Goals and Methodology
The Arab Human Development Report series released between 2002 and 2005 examined a wide range of social, political and economic development issues in the Middle East. The reports were sponsored by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) and the Arab Gulf Program for United Nations Organizations (AGFUND), and each report involved more than 100 predominantly Arab thinkers and researchers who were independent of the sponsoring organizations. The goal of the reports was to examine development deficits in Arab countries and provide concrete advice for improvement. The reports have since been supplemented by UNDP programs, which provide further support and analysis of development efforts in the region. A new series of reports focusing on human security will begin in the second half of 2008.
Major Challenges Outlined by the Reports
The inaugural 2002 report outlined three fundamental deficits that face the Arab world, which are addressed in detail in subsequent reports:
1. Underdeveloped human capabilities (2003 report). The dissemination of knowledge faces social, institutional, economic and political impediments. Arab society today is characterized by illiteracy, restricted media access, lack of access to education and translation channels and the declining quality of education in general. Governments do not adequately support scientific research and education, and their restrictions on freedom of expression inhibit open education and the dissemination of knowledge.
2. Restrictions on freedom (2004 report). Oppression from leaders at home and intervention from abroad have discouraged an environment of freedom from prospering. Many Arab countries lack a system of good governance based upon the rule of law, laws upheld by an independent judiciary, popular representation and accountability of leaders to their people. Censorship and other restrictive laws curtail rights of association, expression and opinion, preventing an effective free press. Intelligence services and overbearing executive authority inhibit meaningful political expression and participation, such as the formation of political parties and fair elections. A lack of confidence in the political system as a whole has led to political violence and terrorism, as well as political passivity.
3. Inequality between men and women (2005 report). Cultural, social, economic and political factors put women at a disadvantage in many Arab societies. Tribalism, patriarchy and biased religious interpretations have resulted in women’s unequal treatment, including personal status law discrimination, restrictions on economic activity and limitations on access to healthcare and quality education. The challenges that have restricted human capabilities and freedom in Arab societies have had a larger impact on women, impinging broader social development.
Recommendations for Improvement
The reports, broadly, call for:
1) Building Arab capabilities and knowledge: Governments should increase support of primary and secondary education systems, increase investment in science, technology and research and development and embrace different forms of media.
2) Using human capabilities through re-invigorating growth and productivity: Governments should serve a more regulatory role while encouraging a mobilization of the private sector. In addition, governments should promote regional economic specializations and inter-Arab cooperation in order to benefit from globalization.
3) Promoting good governance: The expansion of political representation, reform of government administration and legal systems, strengthening of institutions of local governance, liberation of civil-society organizations, fostering of free and responsible media and respect for human rights and freedoms will each aid in the promotion of good governance.