The Middle East Institute (MEI) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will host a hybrid panel and presentation 14 September to discuss findings and recommendations of the 2022 Arab Human Development Report, “Expanding Opportunities for an Inclusive and Resilient Recovery in the Post-COVID Era.”

Speakers will assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economies and societies of the Middle East and North Africa, where human development gains have faced a significant setback over the last two years. They will also consider the report’s recommendations for getting the region back on track, such as making governance systems more accountable and responsive, economies more diversified and competitive, and societies more cohesive and inclusive—to ensure a resilient recovery for all.

Programme:
Welcome Remarks 
Paul Salem
President & CEO, MEI

Dr. Khalida Bouzar
UNDP Regional Director for Arab States

Presentation of the 2022 Arab Human Development Report 
Tehmina Akhtar, UNDP Senior Regional Strategic Advisor for Arab States, will present key research findings and insights that contextualize the report’s conclusions and recommendations. 

Panel Discussion

Jihad Azour
Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department, International Monetary Fund

Patricia Karam
Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa, International Republican Institute 

Paul Salem
President and CEO, Middle East Institute

Mona Yacoubian 
Senior Advisor to the Vice President, United States Institute of Peace

Joyce Karam, moderator 
Washington correspondent, The National

Remarks from UNDP Resident Representatives 
UNDP resident representatives from Iraq, Zena Ali Ahmad, Libya, Marc-André Franche (virtual), and Somalia, Jocelyn Mason, will perspectives and key insights from the field.

Closing Remarks
Sarah Poole
UNDP Deputy Regional Director for Arab States

You can Register here