Obstacles to Measuring Progress In Arab Civil Society

Mehrunisa Qayyum reports on how the lack of reliable social and economic data hinders the measurement of progress in Arab civil society.
An electrician walks past wires connected to a local generator in Baghdad January 23, 2011. Iraq is slowly getting back on its feet after decades of war and economic sanctions, but a chronic power shortage is hobbling the development of local industry just when it is needed most. An unemployment rate that some officials say runs at 30 percent represents not just an economic challenge but also provides muscle for a lingering insurgency as the sectarian warfare unleashed after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion fades
An electrician walks past a thicket of wires connected to a local generator in Baghdad, Jan. 23, 2011. - REUTERS/Saad Shalash

Over 696 civil society groups from 14 Arab countries stood with the Arab revolutions in Egypt & Tunisia. From Jan. 15-17, Abu Dhabi will host The World Future Energy Summit and the International Water Summit. Global leaders in policy, environment, technology and business will discuss renewable energy and the environment — issues that directly impact Arab civil society.

But what discussions will produce an opportunity for Arab civil society organizations to weigh in on holding businesses and government accountable to the vocalized goals? Moreover, is there any way for civil society organizations to push back and be counted?

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