The College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) showcased its efforts to support evidence-driven policy development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the 5th International Conference on Public Policy (ICPP5) held July 5-9. One of the most important global conferences on policy research, ICPP5 was jointly organized by the International Public Policy Association (IPPA) with the Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals in a hybrid format.

Dr. Anis Ben Brik, associate professor at CPP, and founding director of the Program for Social Policy Evaluation and Research (PROSPER), organized a virtual panel session on July 7 titled Social Transformations and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Middle East and North Africa: Implications and Policy Responses. The session was a space for dialogue between top scholars on how differing responses to the pandemic around the region affect social justice and social protection, as well as state policies that attempt to address the challenges facing societies.

With 155 panels, 228 sessions, 1,527 papers selected, and over 1,300 registered participants, CPP faculty were among eminent researchers contributing with thought leadership in policy design in response to challenges currently facing the MENA region.

Dr. Leslie Pal, founding dean of CPP, Dr. Andreas Rechkemmer, senior professor, and Dr. Ben Brik presented an analysis of data gathered through their comprehensive policy tracker of government responses to COVID-19 in 12 MENA countries, Menatracker.org. They discussed the major conclusions from the project, which tracks and maps government policy responses in real-time, covering interventions in public health, economic, and social policy. 

Dr. Ben Brik, associate professor at CPP, explained: “The pandemic has been a unique “stress test” of governance and institutional constraints for the region. CPP’s research has produced the largest and most comprehensive and complete dataset on policies and government measures in response to COVID-19 in MENA. Presenting our data analysis results and conclusions at this significant global conference was a chance to collaboratively explore institutional responses and coping mechanisms that might allow policymakers to improve service delivery through innovative policy solutions. CPP was glad to be able to contribute and help lead efforts to ensure effective policy development and implementation, by sharing our deep insights into regional challenges.”

For more information on the work of the College of Public Policy, please visit cpp.hbku.edu.qa.