CPP and Stimson Center Co-Host Global Policy Dialogue

The Global Policy Dialogue (GPD) on MENA Perspectives on Global and Regional Governance during Turbulent Times took place on 6 December 2024 at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). Co-organized by the College of Public Policy (CPP), Stimson Center, and in partnership with the Doha Forum and Global Governance Innovation Network, the event gathered leading experts, policymakers, and scholars from the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region and beyond to discuss innovative strategies for strengthening both global and regional governance in the face of instability. 

A key highlight was the opening exchange between Dr. Mona Khalil, a member of the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS) board of directors, and Professor Sultan Barakat, CPP, who chaired the dialogue. Professor Barakat’s insightful framing of the political and socio-economic context in the MENA region set the stage for deep discussions on pressing issues affecting both regional and global governance, including the spread of conflict, high unemployment, and the growing threat of climate change. As Dr. Barakat remarked: “The central issue hindering progress in the region remains the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the failure of existing global and regional governance mechanisms to uphold international law.”

The dialogue also explored the relationships and policy dynamics between major global institutions, such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, G20, and regional bodies like the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, African Union, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Conversations focused on how these entities can enhance their cooperation to address both regional and global challenges. 

Beyond governance, peace, security, sustainable development, and the digital divide, the event emphasized the establishment of the MENA Research Network on Regional and Global Governance Innovation (MRN-RGGI). The network is designed to transform the dialogue’s outcomes into actionable recommendations and ensure their implementation by relevant regional and global bodies, preventing critical insights from being lost. 

The MRN-RGGI will facilitate collaboration among national governments, regional organizations, civil society, and global institutions, advancing sustainable solutions to the MENA region’s most urgent challenges. The network will also support knowledge-sharing, track policy outcomes, and build strategic partnerships for ongoing research and advocacy, ensuring that MENA voices are heard and acted upon in global governance discussions. 

This event marked a significant milestone in shaping the future of regional and global governance, with the College of Public Policy playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the dialogue’s outcomes will have a lasting and impactful legacy.