Eli Bar-On

MENA2050 is pleased to share the third publication by Dr. @BanafshKeynoush , a member of the MENA2050 Climate Action Committee. Building on her ongoing series examining climate policy and regional cooperation across the MENA region, this latest article explores how GCC countries are advancing renewable energy as a cornerstone of their climate and economic transition. In GCC Renewable Energy Goals and Policies, Dr. Keynoush examines the renewable energy strategies adopted across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar in the wake of COP28 and the subsequent commitments made at COP29 and COP30. The publication highlights the Gulf's growing investments in solar, wind, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and emerging clean technologies, while exploring the policy frameworks, climate finance mechanisms, and regional initiatives driving the transition toward more diversified and resilient energy systems. The article also discusses the opportunities and challenges facing the GCC, including grid modernization, energy storage, workforce development, regulatory reforms, and the balance between maintaining hydrocarbon revenues and accelerating the shift to low-carbon energy. As the GCC works toward ambitious renewable energy and net-zero targets, this publication offers valuable insights into the policies, investments, and regional cooperation shaping the future of the Gulf's energy transition. Read the full article: mena2050.org/news/gcc-renew… #MENA2050 #ClimateAction #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #GCC #COP28 #COP29 #COP30 #NetZero #CleanEnergy #Hydrogen #SolarEnergy #ClimatePolicy #Sustainability #RegionalCooperation

MENA2050 is pleased to share the second publication by Dr. @BanafshKeynoush , a member of the MENA2050 Climate Action Committee. Building on her previous analysis of GCC climate adaptation policies, this latest article examines the evolving role of food security in the Gulf's climate agenda and the policy initiatives shaping the region's path from COP28 to COP30. In GCC Food Security Initiatives from COP28 to COP30, Dr. Keynoush explores how Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are strengthening food security in the face of climate change, geopolitical uncertainty, and growing pressures on global food supply chains. The publication explores the evolution of GCC food security strategies from COP28 through COP30, highlighting national efforts to enhance sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient food systems, AgriTech innovation, water-efficient farming, and strategic food reserves. It also reviews the policies and initiatives adopted by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar to reduce import dependency while building more resilient food systems. The article discusses the growing role of international climate cooperation, agricultural innovation, renewable technologies, climate finance, and public-private partnerships in advancing food security across the Gulf. It also examines how the outcomes of successive UN Climate Conferences have helped shape regional priorities for sustainable food production and climate adaptation. As climate change, water scarcity, regional conflicts, and global market disruptions continue to challenge food systems, this publication provides valuable insights into the opportunities, policies, and collaborative approaches that can strengthen long-term food security and resilience across the GCC. Read the full article: mena2050.org/news/gcc-food-… #MENA2050 #ClimateAction #FoodSecurity #GCC #COP28 #COP29 #COP30 #ClimateResilience #AgriTech #SustainableAgriculture #ClimatePolicy #WaterSecurity #FoodSystems #RegionalCooperation #Sustainability

This wonderful article by @SSinijlawi and @eli_bar_on was published in our policy paper about "Perspectives for a political solution of the middle-east conflict" by @LiberaleModerne. Well worth reading, especially in these difficult times in the Middle East.

New Policy Brief | MENA's Informal Economy: From Policy Challenge to an Untapped Economic Asset In his latest @MENA_2050 policy brief, Youssef Lahbiel, a MENA2050 member, examines the informal economy across the MENA region and argues that policy should go beyond formalization to create opportunities for growth, inclusion, and resilience. The brief presents practical recommendations, including graduated pathways to formalization, portable social protection, simplified taxation, and stronger data collection. Read here the full policy brief: mena2050.org/news/policy-br… #MENA2050 #MENA #MiddleEast #NorthAfrica #EconomicDevelopment #InformalEconomy #Governance #PublicPolicy #FinancialInclusion

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 : 𝗚𝗖𝗖 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 MENA2050 is pleased to share a new publication by Dr. @BanafshKeynoush , a member of the MENA2050 Climate Action Committee. This article is part of Dr. Keynoush’s series of publications examining climate policy, adaptation, and regional cooperation across the MENA region. In GCC Climate Adaptation Goals and Policies, Dr. Keynoush explores how Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are responding to the growing impacts of climate change while navigating the challenges of energy transition and economic diversification. The publication reviews national climate strategies and adaptation plans across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. It highlights key priorities including water scarcity, coastal protection, food security, resilient infrastructure, biodiversity, climate finance, and socially inclusive adaptation policies. The article also examines the role of renewable energy, carbon markets, carbon capture, hydrogen, and nature-based solutions in supporting the region’s transition toward more resilient and sustainable economies. It underlines the importance of stronger regional cooperation, shared knowledge, innovation, and long-term planning to address climate risks across the Gulf. As the GCC faces rising temperatures, water stress, sea-level rise, and increasingly extreme weather events, this publication offers valuable insights into the policies, opportunities, and challenges shaping the region’s climate adaptation agenda. Read the full publication: mena2050.org/news/gcc-clima… #MENA2050 #ClimateAction #ClimateAdaptation #GCC #GulfCooperationCouncil #ClimatePolicy #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #WaterSecurity #FoodSecurity #ClimateResilience #RegionalCooperation

@MENA_2050 Mourns the Passing of Dr. Salmane Tariq El Allami MENA2050 honors the memory of Dr. Salmane Tariq El Allami, one of the early members who helped shape the values and mission of our organization. A respected academic and thinker, Professor El Allami dedicated his life to education, dialogue, and human development. He believed that lasting progress in the MENA region requires not only economic and technological advancement, but also investment in people, knowledge, culture, and mutual understanding. His commitment to regional cooperation, tolerance, and building bridges between societies reflected the foundations upon which MENA2050 was created. We are grateful for his wisdom, friendship, and contributions. His legacy will continue to inspire our work toward a more connected, cooperative, and peaceful region. Read the personal tribute from ΜΕΝΑ2050 CEO @eli_bar_on : mena2050.org/news/rememberi… May his memory be a blessing. #MENA2050 #RegionalCooperation #HumanDevelopment #Dialogue #Morocco

إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون اليوم أودع، بقلب مثقل بالحزن، صديقي وشريكي العزيز، سلمان طارق العلامي. كان طارق أستاذًا في جامعة محمد الخامس بالرباط، المغرب. وكان من بين المجموعة الصغيرة المؤسسة لأعضاء @MENA_2050 وذلك قبل سنوات من انطلاق نشاطنا العلني. لقد تركت أفكاره، وسعة أفقه الفكري، وإيمانه الراسخ بالتعاون الإقليمي، بصمةً واضحة على مسيرة MENA2050 منذ بداياتها. على مر سنوات صداقتنا، تعرفت على طارق عن قرب، فازددت تقديرًا له ومحبةً لشخصه. كان إنسانًا دمث الأخلاق، متواضعًا وكريمًا. امتلك معرفةً واسعة في مجالات متعددة، وكان محاورًا شيقًا لا يُمل حديثه. كان طارق وطنيًا مغربيًا صادقًا. كان يمثل بلده دائمًا بفخر وكرامة ومحبة، بطريقة تبعث على الاحترام والإلهام. خرّج أجيالًا من الطلبة، وكان يعتز بهم أشد الاعتزاز. وكان يرى في التعليم رسالةً سامية، ويؤمن بأنه لا بديل عن الاستثمار في الأجيال القادمة بوصفه الأساس لبناء مجتمع ودولة أفضل. كما آمن طارق إيمانًا راسخًا بالقيم التي تأسست عليها MENA2050: التعاون والتكامل الإقليميان باعتبارهما الركيزة الأساسية للاستقرار والازدهار والأمل في الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا. وكان كثيرًا ما يؤكد على الدور الفريد للمغرب في هذه المسيرة، بوصفه بلدًا يتميز بمجتمع تعددي وإرث طويل من التسامح والانفتاح الديني والتعايش. وفي أحد لقاءات MENA2050التي أدارها، عرض طارق رؤيته للعلاقة بين العلوم الإنسانية، والتربية الإعلامية والمعلوماتية (Media and Information Literacy - MIL)، والتنمية البشرية في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا. وكان يؤمن بأن التنمية الحقيقية لا يمكن أن تقوم على الاقتصاد والبنية التحتية والتكنولوجيا والعلوم وحدها. ففي نظره، لا يمكن بناء مجتمعات مزدهرة ومتسامحة وقادرة على مواجهة التحديات من دون الاستثمار في العلوم الإنسانية والتربية الإعلامية والمعلوماتية. وكان يرى فيهما مفتاحًا لفهم تاريخ المنطقة وثقافاتها ولغاتها، وتنمية التفكير النقدي، وتشجيع الحوار، وإرساء أسس السلام الدائم. ومن هذه الرؤية وُلد أحد أكبر أحلامه، وهو إنشاء "مركز MENA2050 للعلوم الإنسانية العالمية والعيش الدولي" (The MENA2050 Center for Global Humanities and International Living). وقد تصوره مركزًا إقليميًا يجمع الأكاديميين، والتربويين، وقادة الثقافة، وصناع القرار، وممثلي المجتمع المدني من مختلف أنحاء المنطقة، إيمانًا منه بأن التفاهم المتبادل، والتعلم، والتعاون، هي جميعها شروط لا غنى عنها لبناء مستقبل أفضل. خلال السنوات الأخيرة، واجه طارق مرضًا أليمًا بشجاعة وكرامة استثنائيتين. وللأسف، رحل عن عالمنا قبل أن تتاح لنا الفرصة لتحقيق رؤيته والبدء في إنشاء المركز الذي حلم به. سأفتقد طارق كثيرًا. لقد منحتني حكمته، ونصائحه الصادقة، واعتداله، ورؤيته المتزنة، شعورًا دائمًا بالثقة. وكانت ابتسامته الدافئة، وقلبه الكبير، وصداقته الوفية، مصدرًا للثقة والأمل. أحببتك كثيرًا يا طارق، وسأظل أفتقدك. في MENA2050، سنواصل حمل الشعلة التي أوقدتها، وسنمضي قدمًا في تعزيز القيم والرؤية التي آمنت بها، والعمل من أجل مستقبل يسوده التعاون الإقليمي، والتسامح، والأمل في منطقتنا. رحمك الله رحمة واسعة، وجعل ذكراك الطيبة خالدة في قلوبنا. #MENA2050 #RegionalCooperation #HumanDevelopment #Morocco

Today, I bid farewell with a heavy heart to my dear friend and partner, Salmane Tariq El Allami. Tariq was a professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. He was among the small, founding group of @CultureMENA2050 members, years before we began our public activities. His ideas, broad intellectual horizons, and unwavering belief in regional cooperation left a lasting mark on MENA2050 from its earliest days. Over the years, I came to know Tariq well, to admire him, and to love him. He was a kind, humble, and generous man. He possessed remarkable knowledge across a wide range of fields and was a fascinating conversationalist. Tariq was a true Moroccan patriot. He always represented his country with pride, dignity, and deep affection, in a way that inspired admiration and respect. He educated generations of students and took immense pride in their achievements. He regarded education as a calling and believed there was no substitute for investing in future generations as the foundation for building a stronger society and nation. Tariq also believed wholeheartedly in the values upon which we founded MENA2050: regional cooperation and integration as the indispensable foundation for stability, prosperity, and hope across the Middle East and North Africa. He often emphasized Morocco's unique role in this process, highlighting its pluralistic society and its long tradition of tolerance, religious openness, and coexistence. At one of the MENA2050 meetings he led, Tariq presented his vision of the relationship between the Humanities, Media and Information Literacy (MIL), and Human Development in the MENA region. He believed that genuine development cannot be built on economics, infrastructure, technology, and science alone. In his view, without investing in the Humanities and Media and Information Literacy, it would be impossible to build prosperous, tolerant, and resilient societies. He saw them as essential to understanding the region's history, cultures, languages, and traditions, fostering critical thinking, encouraging dialogue, and laying the foundations for lasting peace. Out of this vision emerged one of Tariq's dreams: the establishment of "The MENA2050 Center for Global Humanities and International Living." He envisioned a regional center that would bring together academics, educators, cultural leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives from across the region, united by the belief that mutual understanding, learning, and cooperation are indispensable to building a better future. In recent years, Tariq faced a serious illness with extraordinary dignity and courage. Sadly, he passed away before we had the opportunity to realize his vision and begin building the center he had dreamed of. I will miss Tariq deeply. His wisdom, thoughtful advice, moderation, and clear judgment always gave me confidence. His warm smile, generous heart, and steadfast friendship gave me a sense of trust and hope. I loved you dearly, Tariq, and I miss you. At MENA2050, we will carry forward the torch you lit. We will continue advancing the values and vision you believed in, and we will keep working for a future of regional cooperation, tolerance, and hope across our region. May your memory be a blessing. #MENA2050 #RegionalCooperation #HumanDevelopment #Morocco

I'm pleased to share a policy paper I co-authored with @SSinijlawi, published as part of @LiberaleModerne's "Perspectives for a Political Solution of the Middle East Conflict". Our central argument is that the defining struggle today is not simply between Israelis and Palestinians. It is increasingly between extremists and moderates within both societies. As long as extremists continue to shape the political agenda, the prospects for a sustainable future will remain out of reach. We argue that rebuilding a credible and politically effective moderate center on both sides is essential to breaking the current cycle and creating the conditions for security, dignity, and regional cooperation. The full article is available here, and I've also attached the JPEGs for those who prefer reading it directly: libmod.de/en/policy-pape… #MiddleEast #Israel #Palestine #Peacebuilding #ConflictResolution #RegionalCooperation #MENA #Diplomacy #Policy

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with the outstanding team at the Canadian Embassy in Israel: Kristin Janson, @cristianbedford, Jean-Denis Dufour, and @ebayrachny. We had an engaging discussion about Canada's role in the Middle East, the importance of supporting civil society across the region, the growing potential of regional economic corridors, and opportunities for collaboration with @MENA_2050. As the Middle East undergoes profound changes, partnerships between governments and civil society organizations are becoming more important than ever. Building regional connectivity, fostering people-to-people cooperation, and translating shared interests into practical initiatives will be essential for creating a more prosperous and peaceful future. Thank you for the thoughtful conversation and for Canada's continued engagement in advancing regional cooperation. I look forward to continuing the dialogue and exploring ways we can work together. @CanEmbIsrael #Canada #Israel #MiddleEast #MENA #RegionalCooperation #CivilSociety #EconomicCorridors #RegionalIntegration #Peacebuilding #Diplomacy #Innovation #MENA2050

It was a pleasure meeting with Ambassador Maya Solomou last week for an engaging and thoughtful discussion. We explored Greece's growing role in advancing regional connectivity, including the immense potential of IMEC, and discussed opportunities for collaboration with @MENA_2050 in support of a more connected, prosperous, and cooperative Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Ambassador Solomou for her remarkable diplomatic service during such a sensitive and volatile period for our region. Her professionalism, insight, and commitment to dialogue are deeply valued. Thank you, Ambassador Solomou. I look forward to continuing our conversation. @GreeceInTelAviv #Greece #Israel #IMEC #RegionalConnectivity #MiddleEast #EasternMediterranean #Diplomacy #RegionalCooperation #MENA2050 #EconomicCorridors

I highly recommend reading this eye-opening paper on opportunities for regional cooperation in AI by @MENA_2050's member, Youssef Lahbiel. #MENA2050 #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #MENA #MiddleEast #NorthAfrica #Gulf #RegionalCooperation #RegionalIntegration #DigitalTransformation

Very proud to see this groundbreaking paper of the @MENA_2050 Food Systems Committee, chaired with great leadership by Dr. Lee Recht. #DialogueNEXT #MENA2050 #AgrifoodSystems #FoodSecurity #WorldFoodPrize #Sustainability #MiddleEast #NorthAfrica #MENA #RegionalCooperation #RegionalIntegration

Very proud to see this groundbreaking paper of the @MENA_2050 Food Systems Committee, chaired with great leadership by Dr. Lee Recht. #DialogueNEXT #MENA2050 #AgrifoodSystems #FoodSecurity #WorldFoodPrize #Sustainability #MiddleEast #NorthAfrica #MENA #RegionalCooperation #RegionalIntegration

Congratulations to @MENA_2050 members Dr. Ghazi Ben Ahmed @Gbaghazi and Prof. Mohsine El Ahmadi @elahmadim, and to Dr. Sabina Henneberg @sabinajh3 on this outstanding and thought-provoking paper. This is an eye-opening analysis that highlights how phosphate has become far more than an agricultural commodity. It makes a compelling case that strategic cooperation between Morocco and Tunisia could strengthen food security, supply chain resilience, and regional integration, with benefits extending to the United States, Europe, and Africa. I warmly invite you to read this innovative paper and share it with others interested in the future of the Middle East and North Africa, global food security, and geoeconomics. #MENA2050 #FoodSecurity #CriticalMinerals #Phosphate #Morocco #Tunisia #SupplyChains #Geopolitics #EconomicDevelopment #NorthAfrica #USAfricaRelations #Mediterranean #MENA #RegionalCooperation #StrategicResources

On 13–14 June 2026, MENA2050 proudly partnered with the World Association for Culture and Heritage (WACH), the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy, and the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) in convening the inaugural KARAMAH Conference in Fez, Morocco. The conference brought together distinguished leaders, thinkers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to engage in a timely and essential dialogue on human dignity and our shared humanity. The gathering was made possible under the leadership of Dr. @HakimaElHaite , President of WACH and Member of the MENA2050 Advisory Board, whose vision and commitment were instrumental in bringing this initiative to life. MENA2050 members contributed directly to the summit’s core discussions, advancing conversations on governance, cultural diplomacy, mediation, and ethical cooperation: Mr. @eli_bar_on , CEO of MENA2050, and Prof. @MichelineIshay , Member of the IMEC Task Force, participated in key panels addressing cultural diplomacy, soft power, and ethical governance, highlighting how dialogue, human dignity, and intercultural understanding can contribute to more resilient and cooperative regional and global frameworks. A major outcome of the conference was the development of the Fez Declaration on Human Dignity and Universal Humanism. Mr. @BertozziRoger , Chair of the MENA2050 IMEC Task Force, played a pivotal role in advancing this document, which seeks to establish human dignity as a unifying principle across cultures, faiths, and nations. Ambassador @SalwaDallalah , Member of MENA2050, moderated a key summit panel and served on the drafting committee, contributing directly to the declaration's framing and development. This collaborative effort culminated in the formal adoption of the Fez Declaration, which was deposited at Al Quaraouiyine, symbolically linking this contemporary initiative to a centuries-old tradition of learning, dialogue, and intellectual exchange. The KARAMAH Conference was founded on the conviction that human dignity can serve as a unifying principle across cultures, faiths, and nations. This is only the beginning. The initiative is envisioned as an annual gathering dedicated to advancing dialogue, cooperation, and universal humanism. #KARAMAHConference #HumanDignity #CulturalDiplomacy #MENA2050 #FezDeclaration #EthicalGovernance #GlobalCooperation

We were honored to welcome Dr. Ismail Serageldin to the inaugural Karamah Conference in Fez. A renowned Egyptian intellectual, former leader of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, and a lifelong advocate for knowledge, science, and intercultural dialogue, Dr. Serageldin brought invaluable insights to our discussions. I am grateful for his participation and for our conversation. #Karamah2026 #IsmailSerageldin #MENA2050 #HumanDignity #Knowledge #Education #Dialogue #CulturalDiplomacy #Fez #Morocco #Egypt #Alexandria #BibliothecaAlexandrina #RegionalCooperation #MiddleEast #FezDeclaration #WACH #InstituteForCulturalDiplomacy

It was a privilege to welcome Mr. Amr Moussa, former Egyptian Foreign Minister and Secretary General of the Arab League, to the inaugural Karamah Conference in Fes, Morocco. As one of the Arab world's most distinguished diplomats and statesmen, he continues to inspire with his decades of public service and commitment to regional dialogue. We are grateful for his participation, and I am personally thankful for the thoughtful and meaningful conversation we shared about the future of the Middle East and the importance of building bridges across our region. #Karamah2026 #AmrMoussa #MENA2050 #HumanDignity #RegionalCooperation #MiddleEast #Dialogue #Diplomacy #Fez #Morocco #HumanDignity #UniversalHumanism #FezDeclaration #WACH #InstituteForCulturalDiplomacy #CulturalDiplomacy #GlobalLeadership

I am proud that @MENA_2050 partnered with the World Association For Culture And Heritage (WACH) @wach2025 and the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) @markdonfried in convening the inaugural Karamah Conference in the beautiful city of Fez, Morocco. Together, we brought dozens of distinguished leaders, thinkers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to engage in a timely and important conversation on human dignity and our shared humanity. We were particularly honored that Khalid Aït Taleb, Wali of the Fès-Meknès Region, opened the conference. His presence underscored the importance of the gathering and reflected Morocco's longstanding commitment to dialogue, coexistence, and human development. A major outcome of the gathering was the adoption of the Fez Declaration on Human Dignity and Universal Humanism. It was particularly meaningful to deposit the declaration at Al Quaraouiyine, widely recognized as the world's oldest continually operating university, connecting this contemporary initiative to a centuries-old tradition of learning, dialogue, and intellectual exchange. My deepest thanks go to Dr. Hakima El Haité @hakimaelhaite, President of the World Association for Culture & Heritage and a valued member of the MENA2050 Advisory Board, whose exceptional leadership, vision, and determination turned this ambitious idea into reality. Special thanks also to Roger Bertozzi @bertozziroger, also a member of MENA2050, who worked tirelessly on the Fez Declaration and has championed its vision for many years. I would also like to recognize my MENA2050 colleagues @salwadallalah and Prof. @MichelineIshay, whose participation enriched the discussions and contributed greatly to the success of the conference. The Karamah Conference was founded on the conviction that human dignity can serve as a unifying principle across cultures, faiths, and nations. This is only the beginning. We intend for Karamah to become an annual gathering, bringing together diverse voices from around the world to advance human dignity, universal humanism, dialogue, and cooperation. #Karamah2026 #HumanDignity #UniversalHumanism #FezDeclaration #MENA2050 #WACH #InstituteForCulturalDiplomacy #CulturalDiplomacy #Fez #Morocco #AlQuaraouiyine #Dialogue #InterculturalDialogue #GlobalLeadership #RegionalCooperation