In facing development challenges, policymakers and humanitarian aid practitioners rely on traditional data sources from official sources to inform their decisions with regards to both host communities as well as refugees. These sources can be costly, time-consuming and difficult to collect, particularly amidst a context susceptible to multiple crises. Also, they are infrequently updated, which can make the information they contain obsolete, especially within the highly volatile political and socioeconomic context of the Arab region.  With the advent of the ‘Data Revolution’, we are currently surrounded by a wealth of information, known as “Big Data”. Vast amounts of data are examined in order to extract patterns and insights, and recommendations and solutions are then formulated accordingly. This pilot project explores the potential of unconventional data sources in informing policymakers of the conditions and vulnerabilities of Syrian refugees and Lebanese host communities.

The paper applies the governance discussion to regional STI policy planning, a subset of economic development policy that is of concern to the Arab region

This report presents the findings of a detailed review and analysis of gender issues associated with energy services in Tunisia. It calls attention to the challenges and barriers rural women face in employment and entrepreneurship in energy sectors. It also highlights the potential for gender mainstreaming and identifies opportunities to support the local private sector, and to promote and expand the use of small-scale renewable energy technologies, while emphasizing the environmental and climate benefits associated with them.

This report adds another dimension to the understanding of the link between violent conflict, marriage patterns and fertility behaviors for young women, and the role of public policies to mitigate such practices in conflict-afflicted countries.