As Lebanon and Syria navigate critical reform and reconstruction phases, it is essential to ensure that governance, financing, and economic policies promote transparency, accountability, and social justice. This session assesses gaps in governance and financing, highlighting how IMF and World Bank interventions can support, rather than undermine, inclusive recovery. It also explores the needed economic reform plans and the role that IFIs should have in fostering long-term stability, and sustainable and equitable growth. Finally, the session examines the social impact of these efforts, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize livelihoods, social protection, equality, and community resilience.

Moderator:
Farah Al Shami, Senior Fellow and Social Protection Program Director, Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)

Speakers:
Timothy E. Kaldas, Deputy Director, Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP)
Lena Simet, Senior Researcher and Advocate, Human Rights Watch (HRW)
Sascha Buetzer, Economist (Lebanon and Syria), International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Jean-Christophe Carret, Country Director for the Middle East Department, World Bank (TBC)
Karam Shaar, Syrian Political Economist
Nizar Aouad, Influencing Lead, Oxfam in MENA