Jeannie Sowers, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of New Hampshire, discusses some of the obstacles to food security in the Middle East & North Africa, particularly the challenge of the inclusion of rural populations in food security strategies. She further highlights good examples from the region.

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.

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. […]

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.  

Rakiya Omaar, the Director of the Horizon Institute – Somaliland, discusses the Somali perspective on what new actors such as Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) bring to the table in Somalia in comparison to traditional actors such as the United States.  

Awad Mustafa, National Security Correspondent for The National, discusses both successful and unsuccessful examples of investment by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in to the Greater Horn of Africa.  

Dr. Alp Özerdem, Co-Director of the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University, discusses the motivations and activities of traditional actors such as the United States in contrast to newer actors such as Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in the Greater Horn of Africa. He specifically elaborates on the […]