For the afternoon of May 8, 2024, the Department of Social Sciences at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences invited Dr. Linda Matar, Associate Professor at the School of International Studies, SUN Yat-sen University, to deliver a lecture on “Development Challenges in the Arab Region”. The lecture was hosted by Dr. Selçuk Çolakoğlu, Associate Professor of the Globlisation and Development (GAD) Programme.

Dr. Matar's presentation delved into a brief overview of the Arab region, examination on the Arab development model from a historical perspective, and explained causes and effects of contemporary social unrest in the Arab region. The lecture underscored the region's vulnerabilities, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the fragility of the healthcare structure, and the lack of welfare-enhancing measures as well as social safety networks. She advocated for the Arab region to look towards East Asia's development experience as a model and to embrace China's BRI as a catalyst for a new development-security nexus.

During this lecture, we witnessed a vibrant discussion and a series of insightful questions, which demonstrated the enthusiasm of the faculty and students present. Dr. Çolakoğlu posed a question: Why do some countries experience economic decline after emerging from colonial rule in the post-colonial era? Immediately following, GAD student Wu Jingyi asked Dr. Matar a complex question about geopolitics and energy policy: While the Arab League defends the oil interests of its member states, is there an intentional effort to reduce dependence on oil trade and promote economic diversification in the region? Student Huang Ting approached from the perspective of regional stability, inquiring of Dr. Matar: Is a stable regional environment a key factor in promoting the political and economic integration of the Arab region? Student Lin Kaidong shifted the focus to employment issues, comparing the strategies of China and the Arab region in addressing unemployment, and asked whether the Arab region could draw inspiration from China's experience. Student Luo Yanshu was concerned with the social aspect, asking Dr. Matar how religious factors affect the labor force participation rate of women in the Arab region. The Department of Social Sciences expressed sincere gratitude to Dr. Matar for her wonderful presentation and emphasized the decisive role of active interaction from all participants in the success of this lecture.

Dr. Matar being was asked by Zhang Xiaowei (GAD)

Among the attendees, GAD student Zhang Jing asking another question during the Q&A session.

Luo Yanshu (GAD)clarifying her question to Dr. Matar.

Dr. Matar receiving a question from He Qiyi (GAD) during the Q&A session.