WANA – FES Book Launch: A Region in Motion

Under the patronage of HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, the West Asia-North Africa (WANA) Institute and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) launched their new book “A Region in Motion: Reflections from West Asia-North Africa” on Thursday.

The book is an anthology of research conducted by the WANA Institute. It addresses pressing issues such as climate change, human displacement, the rise of violent extremism, and the faltering social contract. The anthology highlights that while conflict and disaster provide a myriad of challenges, they also contain lessons to be learned.

HE Mrs Hala Bseiso Lattouf delivered the keynote speech on behalf of HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal: “The challenges facing Jordan and the WANA region should not be considered in isolation: local governance challenges are inter-twined with geopolitical challenges. While we are right to be daunted by the grim prospects, we also have a responsibility to insist that governments and policy-makers across the region, internationally and through multi-lateral bodies rise to these challenges.”

The keynote speech was followed by a Q&A session with the WANA Institute’s senior researchers, moderated by HE Dr Omar Rifai. Among other topics, the session discussed the role of women in countering violent extremism; how the Jordan Compact linked humanitarian assistance to Jordan’s economic goals; where Jordan stands when it comes to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals; and how we can strengthen Jordan’s civil society.

Tim Petschulat, Resident Director Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Jordan and Iraq, concluded that “FES is always ready to contribute to high-quality academic research. Academic research is of immense value to us and the society in general.”

The full publication is available online and hard copies can be obtained at the offices of the WANA Institute and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Amman.