The Middle East Partnership Initiative

People in the broader Middle East seek greater freedom and opportunity, and a growing community of reformers in the region has emerged with new energy and ideas to make these aspirations a reality.

The United States strongly supports the reformers who are working to build a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East. One tangible demonstration of support is the Middle East Partnership Initiative, which helps democracy to spread, education to thrive, economies to grow, and women to be empowered.

Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) funding goes directly to partners such as non-governmental organizations, businesses, and universities. Since 2002, MEPI has devoted more than $480 million to over 450 projects in 17 countries and territories through its offices in Washington, Tunis, and Abu Dhabi. MEPI investments are in addition to billions of dollars in bilateral assistance the U.S. provides annually to the Middle East.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice describes transformational diplomacy as the use of both diplomatic power and foreign assistance to help citizens better their own lives and build their own nations. MEPI is transformational diplomacy in action.

MEPI is structured to focus on the following in areas: political, economic, education, and women's empowerment. Read more about the goals for these focus areas and read some of our  regional stories.

Mission and Goals

The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) is at the forefront of U.S. efforts to advance democratic reform and vibrant, prosperous societies in the Middle East and North Africa. An integral part of U.S. policy, MEPI provides coordinated, tangible support and public commitment to indigenous efforts in the areas of women's empowerment, educational advancement, economic development and political participation. Through timely, responsive and innovative approaches, MEPI programs provide critical assistance to local reformers as they lay the necessary institutional and legal foundations for sustainable economic and human growth.

Political Pillar

MEPI programs seek to:

o Strengthen democratic practices, electoral systems, including political parties and parliamentarians.
o Support an expanded public space where democratic voices can be heard in the political process.
o Strengthen the role of free and independent media in society.
o Promote the rule of law and accountable, effective government and judicial institutions.

Economic Pillar

MEPI pursues programs that promote:

o Encourage mobilization of foreign direct and domestic investment and facilitate revenue and o employment growth of micro-enterprises and SMEs.
o Advance private sector job creation.
o Enhance MEPI partner countries' global competitiveness.

Education Pillar

MEPI programs seek to:

o Expand access to basic and post secondary education for all people, especially girls and women.
o Improve the quality of basic and post secondary education including teacher training, curriculum content, community empowerment, and digital readiness.
o Promote the development of employable skills.

Women's Empowerment Pillar

MEPI programs seek to:

o Support the elimination of arbitrary legal systems and provide women with the skills and tools required to help build strong judicial institutions.
o Increase the level of women's participation in building democratic pluralistic societies, through both political representation and civil society strengthening.
o Assist local reformers in their struggle for women's rights, facilitating their organization and expanding their impact.
o Provide access and opportunity to women in an effort to enhance their marketable skills, gain economic independence, and increase the power of the private sector in building a democratic society.

Contacts:

U.S. Department of State
Harry S. Truman Building
NEA/PI
NEA Mailroom, Rm. 6258
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520

http://mepi.state.gov/