AUC Hosts Fourth MENA Social Policy Conference

In collaboration with the British Council in Egypt, and as part of the American University in Cairo’s (AUC) centennial celebration, the Middle East and North African Social Policy Network (MENASP Network) organized its 4th edition conference in Cairo, Egypt titled “Social Policy in the MENA Region: Policy Learning in the Era of Social Protection” on October 30 and 31 at AUC New Cairo. The opening session of the conference was attended by the Egyptian Minister of Health and Population, Dr Hala Zaid.

The MENASP 2019 Conference aims at creating a common platform bringing together researchers, policymakers and practitioners from around the world to discuss the recent major reforms in the social protection agenda in the MENA region and how learning from policy experiences can be shared.

“The study of social policies remains an emergent field in the MENA region. This conference is an opportunity for researchers to share notes, and for a policy dialogue involving different stakeholders. I am very happy to see that we’ve been able to host this important event at the Public Policy and Administration Department at the American University in Cairo,” said Ghada Barsoum, associate professor and chair, Department of Public Policy and Administration.

 The conference included a series of panel discussions, workshops and keynote speeches discussing social policy topics ranging from cash transfer programs, health insurance, employment support and other areas of public interest affecting living standards and quality of life.

 “I am grateful, personally and professionally that we can hold this conference and talk about social protection issues in a local country context. Egypt is a key location for the MENA region and globally,” said Rana Jawad, senior lecturer at the department of social and policy sciences and the founder of the MENASP Network.