At the request of UNDP, Kevin Deveaux traveled to Beirut, Lebanon to meet with staff from ten Country Offices, the Regional Centre in Cairo and from Headquarters, to discuss what has worked and what has not in supporting parliaments and political parties since the Arab Awakening in 2011.

The two day conference allowed staff that are “on the front line” to discuss the challenges and successes they have faced since their respective countries have established more democratic space. UNDP staff from Iraq, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Somalia, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan and Libya used the forum to “compare notes” and to learn how others have achieved a level of success in supporting parliaments and parties in their countries. Based on the discussions, a report was produced to reflect upon this important knowledge to recognize some key recommendations for future work in countries in transition.