Arab World Brief
5 items available
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These briefs are intended to summarize lessons learned from the knowledge and learning activities of the World Bank Group and our partners.
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Publication
Towards a New Partnership for Inclusive Growth in the Middle East and North Africa
(Washington, DC, 2011-05)Citizens are challenging authorities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), in countries with diverse socioeconomic and institutional settings. From wealthy Bahrain to impoverished Yemen, from Tunisia with its sophisticated state institutions, to Egypt with its five thousand years of culture and civilization, the unifying refrain has been 'dignity, respect and freedom' and an end to the Arab exceptionalism which has denied rights enjoyed elsewhere. The Arab spring in the spirit of a popular awakening has arrived. This brief proposes a framework for support to MENA based on the four building blocks, which are closely interconnected. Support to the region could address the four development priorities under the overall approach that policy is as important as money. -
Publication
Enhancing Access to Micro-Data in the Middle East and North Africa
(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2011-05)Greater transparency and accountability has been one of the core issues behind the current upheavals in the region. Similarly, lack of or inability to gain access to data has been a long standing complaint by local and international agencies and organizations. This state of affairs makes it difficult to design good policies and to put together indicators to hold governments and others accountable. This Arab World brief looks at the current state-of-play in terms of access to data as well as measures to improve the situation. -
Publication
Middle East and North Africa Local Service Delivery Initiative : Promoting Social Accountability and Demand for Good Governance
(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2011-04)Good governance is an underlying condition for the formulation of effective and efficient public policies, programs, and services. It implies a social contract and adherence to rules and laws that enable improved interaction between government and constituents on transparency, accountability, and participation. Good governance is equitable and inclusive, responsive and consensus-oriented. Governance reforms rank high on the development agenda of many Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, particularly in regard to public service delivery. Social accountability approaches aim to improve the performance of public services, user satisfaction, and value for money. This note highlights lessons learned thus far from the four Local Service Delivery Initiative (LDSI) pilot programs. -
Publication
Emerging Developments and Challenges in the Arab World
(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2011-02)The events of the last few weeks are a watershed for Tunisia, Egypt, and other Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. The ongoing political events will resonate regionally and globally and, if followed by sound transitions to better governance structures, these events provide a unique opportunity to change MENA's political and social landscape. The root cause of the political turmoil in MENA is fatigue with longstanding authoritarian rule and weak political and economic governance as confirmed by public concerns over voice, social justice, accountability and access to services. The MENA region also has its strengths: its youth, resource base and the resilience shown during the global crisis. The economic and social impact will be significant in the short term with slippages in economic growth, fiscal revenues and tourism and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) receipts. Large parts of the population lack adequate access to jobs, land, services, finance and justice. They may be further affected as inflationary pressures grow depending, among others, on oil and food prices. -
Publication
Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) for Youth in MENA : Policies to Promote Employment Opportunities
(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2011-02)On January 18, 2011, the Arab Development Summit Youth Forum met in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt, aiming to provide young Arab leaders and Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) entrepreneurs with the opportunity for dialogue with Arab decision makers, providing recommendations on how to empower youth in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) through ICT. Tunisia's Jasmine revolution and its aftermath highlighted demand from youth for good governance. Access to information, freedom of expression and overall economic opportunities, ranked highest among the priorities articulated by youth-led Arab movements for change. The issue of youth employment is key to inclusive development in MENA which has the youngest population (average age 23 years) together with the highest global youth unemployment rate. While demand for ICT has been increasing dramatically, there is a regional youth digital divide. Mobile penetration is high but only 1.6 percent of the population has internet access. Addressing challenges on the supply-side and the demand-side can enable youth to reap the benefits of ICT.