LUGARIT's Insights on Prospects for Recovery in the Arab Region

08 May 2024 - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

In an event aimed at exploring the most pressing issues facing the sustainable human development in the Arab world, Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj, a partner at LUGARIT, addressed the challenges and opportunities for post-conflict recovery in the Arab region during the UNDP's Regional Bureau for the Arab States (RBAS) closed consultation event. The session held on May 8, 2024, was part of the preparatory process for the upcoming Arab Human Development Report (AHDR) 2025.

Background on the Arab Human Development Report

Since its inception, the AHDR has been a critical instrument for examining the development challenges of the Arab states and fostering dialogue towards sustainable solutions. Building on the previous reports, AHDR 2025 aims to explore how the Arab region can not only recover from recent setbacks such as economic crises and conflicts but also leap towards lasting human development. The report will utilize a human security framework to focus on enabling people to live free from fear, want, and indignity, drawing from interconnected approaches including governance, regional cooperation, and digitalization.

About the Event

The event, titled "Beyond Recovery: Clearing the Path for Sustainable Human Development," was organized by UNDP’s RBAS to gather insights from leading experts and stakeholders from around the Arab region. The consultation aimed at starting a conversation about the thematic structure of the AHDR 2025 and consisted of two sessions. The first session explored the pillars of sustainability, equity, and agency, while the second session, where Mr. Hallaj spoke, delved into the enabling factors such post-conflict recovery, governance, regional cooperation, and digital transformation crucial for human development.

LUGARIT’s Presentation

Mr. Hallaj's presentation, "Prospects for Recovery in the Arab Region," provided an analysis of the complex conflict ecosystem that affects the region. He argued that conflicts are interlinked across the region, influenced by a myriad of factors including youth bulges, geopolitical alignments, local governance issues, and the distribution of resources. Thus, he argued that recovery needs to aggregate the efforts of regional actors to work together towards stabilization and development.

Mr. Hallaj also outlined several scenarios for the region's future, ranging from continued fragmentation due to national conflicts to a more optimistic outlook where regional stability supports comprehensive recovery efforts. He emphasized that effective recovery strategies must focus on both demand and supply-side policies to bridge the developmental gap and cater to the young demographic, which is crucial for the region's future.

Looking Ahead

The insights shared by Mr. Hallaj and other experts at the event are expected to contribute to the foundational understanding and strategic framework of the AHDR 2025. By addressing the intertwined challenges of governance, conflict, and economic disparities, the upcoming report hopes to chart a path for the Arab region that not only moves beyond recovery but also towards a transformative and sustainable future.

This event marks a step in the ongoing efforts to understand and improve human development in the Arab region, emphasizing LUGARIT's commitment to fostering dialogue and solutions that address complex regional challenges.

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