2026 MENA Research Conference in Morocco

IMF News, June 9, 2026

Source details

Conference title: “Rethinking MENA Integration in a Fast‑Changing Global Environment”
Main topics to be examined:
- Impact of global trade on the MENA region
- Geoeconomic fragmentation
- Technology, including artificial intelligence
- Role of monetary, fiscal, and labor market policies in promoting macroeconomic stability
The full conference details and agenda are stated as available (no file names or links reproduced).

Speakers issuing the statement: Jihad Azour (Director, Middle East and Central Asia Department, IMF) and Karim El Aynaoui (Executive Vice‑President, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University).
Excerpted statement points:
- “The war in the Middle East threatens to leave lasting scars on the region’s economic trajectory. This unprecedented shock is forcing countries across the region to reassess their path forward amid an already complex and challenging environment shaped by rapid technological change and shifts in global trade patterns.”
- “The IMF’s engagement with the MENA region reflects its longstanding commitment to supporting countries’ efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability, enhance resilience and growth, accelerate reforms and raise living standards in an increasingly challenging regional economic environment. The annual research conference provides a unique platform to promote research excellence, deepen collaboration with the academic and policy communities, connect with young researchers, and advance the analytical work needed to underpin effective and well‑informed economic policymaking across the region.”

Provide a forum for dialogue and knowledge exchange among academics, researchers, and policymakers on major regional and global economic issues.
Strengthen economic research capacity in ministries of finance and central banks across the region.
Build on the inaugural MENA Research Conference held the prior year, co‑organized with the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo.
Continue the conference series in partnership with leading universities in the region to establish sustained collaboration and analytical work to support policymaking.

International Monetary Fund