Middle East Partnership Initiative

People in the broader Middle East seek greater freedom and opportunity, and a growing community of reformers in the region has emerged with new energy and ideas to make these aspirations a reality.

The United States strongly supports the reformers who are working to build a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East. One tangible demonstration of support is the Middle East Partnership Initiative, which helps democracy to spread, education to thrive, economies to grow, and women to be empowered.

Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) funding goes directly to partners such as non-governmental organizations, businesses, and universities. Since 2002, MEPI has devoted more than $480 million to over 450 projects in 17 countries and territories through its offices in Washington, Tunis, and Abu Dhabi. MEPI investments are in addition to billions of dollars in bilateral assistance the U.S. provides annually to the Middle East.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice describes transformational diplomacy as the use of both diplomatic power and foreign assistance to help citizens better their own lives and build their own nations. MEPI is transformational diplomacy in action.

MEPI is structured to focus on the following in areas: political, economic, education, and women's empowerment. Read more about the goals for these focus areas and read some of our  regional stories.

Nearly fifty women political leaders from the Middle East and North Africa met with President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice this week as part of the Election Exchange Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). The participants engaged in candid discussions with both the President and Secretary on democracy and reform efforts in the Middle East and North Africa. Media Note (Oct. 24)

White House Photo/Oct 23, 2008/Washington, DC