CALL FOR PARTICIPATION:
2nd Edition of the Rabat Policy Forum 2026
Fractured Social Contract: Citizens, State, and Trust in Institutions in MENA
📅 October 09–10, 2026 | 📍Rabat, Morocco
Organized by the Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis (MIPA)
Download the Concept Note
Background
The MENA region continues to face profound challenges stemming from eroding trust between citizens and state institutions. The uprisings of 2010–2011 exposed the fragility of the post-independence social contract, while subsequent reforms have yielded mixed outcomes. Today, social inequalities, high youth unemployment, weak protection mechanisms, and limited political participation continue to erode institutional legitimacy.
In response to this urgent context, the Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis (MIPA) dedicates the second edition of the Rabat Policy Forum to the theme:
“Fractured Social Contract: Citizens, State and Trust in Institutions in MENA”
This forum seeks to foster a high-level academic and policy dialogue on rebuilding state–society trust and envisioning a renewed social contract grounded in participation, protection, and provision.
Submission Guidelines
- Format: Extended abstract (500–1,000 words) / and full paper (5,000–7,000 words)
- Languages: English or Arabic
- Deadline for submissions: February28, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: March 30, 2026
- Final papers due: July 15, 2026
Eligibility
Submissions are open to:
- Academics and researchers
- Policy analysts and practitioners
- Advanced graduate students working on governance, social policy, and state–society relations in MENA
Objectives
- Provide a critical platform for analyzing the roots of institutional mistrust in MENA.
- Explore policy alternatives that support inclusive governance and sustainable development.
- Facilitate constructive engagement between scholars, policymakers, and civil society actors.
- Contribute to the development of a new framework for state–citizen relations in Morocco and the wider region.
Thematic Axes
Participants are invited to submit policy papers or analytical essays addressing one or more of the following themes:
- The Old Social Contract: Identifying Malfunctions: Diagnosing the political, economic, and sociological factors behind the failure of the post-independence social contract.
- The Role of Parliament in Shaping a New Social Contract: Assessing how legislative institutions can rebuild trust and mediate between citizens and the state.
- Institutional Prerequisites for a New Social Contract: Exploring the roles of civil society, values, and governance mechanisms in establishing trust and accountability.
- New Social Movements and the Renewal of the Social Contract: Examining the impact of youth-led, digitally connected movements on state–society relations and political participation.
- Submissions will be peer-reviewed by an independent Scientific Committee.
- Selected papers will be presented during the Forum panels and published in bilingual (Arabic/English) proceedings distributed to decision-makers and research institutions.
How to Submit
Send your abstract or paper and a short bio (150 words) to:
📧 research@mipa.institute
with the subject line: “Rabat Policy Forum 2026 – Call for Papers Submission”
Download the Concept Note
Organizing Committee
- Mohammed Masbah
- Rachid Aourraz
- Said Saddiki
- Hajar Idrissi
Scientific Committee
MIPA Institute
MIPA is a non-profit independent research institution based in Rabat, Morocco. Founded by a group of transdisciplinary researchers, MIPA’s mission is to produce systematic and in-depth analysis of relevant policy issues that lead to new and innovative ideas for solving some of the most pressing issues relating to democracy.
