Priorities for Palestine’s Economy in the Midst of War - International Academic Symposium
This Symposium examined the political economy of the long, unfinished road to Palestinian development, both obstacles encountered and accelerators, with an eye to the interaction of the political-economic-social indicators in a situation of prolonged conflict. Across six themes/sessions, the Symposium unpacked the power dynamics that have blocked development and for the past year threatened the very socio-economic existence of the Palestinian people under occupation through massive economic destruction and social upheaval.
Working Papers prepared by MAS for discussion at the Symposium reflect on optional scenarios for the post-war phase, including Palestinian governance strategies, immediate socio-economic challenges and priorities, and the (legal, institutional and political) tools at the disposal of the Palestinian people to actively determine their future. They also analyze the economic policies and strategies that are needed to support Palestine’s struggle for independence, focusing on self-sufficiency, economic resilience and productive capacity, trade expansion and market diversification and sustainable growth. The issues also include concern about how to strengthen the social contract in Palestine, focusing on how governance, economic policies, and social services can be aligned to meet public expectations and foster social cohesion.
The comments on each of these Palestinian papers by a panel of distinguished international scholars, friends of Palestine and leaders in heterodox economics, enriched the local perspective and provided complementary expert advice that Palestinian policy makers are well advised to take account of. MAS is deeply grateful to these friends who contributed freely their time and wisdom to provide Palestinian with the benefit of their experience and insights, all in the spirit of justice and freedom that binds us more broadly.