The Big Picture - 2023 and Beyond with Jihad Azour

Jihad Azour is the Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At the IMF, Mr. Azour oversees the Fund’s work in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Caucasus. Previously, he served as Lebanon’s Finance Minister in 2005-08.

Key questions:

• Inflation, public debt, and rising spending needs have become huge obstacles for many MENA countries to overcome. Where do you see the most reason for concern?
• What will be the economic ramifications of the devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey?
• How effective and important could the “Loss and Damage” Fund for Vulnerable Countries agreed on at COP27 be for countries such as Pakistan?