Vision
To become the preeminent source of social policy solutions in the Gulf and MENA region, empowering governments and societies driving progress for a brighter future.
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Beneficiaries
Social Policy Solutions (SPS) is a leading think tank that helps governments, businesses, and non-profits develop and implement social policies and practices that improve the lives of people around the world.
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Our Team
We have SMEs of experienced professionals with expertise in research, policy and practice, strategy development, impact assessment, institutional setup, and implementation of innovative solutions to drive impactful change.
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Commitment to Excellence
We are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based social policy solutions that make a real difference in the lives of people. We work with our clients to understand their needs and challenges, and we develop solutions that are tailored to their specific context. We are also committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise with others so that we can help to create a more just and equitable world.
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Languages and Coverage
We deliver high-impact initiatives in the Gulf states, MENA region, and the global south at large. We are based in the UAE (License # 2325121.01) with a global mandate of excellence beyond borders. We provide our deliverables in Arabic and English.
Mission
To help governments, businesses, and non-profits develop and implement social policies and practices that are evidence-driven, impactful, and inclusive.
Advisory Board
Andrey Abramov
Andrey Abramov has 33 years of diversified professional experience at the United Nations to support intergovernmental policy-making and negotiations in the Security Council, General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, and UN DESA. Lately, he worked with non-profit organizations advising them on social and economic development projects.
H.E. Reem Abu Hassan
H.E. Abu Hassan is the former Minister of Social Development in Jordan. She is currently a member of several national machineries, including the Royal Committee to develop the Jordanian Social Protection System, appointed by His Majesty King Abdullah, and acting as an advisor to the National Democratic Institute (NDI) on women and youth empowerment. H.E. Reem's expertise includes social and public policy reforms.
Adib Nehme
Adib Nehme is a consultant and expert on development, socio-economic policies and poverty. He is currently the Senior Policy Advisor for Arab NGO Network for Development. He worked as a regional advisor on Agenda 2030 and SDGs, at the UN ESCWA. His latest book titled “Development and Poverty: Critical Review of Concepts and Measurement Tools” in 2021, is considered as a baseline reference for social protection policies in the region.
Lee, Jin-sang
Prof. Lee is an economist and is holding an Endowed Chair Professor at Korea Aerospace University from July 2023. He was professor at the State University of New York. His work includes economics, education, science and technology, and social development, in developing countries. He served as a member of advisory committees to MOFA, Ministry of Justice, KOICA, among other UN bodies and NGOs.
James Georgalakis
James Georgalakis is an experienced practitioner and political sociologist who seeks to bridge the theory and practice of knowledge mobilisation. He is the Director of Evidence and Impact at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), helping to shape the Institute’s approach to strengthening evidence use and understanding research impact. His research relates to the role of networked behaviours in the use of research for global health.
Angela Abela
Angela Abela is a professor at the Department of Child and Family Studies, a clinical psychologist, and UKCP registered family therapist. She holds a PhD from University of London and a Master's degree in Clinical psychology from the University de La Sorbonne Paris. She played a pioneering role in the setting up of a Centre for Family Studies at the University of Malta which later became the Department of Family Studies.
Zafiris Tzannatos
Zafiris is a Senior Consultant for Development Strategy and Social Policy, as well as Senior Fellow at the Jordan Strategy Forum, and the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies in Beirut where he was previously Professor and Chair of the Economics Department at the AUB. Between 1992 and 2008 he held senior positions at the World Bank, including as Advisor to Managing Director, Manager for Labor Markets and Social Protection in the MENA region.
Ahmed Aref
Ahmed Aref is a social policy advisor, who has a diverse expertise in policy research and advocacy in the MENA region. He has helped governments, and regional organization to achieve impactful strategies and initiatives in many fields such as: labour policies, social inclusion, family policies, maternity protection, disability, child wellbeing, etc. He is also a distinguished scholars with impactful publications including books, articles and policy papers. His PhD is in Policy Research from the University of Bath, UK.