YAL launches initiatives to promote young leadership in Kuwait

The launch of Young Arab Leaders Kuwaiti chapter initiative will take place at the Al-Babtain library which will be attended by YAL members and esteemed members of Kuwaiti society.

In an effort to build a stronger network base of young leaders, YAL Kuwait has launched its initiatives in order to help implement the region's young potential leaders in providing a wider platform of communication and opportunities to the Arab population as a whole.

Mrs. Maha K. Al-Ghunaim - Global Investment House "Global" Chairperson and Managing Director and the Chairperson of YAL Kuwait Chapter said, "I strongly believe in the creation of an environment where young Arab leaders can network and share experiences all across the Arab region."

Young Arab Leaders was launched in January 25, 2004, from the World Economic Forum, the board of trustees comprises of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and King Abdulla Al Hashemi, King of Jordan.

Where as, the regional executive board consist of Mr. Saeed Al Muntafiq, Chair of YAL board, Chairman- Tatweer, Dubai, Dr. Bassem Awadallah Director- Office of HM King Abdullah II of Jordan, Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor - Dubai International Financial Center, Mr. Elias Bou Saab, Executive Vice President - American University of Dubai, and Mr. Hani Al Zubair - Managing Director - The Zubair Corporation, Oman.

YAL's goal is to grow it's base to 500 accomplished leaders from every sector,
motivated in implementing different strategies of a wider platform for communication.

In addition in the launch, Mr. Abdulaziz S. Al- Babtain a prominent Arabic poet and a leading Arab businessman, will address and exemplify his experiences of becoming a successful business and cultural influence in the Arab world.

Mr. Abdulaziz S. Al- Babtain said, "Encouraging leadership of Arab men and women who reached success in a young age is an open door to a prosperous Arab future".

Last year YAL revealed a number of different initiatives divided into Motivational and Educational Aspects, to mold and employ the young Arabs, and society's potential in general.

The different initiatives addressed were the "YAL-Kuwait Forum for the Future Joint Forces", which is a cooperative effort by the states of the Broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) Region, to seek, promote and develop political, economic, and social reforms in the region.

Speaking about the Educational Aspect initiatives, "YAL - Kuwait Toastmaster Program" offers its members the opportunity to participate in the Toastmasters Communication and Leadership Program.

Another Educational initiative is Microsoft's "Unlimited Potential" Program (UP) designed to in providing technology skills training, tools, and guidance through community technology centers.

"The public needs to be motivated and aware about the different advantages of such initiatives as YAL. This is an opportunity for our young entrepreneurs to network and support potential entrepreneurs with small business ideas," emphasized Al- Ghunaim.

Attendees of the launch were prominent businesspersons, young entrepreneurs, and current leaders currently in major positions.

On the other side, YAL- Kuwait includes, Mrs. Al-Ghunaim; Dr. Rola Dashti Chairperson Kuwait Economic Society & FARO International Co., Mr. Fareed Al-Fozan Vice Chairman Gulf Group Holding Company, Mr. Ayad Al-Khorafi Chairman Scientific Club, Ms. Rana Al-Khalid Director, Private Equity NBK Capital, Mr. Ali Al-Rashed Member of Kuwait's National Assembly, and Ms. Dana Al-Sabah Chairperson American University of Kuwait (AUK) Board of Trustees.

Members in YAL are men and women from an Arab world who are leading figures in their sectors, leaders of good standing character committed to playing an active role in the development of the region.

Individual seeking a membership are nominated from a multitude of disciplines and sectors including business, politics, media, culture, and science and civil society.

Mrs. Al-Ghunaim pointed out that not only would YAL bridge the gap of communication but it is also an opportunity for an individual to learn how to handle important financial topics they may face when running their own family business or own business," said Al- Ghunaim.

YAL currently has regional chapters in Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, UAE, Palestine, Egypt, and Morocco.