The present issue of Economic Cooperation and Development Review includes an article by Mrs. Irina Bokova, Director-General of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In her article titled “The Power of Culture for Development”, Mrs. Bokova presents her views on the role of culture in the process of development. Comparing with the past when culture was widely viewed as something associated with traditions and customs that were sometimes seen as obstacles to development, Mrs. Bokova argues that, with the process of globalization, the power of culture is increasingly recognized as a force for sustainability in development. In this context, Mrs. Bokova mentioned that cultural and creative industries are among the most rapidly growing sectors in the world, representing an estimated global value of US$ 1.3 trillion. Today, these industries account for an estimated 3-4% of the world GDP. Cultural tourism represents some 40% of the world total tourism revenues, and plays an increasing role as a source of employment.

In addition, SESRIC also contributes with two recent reports, namely: (1) The State of Education in OIC Member Countries; and (2) The State of Gender in OIC Member Countries. The first report analyses and examines the trends in the major indicators in the field of educational and scientific developments in the OIC member countries. It investigates these trends in a comparative manner with their counterparts in the group of developed countries, non-OIC developing countries as well as the world as a whole. In so doing, the report highlights a number of constraints and challenges confronting the member countries in their efforts to foster their educational and scientific development.

The second report on the state of gender aims to highlight differences between men and women and give an insight into the current state of OIC member countries as a group at global level by comparing them with the world and other country groups. Using the available gender disaggregated data, four important aspects of social and economic life, namely demographic facts, health, education and employment are discussed to understand the current status of men and women across the OIC region. Furthermore the data gaps are discussed in order to highlight the priority areas for gender-related data collection.

Online Electronic Version

Economic Cooperation and Development Review Vol.6 No.1 (English)