History

The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), was announced on December 12, 2002, to create educational opportunity at a grassroots level, promote economic opportunity and help foster private sector development, and to strengthen civil society and the rule of law throughout the region. The initiative is a partnership and works closely with governments in the Arab world, academic institutions, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. The initiative provides a framework and funding for the United States to expand the four pillars of MEPI--economic, political, educational, and women's empowerment.