The Local Public Sector Alliance (LPSA) is pleased to announce the launch of its new Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Working Group, expanding its global network of practitioners, researchers, and policymakers working to strengthen decentralization, local governance, and multilevel governance.
Please register now for the inaugural MENA Regional Working Group meeting on Monday October 19 and help shape this new regional community of practice.
The new Working Group will provide a regional platform for knowledge sharing, professional exchange, and collaboration among stakeholders committed to more inclusive, responsive, and effective governance across the MENA region. It will bring together local government practitioners, national policymakers, researchers, development partners, and civil society representatives to exchange experiences, identify common challenges, and advance practical solutions.
The Working Group will be coordinated by Eng. Balqis Al-Shahwan, Executive Director of Umm Al-Basateen Municipality in Jordan. Balqis brings extensive practical experience in municipal management and a strong commitment to peer learning and professional collaboration. Her leadership will help ensure that the Working Group remains grounded in the priorities and experiences of local governance practitioners throughout the region.
Join our inaugural meeting – October 19, 2026
LPSA invites everyone interested in decentralization and multilevel governance in the MENA region to join the Working Group’s inaugural online meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time (4:00 PM Amman time).
The meeting will introduce the Working Group and provide an opportunity for participants to share their perspectives on regional priorities, identify opportunities for collaboration, and help shape the group’s future activities.
Participation is free and open to all. We especially encourage local government practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and development partners from across the MENA region to join the conversation.
Please register now for the inaugural MENA Regional Working Group meeting on Monday October 19 and help shape this new regional community of practice.
