MENA countries have made some decentralization gains since the Arab Spring. However, these gains have been partial, incomplete, and limited because of other concerns. Morocco, Tunisia and Iraq are among the most decentralized countries in the region. Their democratic transition yielded a strong commitment to decentralization. Nevertheless, there are concerns about the future of decentralization reforms in these countries also. This session will focus on the following questions: what has been the progress so far? Has the degree of decentralization been stagnant; or are countries backsliding? What political economy forces have been shaping the progress on decentralization and localization (or the lack thereof)? And what can development practitioners, scholars and civil society organizations do to encourage evidence-based decentralization and localization reforms to promote inclusive and sustainable development? (This session is co-hosted by the World Bank).
.
Tuesday, March8, 2022: 8 am NYC/DC (2 pm CET/Rabat; 3 pm Cairo; 4 pm Baghdad)
| Topic | Contributor |
|---|---|
 Introduction to Webinar Session | Jens Kristensen, World Bank |
 Reforms and progress in Morocco [Watch on YouTube] | Abel Bove, World Bank |
| Reforms and progress in Tunisia [Watch on YouTube] | Dina Ranarifidy, World Bank |
| Reforms and progress in Iraq [Watch on YouTube] | Shahla al Kli, Middle East Institute |
| Discussion / Q & A | Moderator, audience, and panelists |
This webinar is part of the Local Public Sector Alliance Knowledge Week on Decentralization and Local Development in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
