The workshop which took place in Damascus was conducted in cooperation with UNFPA Syria CO and facilitated by Valerie Hayman and Philipe Grandet from Information and External Relations Division. Representatives and Programme Specialists from COs in the Arab Region have participated in the meeting.

The workshop aimed to improve knowledge of key resource management tools and issues related to planning, implementation and follow up in the context of on-going UN reform and the changing aid environment. Also aimed to clarify the role of respective offices, as well as that of the IERD Liaison Office in Brussels, ASRO and Country Offices in terms of Resource Mobilization (RM) and accountability.

Several topics were addressed during the workshop sessions covering, step by step appraoch to RM, types of funding and how to select the fund management option, donors mapping, accountability towards UNFPA donors, and using strategic communication to advance RM.

In his speech to the media, Mr. Chekir stressed the importance of this workshop in addressing resources mobilization options and trends in the light of the new aid environment, the global economic crisis; and in using special approachs for Mid-income countries. Also, highlighted the role of UNFPA and its partnrts in keeping the promise of health services provision for the most needy target groups.