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Citizen Engagement Cases in the Middle East and North Africa



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Citizen engagement, or involving citizens in economic development plans, usually helps governments improve the results of their development programs. The World Bank Group’s new regional strategy in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) supports the idea that a government’s ability to deliver better public services improves the levels of trust citizens have in their governments. The following cases are examples of citizen engagement initiatives in MENA.

Tunisia adopted a new constitution in 2014, including clear commitments to decentralization and fully devolved local government with autonomy for providing local services in accordance with the transparent principles of accountability to their citizens. 
Tunisia: Institutionalizing Citizen Engagement in Local Governance

Strengthening capacities for service delivery in Palestine at the municipal level has been central to the World Bank Group’s strategy. Municipalities have historically played an important role in governance in the region, are closest to the citizens, and provide a constant source of stability in an otherwise fragile environment. 
Citizen Engagement and Public Service Delivery in the Context of Fragility
Institutionalizing Grievance Redress in Cash Transfer Programs
Social Accountability in Municipal Development

Morocco - “The people want change,” Moroccans were chanting in 2011 during the protests in the Arab Spring. The Moroccan government responded with far-reaching amendments to the country’s constitution to enable greater transparency, accountability and participation.
Morocco: Rebuilding Trust between Citizens and Government

Jordan - Syrians benefited from large amounts of in-kind and financial support from Jordanian individuals, charities and businesses. However, with the continuation of the crisis and limited support for host communities, the burden on Jordanians has become increasingly untenable.
Jordan: Engaging Citizens to Strengthen Social Cohesion and Resilience


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