The impact of COVID-19 is testing the MENA region’s resilience, risking exacerbation of regional competition and political instability as well as fragility in some cases. The pandemic is forcing governments to make quick decisions, manage crisis coordination and implement drastic measures to protect communities at risk. Many administrations have demonstrated strong capacity to mobilize and implement prevention measures, while preparing stimulus packages to support households and firms. In fragile and conflict-affected countries, economic reconstruction plans will need to materialize to provide for minimum levels of stability.

In this context, the role of parliamentarians is indispensable to ensure transparency and a proper allocation of budget and aid packages aimed at coping with the crisis and building a more sustainable recovery. The meeting will therefore engage legislators from the region in a discussion on building an inclusive and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation will offer the opportunity to address several aspects of an inclusive recovery including vaccines, governance, reforms, debt, and climate change. The event will be also present an opportunity for the World Bank and the IMF to hear from parliamentarians about the measures implemented in the region that help countries cope with the crisis and recover from the pandemic.