals. It began in Beirut (1974- 1982), moved to Baghdad (1982- 1991), then to Amman (1991- 1997), and finally returned to Beirut in 1997, where it is permanently based.
• The other regional commissions include:
  • Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)
  • Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
  • Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
  • Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
• The administrative budget of ESCWA is funded from the financial resources of the United Nations, the majority of which comes from the contributions of member States.
• ESCWA also receives additional financial resources outside the regular budget, which are used to implement specific projects as per agreements with governmental and non-governmental donors.

Objectives of Economic Commission For Western Asia

Below are the main objectives of the Economic Commission for Western Asia:

• Economic and social development of its member countries
• Promoting cooperation between member countries
• Achieving regional integration and ensuring interaction between Western Asia and other regions
• Spreading awareness about the current state of member countries and assisting them in meeting their needs

For more information, candidates can also refer to the Economic And Social Commission For Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) at the linked article.

Members of ECWA

Below is a list of ECWA member countries as of July 2020:

Candidates can find the detailed and comprehensive UPSC Syllabus for the prelims and mains examination at the linked article. This can be used to guide their preparation.

For further information, latest exam updates, study material, or preparation tips, candidates can refer to various online resources.