A Blueprint for the Palestinian Economy

History teaches us that the path to prosperity and growth starts with peace.  There is no stronger argument for peace than the opportunity to improve overall standards of living and have the chance to lead a full and meaningful life.  And, whilst to some it may seem premature, we also know that it is never too early to set out an inclusive long-term reconstruction plan for when the conflict ends.

At this event, hosted by NIESR, attendees will hear one such plan. A plan that provides a way forward, which could lead to a stronger Palestinian economy and benefit the whole region, including Israel.  Discussing some of the conclusions of the latest report from the Palestinian Reconstruction and Economic Partnership  – Palestine Emerging – which saw contributions from over 100 experts and decision-makers, the speakers will present a long-term economic vision that is designed to complement national efforts by providing a framework to guide actions and coordinate efforts.  Its focus is on Palestine's potential as a globally connected, competitive economy.

For more information on the project, see here

About the Speakers

Baron Frankal

Baron is the Chief Executive of Portland Trust, an organisation that is committed to sustainable economic development through catalysing initiatives that build quality employment. Prior to this, Baron spent several years in the Sultanate of Oman, worked at the British Embassy Muscat for the Department of International Trade and was an Executive Director at the Manchester Airports Group and New Economy, Greater Manchester’s economic development, research and strategy arm that became the UK’s first Combined Authority. He has also worked at the European Central Bank, for CMS Cameron McKenna, as well as at the UN and OECD.

David Prais

David is the Chair of the Greater London Investment Fund, and co-founder of the Palestinian Reconstruction and Economic Partnership (PREP). His management experience lies in building fast-growing companies and aligning strategy and business plans, having worked in strategic planning for Gateway and Dell. He sits on a number of company boards, and most recently has co-founded Collider – a company that helps starts-up scale up to accelerate their growth.  David started his career at Dell Computer Corp, where he worked with Michael Dell to develop the European business and global expansion model, including starting the corporate marketing model that has made Dell famous.

David Cobham

David is a Professor of Economics at Heriot-Watt University, with an interest in monetary policy and central bank independence, as well as the Middle East and Islamic banking. He is an Associate Editor of the Review of Middle East Economics and Finance and one of the founders and organisers of the Research Initiative on the Economics of the Middle East.

Creon Butler

Creon leads the Global Economy and Finance Programme at Chatham House, and has written on a wide range of global economic policy issues, including the interaction between macroeconomic policy and climate change, the challenge of funding global health priorities, and the long-term implications for the international economic system of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Prior to joining Chatham House, Creon served as director for international economic affairs in UK Cabinet Office, advising the UK Prime Minister on global economic policy issues. He has also served in senior positions in HM Treasury and the Bank of England.

About the Palestinian Reconstruction and Economic Partnership

The Palestinian Reconstruction and Economic Partnership comprises approximately 100 individuals with a broad range of relevant experience, including international experts, representatives of global institutions working within the Palestinian territories, Palestinian nationals and economic development specialists.