Arab-Asia Forum in Singapore agree to work on 10 joint initiatives

Almost 200 young Arab and Asian government, business, academic and civil society leaders have agreed the details of 10 mutually beneficial initiatives to address common issues which impact both Asia and the Middle East in three strategic areas - economy-plus, culture of media and thought leadership - at the Young Arab Leaders Global Action Forum, held in Singapore.

These include the creation of the Global Action Forum Task Force to be co-chaired by His Excellency Dr. Omar bin Sulaiman, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Singapore's Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings Limited.

The task force's terms of reference include developing a strategy for regional co-operation and synergy between Asia and the Middle East, building on some of the bilateral agreements formed at the forum and regionalising them, as well as overseeing the implementation of all initiatives.

Other initiatives include:
Joint action by PT Global Mediacom Tbk, an Indonesian media company, and Dubai Media Incorporated to promote tourism in both countries;
The Dubai School of Government and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy agreed to develop joint post-graduate courses that focus on the two regions;
The setting up a web portal - New Silk Route - which will include a speakers' bureau, a databank of prominent artists and art forms, a discussion forum and a clearing house of Arab and Asian newspapers;
Journalist exchange programmes, internships and scholarships to develop the expertise in this area; and
Student and other internship programmes with several major companies across Asia and the Middle East.

The 'Young Arab Leaders Global Action Forum: Arab and Asian Dialogue', was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong of the Republic of Singapore.

As part of this inaugural forum, participants had the opportunity to hear from His Royal Highness Prince Feisal Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of His Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein, and Senior Minister Goh of the Republic of Singapore. They also participated in a lively dialogue with Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

Saeed Al-Muntafiq Chairman of the Board of YAL and Executive Chairman of Tatweer, UAE, said: "I am proud to announce there were several points of convergence and specific suggestions, which have thrown up quality initiatives. This bodes well for the future.

"The good ideas we have generated and the concrete recommendations that have been made will not be forgotten; they will be followed up vigorously. I call upon the young Arab and Asian leaders to capitalise on the initial, yet significant, gains made at this forum to ensure that our futures shine with peace, progress and prosperity."

Partners for the YAL Global Action Forum: Arab and Asian Dialogue included strategic partners, Tatweer and Gulf Finance House; organising partner, Citigroup; sponsors, DIFC Investments, Dubai International Financial Exchange, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, American University of Dubai, Keppel Group and Singapore Tourism Board; and knowledge partners, Gulf Research Centre, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, INSEAD and Dubai School of Government.