On November 27, 2024, London played host to a landmark event for the Middle East and North Africa Social Policy (MENASP) Network. The End-of-Project Conference, held in a hybrid format, brought together researchers, policymakers, civil society representatives and stakeholders from across the globe. This pivotal event marked the conclusion of the AHRC-GCRF Research Network Project: Strengthening Social Protection, Security and Welfare in the MENA Region (MENASP-CP). Over the past five years, this international, multi-disciplinary initiative has explored the critical connections between social policy, welfare, and human security in the MENA region.
Exploring the Project’s Impact
The conference spotlighted findings from more than its various research projects, tackling key issues such as:
- The social and economic drivers of violence and conflict.
- The impact of climate change on human security.
- Community-based peacebuilding practices.
- Social inclusion for vulnerable groups, including female-headed households, informal workers, refugees, people with disabilities, and youth.
The MENASP-CP Network Plus project was a collaboration led by the University of Birmingham, in partnership with the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), the University of Bath, and numerous international partners. It was funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).

This event also welcomed presentations from sister GCRF-Network Plus projects, fostering a broader exchange of ideas and learnings across complementary initiatives.
Keynote Highlights: Why Evidence Matters for Human Security
The conference featured an inspiring keynote speech from Dr Sherine El Taraboulsi McCarthy, Director of Impact and Change at the Start Network. Her address, titled Why Evidence Matters for Human Security in the MENA Region, underscored the urgent need for robust evidence-based approaches to social policy and conflict prevention.

Dr El Taraboulsi McCarthy shared insights from her extensive experience, including a poignant story from Libya in 2012 about the transformative impact of conflict on individuals and communities. She highlighted systemic barriers to evidence generation and uptake in the humanitarian sector, such as epistemic inequalities and funding constraints. Yet, she also offered a roadmap for change, advocating for:
- Experimentation with innovative research methods.
- Co-production in research with regional and national experts.
- Context-specific methodologies tailored to local realities.
- Reflexivity on equity in research design.
- Transdisciplinary approaches to link social and natural sciences.
“Evidence is not just a tool for understanding the world; it is a key driver of change,” she emphasised, urging for systemic shifts to better address human security challenges in the MENA region.
Launch of the End-of-Project Report
The MENASP Network proudly unveiled its comprehensive End-of-Project Report, encapsulating five years of groundbreaking research. Key findings include:
- Traditional conflict responses in the MENA region often overlook the socioeconomic dimensions of unrest.
- Social policy is both a driver of conflict and a tool for peacebuilding.
- Effective social policy governance can foster equitable, cohesive communities and pathways to peace.

The report highlights pressing issues such as:
- The interplay between climate change and conflict.
- The critical role of labour protections in addressing social grievances.
- The need for more inclusive social policies that address non-monetary wellbeing, mental health, and climate resilience.
Read the full report here.
Achievements Over Five Years
The MENASP-CP project achieved significant milestones, including:
- Funding 12 interdisciplinary research projects to explore social policy and peacebuilding in the arts and humanities.
- Establishing a sustainable network of 15 UK and international partner organisations.
- Developing 12 Proof of Concept documents to guide future research on social policy and conflict prevention.
Key Messages from the MENASP-CP Project
- Social policy interventions can either promote or undermine peace, depending on how they are designed and implemented.
- Social protection mechanisms should be redefined to address the compound risks of climate change and conflict.
- Marginalised groups, such as refugees and informal workers, face disproportionate challenges that demand inclusive policy solutions.
- Short-term conflict responses must be complemented by long-term investments in social policy governance to ensure sustainability.
Reflecting on the Journey
Rana Jawad, the Project Principal Investigator and MENASP Network Convenor, shared her thoughts: “This project has been a more than a journey – indeed, it has been a whole education about the linkages between social policy and conflict prevention. Everyone has stepped out of their comfort zones and building on our collective research expertise. The hard work and dedication of all involved have truly paid off, and the extensive network of partners across the MENA region is a testament to the collaborative effort and shared vision driving this incredible achievement.”
Nicola Jones, from our partner ODI, also praised the project’s impact: “The focus on social protection and social policy as a preventative mechanism is critical, particularly in MENA, where these divisions are multiplying globally. This project provides a valuable opportunity to take stock of what we’ve learned and reflect on the role of social policy in addressing large-scale devastation.”
Watch the Conference Recording
Couldn’t attend the event? Watch the full conference recording on our YouTube channel. You can also find some photos taken during the conference on our Facebook page.
Looking Ahead
As the MENASP-CP project concludes, its findings and partnerships lay the foundation for future research and social policy advancements in the MENA region. The insights gained over the past five years will hopefully inspire new approaches to conflict prevention and social welfare interventions.
Photo credit: MENASP Network – Hanna-Katrina Jedrosz