Martin Keulertz, Assistant Professor at the American University of Beirut, discusses the challenges the MENA region faces in achieving food security and discusses possible ways to address those challenges. Most importantly, the outlook can be optimistic with attention to key issues and the development of new strategies.

Ismahane Elouafi, Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, discusses the innovation solutions that could be applied to improving food security in the Middle East & North Africa. She focuses on deploying small scale technological innovations, the importance of learning from older techniques, and the utilization of local, native crop varieties.

The Hollings Center supported a photography competition and two exhibitions held in Lahore, Pakistan and Kabul, Afghanistan, entitled Amazing Pakistan : Amazing Afghanistan, through a grant received by the United States Embassy Kabul. The project aimed to build trust, mutual respect, and to promote commonalities between Pakistan and Afghanistan through the medium of photography. Photographers […]

The Middle East and North Africa region urgently needs ethical and sustainable solutions for the plethora of challenges it faces, including the pressure of displaced populations, growing unemployment, armed conflict, environmental concerns, and lack of food or water security. Multiple previous Hollings Center dialogue programs have noted the important need for sustainable economic growth and […]

Charlotte Karam, Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior and Associate Dean of Programs, Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut discusses the strategies used to bring together business stakeholders for the promotion of peace. For example, in some areas, businesses are starting to look beyond traditional customer relationships and are engaging other groups […]

Donata Garrasi, Managing Partner for Europe Conflict and Security (ECAS) Consulting outlines what needs to happen for business to invest in conflict and post-conflict areas. She notes the importance of having available, transparent information as well as mechanisms to allow investors to enter and for businesses to mitigate risk. She highlights examples of how this […]

Robert E. McNulty Co-Chair of PRME Business for Peace Working Group and Program Director of the Hoffman Center for Business Ethics at Bentley University discusses the potential of private enterprise in improving social issues and contributing to peace. He highlights how businesses can be engines of social transformation and outlines several social needs requiring response. […]

Africa's markets and strategic importance are driving partnerships with MENA countries, boosting investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and development.

May 2017. Athens, Greece The Hollings Center supported a meeting of experts on Eastern Mediterranean[1] security, organized in Athens by the Center for International and European Studies at Kadir Has University, in May 2017. Participants included academics, researchers, and professionals of non-governmental organizations from Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel. The discussions in this […]

Independent researcher and consultant Catherine Long discusses the various models of engagement that recent U.S. administrations have pursued in relations with the Greater Horn of Africa. For example, she discusses the transition from U.S. aid having good governance conditionality to inclusion of trade goals to newer programs focused on specific health and infrastructure projects.