Development is the main concern of all Arab countries. To date, enormous efforts have been made to support development in the region. However, many development challenges still face Arab countries. It is realized that development cannot be achieved except through an equitable framework. Thus, the use of an equity oriented view of development is necessary for its promotion.

The SRC organizes a three-month training program on an annual basis that is responsive to the needs of development activities in the Arab region, particularly in the fields of health and population. The program carefully integrates formal training with research internships at SRC. While the substantive focus is on population and health equity, the basic tools and concepts emphasized in this program cut across many policy areas and social science fields. Hence the training components of the program are offered to a wider audience, including academics, government ministry personnel, NGO staff and program managers from international donor programs working in development sectors other than population and health.