The Middle East Institute and the UNDP are proud to host a discussion with UNDP Administrator Helen Clark, Under Secretary for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs Robert D. Hormats, and Middle East Institute Scholar Amb. Edward Walker about how best to address political, economic and human development needs in the Arab world today.
Since December, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets throughout the Arab world demanding substantive change in how they live and how their leaders govern. Impressive rates of economic growth in the region have too often failed to reduce poverty and inequality and foster opportunities for work. UNDP's Arab Human Development Reports, now in their 10th year, have consistently cited significant human development deficits in areas that include governance, living standards, women's empowerment, justice and human rights, as well as access to education.
Join us for a discussion of how the international community can support Arab governments in transition as they struggle to create decent work and reduce inequalities, open up political space, foster peace, justice, and reconciliation, develop and invest in their all-important human capital, and move forward on the basis of the rule of law, human rights, and equal opportunity for all.