Amid ongoing conflicts in the Arab region and the exponential increase in humanitarian needs, effective and inclusive social protection systems have become more imperative than ever. However, the current global financial architecture remains a significant impediment to shifting towards such systems and achieving universal social security. In light of this, on the occasion of the 2024 Annual Meetings of the IMF and WBG in Washington, D.C., from October 21-26, the Arab Reform Initiative (ARI) is launching an advocacy campaign. The campaign will include the release of two new regional reports on the role of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in shaping social protection systems in the region, as well as an independent side event and four sessions at the Meetings’ Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF). These events aim to provide a platform to share ARI and its partners’ latest research findings and to advocate for the resulting policy recommendations with IMF and WBG representatives.

1.Research Paper on “Financing Universal Social Protection Systems in the Arab Region: What Alternatives to Debt and Austerity?

Read this regional research paper by ARI’s Senior Fellow and Social Protection Program Director, Farah Al Shami. This paper offers a detailed analysis of the social protection financing landscape, identifying challenges and proposing reforms. Suggested solutions include self-financed contributory schemes, fiscal and public finance reforms, debt relief and restructuring, climate finance instruments, and global funding mechanisms. The paper’s added value lies in politicizing a typically technical discussion and drawing comparative insights from five national contexts: Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, and Morocco.

2.Edited Volume on “Property Taxes: Missed Opportunities for Funding Universal Social Protection in Lebanon, Morocco, and Jordan?

This regional volume, edited by the expert in social and economic rights, Osama Diab, compiles three national case studies (Lebanon, Morocco, and Jordan) and synthesizes their findings in a comparative, analytical introduction by the editor. It explores the opportunities provided by real estate taxes in financing universal social protection schemes, while offering a costing for such schemes and tapping into the feasibility of introducing this form of taxes, being one of the most progressive and redistributive taxes that are rather minimal in the region. The paper tackles the role that IFIs and governments can play in order to make such fiscal reforms possible and earmarked for the scheme in question.

3.Independent Side Event on “The Impact of IMF Policies on Arab Social Protection Systems: Proposing Tangible and Feasible Alternatives”

For more about this event, click here.

4.CSPF Event on “Universal Social Security and the Social Contract: A Critical Examination Through Case Studies”

To join the session online, click here.

You can now watch the recording

5. CSPF Event on “Arab Voices for Sustainable Development Financing: Rights-Based Approaches to Addressing the Debt-Tax-Climate Crises”

For more about this event, click here.

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6.CSPF Event on "Centering Wellbeing Economics: Rethinking Development in the Global South"

Save the date and add it to your calendar here.

7.CSPF Event on "Women and the IMF: Accountability through Gender Impact Assessments"

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You can now watch the recording

8.Third News Digest on "Poverty-Targeted Social Safety Nets"

On this occasion, ARI’s Arab Region Hub for Social Protection is pleased to offer you the third issue of its News Digest, around “Poverty-Targeted Social Safety Nets.” Read the digest to better understand how IFIs are limiting Arab social protection systems to narrowly poverty-targeted safety nets that are inadequate, non-inclusive, transient, and incapable of providing social security to those in need.