Social protection systems, their design and their extent, are shaping social cohesion, social justice, the structure of the labour market, the prevention and alleviation of poverty, as well as resilience to economic shocks in any given society. In recent years, the demand for broader access to social protection guarantees and equitable redistribution of resources has become very pronounced in the Arab region. This report discusses recent and ongoing social protection reforms taking place in Arab countries, policy options applied by the countries in the region and their immediate and longterm implications, as well as choices, trade-offs and challenges Arab countries are facing while carrying out the reforms.

Furthermore, growing complexity of social protection systems and their strong link to broader development policies requires adequate response in terms of a more integrated ‘systems approach’ to social protection and strengthened cooperation of different stakeholders, both within governments and with non-state actors.