An accurate diagnosis of a problem is an important part of the solution. It is precisely for this reason that the Regional Bureau for Arab states has commissioned a groupe of distinguished Arab intellectuals to produce the Arab Human development report. The wealth of unbiased, objective analysis it contains is part of our contribution to Arab peoples and policy-makers in the search for a brighter future. The report shows that Arab countries have made significant strides in more than one area of human development in the last three decades. Nevertheless, the predominant characteristic of the current Arab reality seems to be the existence of deeply rooted shortcomings in the Arab instutional structure. These shortcomungs are an obstacle to building human development, The report summarises them as three deficits relating to freedom, empowerment of women, and knowledge. The deficits comstitute weighty constraints on human capability that must be lifted. From a positive perspective, the realisation of human development in the Arab world requires transcending curent shortcomings, and even transforming them into their opposites, i.e. advantages enjoyed by all Arabs, assets all Arab countries can be proud of in the third Millennium. Specifically, the report concludes that Arab countries ned to embark on rebuilding their societies on the basis of: Full respect for human rights and freedoms as the cornerstone of good governance, leading to human development. The complete empowerment of Arab women, taking advantage of all opportunities to buold their capabilities and to enable, them to exercise those capabilities to the full. The consolidation of knowledge acquistion and its effective utilisation. As a key driver of progress knowledge must be brought to bear efficiently and productively in all aspects of society, with the goal of enhancing human well being across the region. In the end, bold thinking holds the key to realizing, as opposed to only conceiving of, grand visions for the future. Great goals require great acts.