Aligned with U. S. government's Economic Reform objective, this funding opportunity seeks to advance U. S. economic interests in the MENA region while improving MENA media and entertainment industry capacity to conclude business deals with the U. S. and other regions, produce innovative and creative
content, build the capacity of MENA-based practitioners, and advance positive messaging of the U. S. It will also advance core NEA/AC focus areas by addressing some issues including but not limited to economic growth, participatory governance, entrepreneurship, women's empowerment and gender issues, open governance, anti-corruption, urban/rural divide, youth apathy, and civic engagement.- Countering Violent Extremism as a theme/focus is explicitly excluded from the objectives of this project.- Recognizing different levels of opportunity for advancement across the region, this project will prioritize enhancing the capacity of youth, women, and underserved communities as well as advancing the aspiring next generation of MENA media and entertainment practitioners.