A meeting for members of the Technical Cooperation Knowledge-sharing Network (TC Network) was organized by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) at the United Nations House in Beirut from 16 to 18 February 2009. A number of communications officials and experts concerned with technical cooperation programmes in ESCWA member countries participated in the meeting.

The purpose of the meeting was to follow up on the implementation of recommendations made at the preparatory meeting held in Cairo on 28-30 October 2007, and to enhance coordination and cooperation among TC Network members. During the meeting, TC Network website was launched. It is expected to facilitate communication between members, thereby making it easier to take tangible and serious steps to implement technical cooperation activities and programmes. The meeting dealt with the advisory services offered by regional advisors, the activities undertaken by ESCWA in the framework of its programme of work for the biennium 2008-2009 and the main priorities and programmes proposed for the biennium 2010-2011.

In parallel with the meeting, ESCWA organized a workshop for TC Network members on the preparation of programmes and projects for sustainable development. The workshop aimed to enhance capabilities in preparing programmes and projects for sustainable development, identifying country priorities and needs with regard to planning for sustainable development and promoting the streamlining of sustainable development in project and programme planning.

Division Chiefs gave visual presentations on ESCWA priorities and programme of work, while ESCWA regional advisors made presentations on their work. The working groups, made up of participants, which discussed the aims of TC Network and its annual action plan, presented the conclusions of their discussions.