The Middle East Program (MEP) is pleased to host Hela Cheikhrouhou, the Regional Vice President for Middle East, Central Asia, Türkiye, Afghanistan, and Pakistan at the International Finance Corporation, for the 2025 Annual Haleh Esfandiari Forum. Moderated by MEP Director Merissa Khurma, this conversation will center on Ms. Cheikhouhou’s experience in fragile state settings and her commitment to gender equality. As the Middle East & North Africa is experiencing a moment of profound change, Ms. Cheikhrouhou will reflect on the conditions on the ground in the region, what resilient societies with women at their centers look like, and the role of the private sector in rebuilding.