Overview

The Arab Forum for Equality (AFE) brings together political leaders, ministers, private sector actors, experts, civil society, and youth from the Arab region to address regional priorities on inequality, share national and international experiences, and engage multiple stakeholders in dialogue focused on practical solutions and policies to reduce inequality.

The Forum is held annually by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and other partners, as well as hosts multiple national and regional organizations.

Building on discussions from the previous forums held in Amman (2022), Beirut (2023), and Cairo (2024), the AFE-2025 will focus on inequality and social protection in the context of overlapping crises affecting the Arab region. It will explore how social protection systems can help mitigate inequalities exacerbated by economic, environmental, humanitarian, and political challenges, and promote inclusive and sustainable development.

The Forum will showcase regional and global best practices, with a particular focus on universal social protection as a tool to reduce inequality and support vulnerable populations, while fostering dialogue for innovative policy solutions to build resilience and social cohesion in the Arab region.