The special session was organized within the framework of the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development (AFSD) 2019 which was organized from 9 to 11 April 2019 under the theme: "Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality in the Arab region" at the UN-House, Beirut.

The Special Session aimed to foster dialogue on policy interlinkages and means of implementation needed to pursue climate action in the Arab region.  In accordance with the 2030 Agenda, special attention was paid to the concerns of women, youth, vulnerable groups, and least developed countries in the Arab region.

The main messages from the special session were included in the AFSD final documentation which will be submitted to the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), 9 to 18 July 2019 in UN headquarters, New York.

The HLPF is the global United Nations mechanism for the follow-up and review on progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.