Development is often defined in terms of its economic aspects, as increased material well-being through ensured employment and income for all who want it. But as knows anyone whose children go to schools of poor quality, have no clean water to drink, or face the threat of violence, development...

This book analyzes the development of knowledge-based economies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Its principal messages are: Because of the so-called "knowledge revolution" resulting from the rapid growth in information and communication technologies (ICT), the acceleration of...

The SE4ALL objectives are global, with individual countries setting their own national targets in a way that is consistent with the overall spirit of the initiative. Because countries differ greatly in their ability to pursue the three objectives, some will make more rapid progress in one area...

Water has always been a source of risks and opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa. Yet rapidly changing socioeconomic, political, and environmental conditions make water security a different, and more urgent, challenge than ever before. This report shows that achieving water security...

Protracted crises in urban contexts of the Middle East and North Africa region present a growing challenge for water supply and sanitation (WSS) service providers and, in turn, the governments and international organizations that support them. The protracted nature of crisis in countries...

Growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is projected to rebound to an average of 2% in 2018, up from an average 1.4% in 2017. The modest rebound in growth is driven mostly by the recent rise in oil prices, which has benefitted the region’s oil exporters while putting pressure...

The 30th anniversary of CEDAW renewed debate on proposed mechanisms to increase women's presence in the public sphere across the developing and developed world. In particular, such debates are becoming increasingly salient across the Middle East and North Africa as countries attempt to impress...

Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries have been characterized by the preponderant role of their military forces in economic matters, as demonstrated by high levels of military spending and it's growing industrial complex. While extensive research examines the relationship between...