Human factor in Arab world to be tabled at Dubai Strategy Forum

Rima Khalaf Hunaidi, assistant undersecretary general and director, regional bureau for Arab States, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and lead author, Nader Fergany, will take the 'development challenges' debate to the stage at the Dubai Strategy Forum (October 28-30 2002).

In what is expected to be a 'no holds barred' session, they will be joined by UNDP advisory group member, Clovis Maksoud.

The report, published by the New York-based UNDP earlier this year (July 2002), attempts to uncomplicate a portfolio of potentially complicated issues. It places a myriad of challenges into one of two 'intertwined' sets that spotlight people as the real wealth and hope of the region.

The report calls these overriding challenges the pursuit of freedom from fear and the pursuit of freedom from want, suggesting that the real issue in the chase for freedom is that 'occupation freezes growth, prosperity and, ultimately, freedom itself'.

It suggests this is highlighted in economic terms by 'hyperinflation, severe currency devaluations and curtailed foreign currency earnings' - all doing little or nothing to positively impact GDP.

The UNDP report indicates that there is a real economic danger in the loss of human capital as people opt out for a 'better deal' in international markets. It suggests that loss of intellect and resources compounds the challenges that face the region saying that 'people resources are as critical as capital resources in ensuring stability and the ability to compete in the world arena'.

In addition, strong reference is made to the fact that many countries see home populations dominated by women, acknowledging that 'the utilisation of (Arab) woman's capabilities through political and economic participation remains the lowest in the world'.

On the low side too, is that half of all adult females (in the 22 countries comprising the Arab League) are considered illiterate, unable to read and write even to the standard of an average 10 year old in the developed world.

"The quality of intellectual capital must start with the critical challenge of addressing the knowledge gap at both ends of the spectrum, whatever the gender," says the report.

This notion is heralded by Forum collateral that states 'we need to shape the future; not let the future shape us'.

In its second year, the Dubai Strategy Forum suggests that this is an era of 'interdependency', the call being for the building of economic bridges to, in turn, build tomorrow.

However, some schools of thought suggest that Arab countries, least not the Gulf States, show proof that parts of the Arab world is more cash rich than others are developed. The realisation is that while challenges in governance and economy prevail, it is the social challenges that provide 'in your face' facts.

One such fact, is unemployment, expected to double in the Arab League nations in the next seven years or little hope for meaningful growth in the collective GDP, suggesting that by 2010 combined it will be less than that of Spain.

With 'open dialogue by leaders for leaders' the promise of the Dubai Strategy Forum 2002, governance, business and technology join the social structure and the knowledge gap as issues tabled for debate in an overriding objective of advancing the state of the region, spanning North & East Africa, Central & South Asia and the Middle East

It comprises 1.8 billion people and a collective GDP of some US$1.5 trillion. At just five per cent of the world total, however, Forum chiefs believe this shows the region is blessed with extraordinary opportunities ripe for major impact on the global economy.

The Forum initiative was kicked off last year during the wave of ongoing pioneering steps taken by Dubai's forward-thinking Crown Prince. In addition to delivering the opening presentation, His Highness will play a key role at the three day meeting, comprising more than 20 sessions and workshops focusing on Governance, Business & Economy and Innovation & Technology.

On participation, the meeting has already attracted the attention of leading brands, who have committed their support as Organising Partners, helping to steer the Forum in achieving its goals.

These are: Dubai Media City, the rapidly emerging global media hub; ENOC, a leader in upstream and downstream activities in the oil and gas sector; Emirates, the UAE's national airline; the GCC's leading English newspaper, Gulf News; National Bank of Dubai, Dubai's national bank and PricewaterhouseCoopers, the international firm of auditors and business advisors.

In addition, activity sponsors include Booz Allen Hamilton, General Motors, Mashreq Bank, Oracle, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Visa.

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