LINKING POLICY-MAKING WITH POLICY ANALYSIS IN MENA —————————————————————————————————— THE CONCEPT The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) has a three year (2012-15) regional programme in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) designed to strengthen links between policy-makers, researchers, research institutes and think tanks. The programme is a response to the dearth of independent sources of policy analysis in some MENA countries and/or a lack of established think tanks. WFD partners with the Arab Institute for Parliamentary Training and Legislative Studies in efforts to link policy analysts with MPs and parliamentary committee members throughout the MENA region. The principal purpose of the programme is to improve liaison between parliamentarians, experts and public policy analysts to stimulate the greater use of evidence-based research that will help to inform policy and develop empirically based legislation that is more responsive to citizens’ needs. The programme is engaged in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia and Yemen and also complements the work that WFD does in its Iraq programme which supports an independent think tank that serves the Baghdad parliament—the Council of Representatives. It partners with a number of centres of regional and international expertise, think tanks and research institutes (see below). ‘Linking policy-making with policy research’ also engages civil society organisations that can play a role in informing and advocating policy reforms in recognition of the impetus that is generated by civil society for policy reform. Facilitating the provision of quality, evidence-based analysis is intended to support parliamentarians’ access to evidence that will assist in their decision-making and policy implementation. The programme is premised on the view evidence-based research is a vital component in formulating policies and legislation and that think tanks and research institutes have the potential to play a valuable role in supporting politicians and contributing to robust and innovative policy. OBJECTIVES To generate greater liaison between politicians, research institutes, think tanks and civil society organisations and the provision of policy analysis that is evidence-based, accessible and relevant. To improve the abilities of research institutes to provide information to parliamentarians and their staffs. To provide training material that can be utilised in courses delivered by the Arab Institute for Parliamentary Training and Legislative Studies on topics to include health, social welfare, unemployment and education. To promote international linkages between policy research institutes of policy research institutes and develop training materials for them. PARTNERS Egypt: Arab Forum for Alternatives, a Cairo-based think tank that seeks to promote greater links between policy experts particularly on issues of political reform in the Arab region. Iraq: House of Expertise Lebanon: American University of Beirut, Issam Fares Institute, which aims to use policy-related research to raise the quality of policy-related debate and decision-making the Arab world. Yemen: Tamkeen Development Organisation— which is moving into policy analysis alongside its development work with WFD’s support. Tunisia: WFD supports a group of independent policy analysts who are working towards the formation of a new think tank. RESULTS It is envisaged that on completion of the programme results will include: A strengthened role for policy research institutes and think tanks and stronger links with policy-makers and civil society. Greater use and demand for research in policy development and implementation by politicians. Greater profile of the role of research institutes, think tanks and analysts in shaping policy development that is responsive to the needs of all sectors of society. CONTACT INFORMATION Dina Melhem WFD’s Head of MENA programmes Artillery House, 11-19 Artillery Row, London T + 44 (0) 207 340 1894 Henry Richards WFD’s MENA programme officer Artillery House, 11-19 Artillery Row, London T + 44 (0) 207 340 0223 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
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