Rethinking Development in the Arab Region
Against the backdrop of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings, this edition of ANND's newsletter examines the relationship between financial stability, development, economic and social rights, and accountability. Bringing together regional and country perspectives, it explores the consequences of economic reform, public debt, poverty, social protection, and inequality, alongside feminist approaches to care and emerging climate justice debates ahead of COP31.
Zahra Bazzi
This article discusses the limitations of financial stability in achieving a fair and sustainable economic and social recovery. It highlights the interconnections between governance, financial decisions, public debt, social protection, and reconstruction, with a focus on Lebanon and the Arab region.
Read the Editorial →Lamia Moubayyed
Fiscal reform must strengthen institutions, public services and trust, not simply balance accounts. This contribution examines the broader institutional and developmental challenges surrounding Lebanon's economic recovery.
Read the Article →Critical perspectives on international financial institutions and development outcomes.
Dr. Khalil Gebara
An examination of the IMF's regional economic outlook and the question of whether economic resilience translates into improved living conditions for people facing poverty and inequality across the Middle East and North Africa.
Read the Article →Yousry Mostafa
A critical perspective on the relationship between the World Bank's development approach, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the gaps between global commitments and development realities.
Read the Article →A discussion of fiscal and banking reforms in Lebanon and the question of how the costs of economic recovery are distributed across society.
Read the Article →An examination of the gap between macroeconomic stability and the protection of people from poverty, highlighting the social consequences of economic policy choices.
Read the Article →Mohamed Ramadan
This analysis explores the consequences of exchange rate flexibility in Egypt, including currency depreciation, inflation, purchasing power, and the economic and social costs associated with IMF-supported policies.
Read the Article →Ziad Abdel Samad
Moving beyond reporting events and institutional achievements, this article explores the media's role in enabling citizens to understand public policies, participate in decision-making, and hold institutions accountable.
Read the Article →Zahra Bazzi and Lea Ibrahim
A feminist perspective on economic policies, work, and care, questioning how development choices distribute responsibilities, resources, and costs across society.
Read the Article →As international climate negotiations approach COP31, these contributions examine climate science, water, energy, regional positions, and the economic and social dimensions of climate action.
An examination of the disagreement over the IPCC's Seventh Assessment Report, scientific participation, funding, and the implications for climate decision-making ahead of COP31.
Read the Article →A reflection on climate-related water risks and the need to place water at the centre of international climate discussions.
Read the Article →An examination of Arab negotiating priorities and the questions surrounding implementation, finance, technology, and climate justice ahead of COP31.
Read the Article →A perspective on the global energy transition and the questions of equity, access, and distribution of its costs.
Read the Article →An exploration of the relationship between conflict, energy security, and the prospects for accelerating the transition towards alternative energy systems.
Read the Article →Climate justice is not just a discussion at international conferences.
It is about farmers' crops, the cost of water, green spaces, care responsibilities, and resources that are becoming increasingly scarce.
The Arab NGO Network for Development is launching a Regional Survey on Climate Justice to listen to people across the region and turn their perspectives into knowledge and evidence that can strengthen advocacy.
What does climate justice mean to you? Which issues require urgent action? And who should be held responsible?
Your voice matters in shaping climate justice priorities across the Arab region.
Take the Survey →Read the original ANND newsletter, including its complete editorial content and updates.
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