Created at the request of MENA countries in 2005, the Initiative facilitates co-operation between the OECD and the MENA region to promote policies for sustainable and inclusive growth. It brings together MENA and OECD governments, the international community, civil society and the private sector to address regional needs and development priorities, including improving women and youth’s integration into the workforce and participation in policy making. It also takes into account the region’s diversity by providing targeted support to individual countries.

The Initiative builds on the OECD’s work method of policy dialogue, exchange of good practices and capacity building for the implementation of reforms.

The overall strategic goal of the Initiative is to build dialogue, trust and stability in support of inclusive, sustainable and competitive economies. The Ministerial Declaration, adopted on 1 April 2021, provides strategic responses to achieve this goal. It reflects a common understanding of economic and governance challenges, and sets guiding principles and mutual commitments for collaboration between MENA and OECD countries for the next mandate of the Initiative (2021-25).