Arab Center Washington DC is convening a panel of experts to discuss the compounding and severe economic challenges facing the MENA region today, as well as opportunities for growth and economic progress. What are the major socioeconomic and institutional challenges facing different countries and populations in the region? What are the political and social implications of these economic conditions? How are governments in the region responding? What are the advantages and disadvantages of government austerity measures? What political and economic reforms are needed? Which external and internal measures could alleviate the public debt burdens and fiscal imbalances of certain countries? What growth opportunities are there to boost the progress of MENA economies? What monetary and fiscal policy recommendations can be provided to help accelerate structural reforms and bolster growth and resilience?