GSSCPD/ KPPC signed an MOU with the American University of Beirut (“AUB”) headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon. The Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (“IFI”) at AUB is a research-based, policy-oriented institute that aims to harness, develop, and initiate policy-relevant research in the Arab region. The partnership also includes the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kuwait. The purpose of the partnership is to provide a framework of cooperation among GSSCPD, UNDP and AUB/IFI and facilitate collaboration in areas of common interest within the context of the programme of work of the KPPC.