West Asia-North Africa (WANA) Institute Information

The WANA Institute is a policy think tank generating research to support practical, evidence-based programming and strategies aimed at alleviating the complex development challenges of the West Asia–North Africa region. We conduct research using qualitative and quantitative methodologies, both in partnership with local organisations and also with leading international institutions. Our aim is to provide the substantive evidence required for better development policies and programmes in the areas of social justice, green economy and human security. We hold conferences on major development challenges for key stakeholder groups, aimed at providing a space for frank discussion and the development of practical solutions, unbarred by politics or organisational mandates. Additionally, we provide training and capacity building activities to assist civil society groups to translate ideas into effective programmes and action. When searching for the research and evidence needed to inform our policies and programming, we uncovered a distinct lack of informed, scientific, evidence-driven information for this region. We observed groups using the same information, to answer recurring problems, which have proved futile at bringing about real change. We need to interrupt this cycle by generating the information required to inform innovative strategy and programming, so that new, effective solutions can be forged. Furthermore, the region faces shared and interwoven challenges, yet the standard practice is to tackle these challenges in isolation, without collaboration or concern for neighbouring states. The WANA Institute exists to change these patterns and develop more effective and authentic mechanisms to affect change in our region.