The COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on the Mena geopolitical landscape. While many governments have taken the chance to impose stricter measures of public control, in terms of security the virus has slowed conflict dynamics in some theatres, such as Yemen and Syria, but has also exacerbated the impact of war and economic crisis across the region as a whole. In parallel, regional diplomacy is also witnessing both new reconciliatory efforts and deepening divides. With international actors and organizations partially downsizing their presence or reorienting their focus in light of the virus, more uncertainty is likely to loom. To further complicate the situation, the lack of an efficient public health system, too long neglected by local governments, combines with the high percentage of refugees in densely-populated and ill-fitted camps, thus creating the equation for a perfect pandemic storm, especially in terms of humanitarian costs.

Opening remarks       

Marina Sereni, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International cooperation, Italy

Panel Discussion

Ahmed Al-Mandhari, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health Organization

Paolo Magri, Executive Vice President and Director, ISPI, Italy

Stefano Manservisi, Former DG, DGDEV, EU Commission; Distinguished Fellow, CGD and ODI

Randa Slim, Director, Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program, MEI, USA

Maha Yahya, Director, Carnegie Middle East Center, Lebanon

In partnership with                                                                                                      In the context of