The College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) chaired a panel discussion at the 54th Annual Meeting of the Middle East Studies Association, in line with its mission to facilitate effective policymaking at home and abroad.

Building on the recent launch of CPP’s program for social policy evaluation and research (PROSPER), Social Policy in the Gulf Region: Realities, Visions, and Futures considered how the socioeconomic, political and demographic changes of the past three decades have impacted the region’s social policies.

The virtual event provided for current knowledge about social policy across the Gulf region, including the actors, institutions, challenges and opportunities facing policymakers. Discussions were also supported with a series of case studies which reviewed existing literature, research and debates shaping social policymaking discourse.

The 54th Middle East Studies Association’s Annual Meeting featured over 300 panels and special sessions on a variety of topics related to Middle Eastern studies and took place on a virtual platform. With over 2,000 participants, a four-day film festival, book festivals and other informal sessions, the diversity of events reflect the Association’s commitment to connecting participants from a variety of disciplines to discuss social policy issues in the Gulf region.

Dr Anis Ben Brik, Founding Director of PROSPER and chair of the panel discussion, stated, “The post-COVID 19 world should be an opportunity for reflection on the type of social policies required to improve the quality of social services, especially with regard to social protection and the overall resilience of societies. To maximize the impact of social policies and improve their sustainability, a reflection on the future of Middle Eastern societies must also take into account the issue of inclusiveness.”

Dr Leslie A. Pal, Founding Dean of the College of Public Policy, expressed her delight in Dr Anis’ contribution and participation for the Middle East Studies Association’s annual meeting. She stated, “This event consistently attracts high-quality academics and thought-leaders to discuss a wealth of policy-relevant issues shaping the region. The event also provided a fantastic opportunity to highlight the recent launch of our PROSPER initiative. We’re confident that doing so will ignite further interest in this first-of-its-kind program for the Middle East.”

For more information on the work of the College of Public Policy, please visit https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/cpp/about

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