Kofi Annan takes top billing at Leaders in Dubai Business Forum 2007

He has been asked to speak on "the art of diplomacy" with special emphasis on how it applies in the corporate arena, but corporate social responsibility (CSR) will also be high on his speech agenda.

"I understand CSR is a relatively new concept in the Middle East and I look forward to stimulating discussion at the forum on why it should be part of every corporate's strategic mix," Mr Annan says. "It's not about charity - it's about the legacy we want to leave for our children's children."

Kofi Annan was UN Secretary-General from 1997-2006 - the first elected from the ranks of the United Nations staff and the first Black African national to hold the position. In the role he worked to bolster the UN's relationship with businesses and civil society groups whose strengths complemented those of the UN.

He sponsored a Global Compact initiative to promote CSR and was instrumental in laying out the Millennium Development Goals - a strategy to meet the needs of the world's poorest by 2015.

In 2005, Kofi Annan succeeded in persuading the UN to establish the Peace-Building Commission and the Human Rights Council, new inter-governmental bodies dedicated to global peace and welfare. He was also the driving force behind the creation of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Other confirmed speakers for this year's Leaders in Dubai Business Forum 2007, which will be held at the Dubai International Convention Centre from November 18-20, include 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunus; entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson; business strategy gurus Robert S Kaplan, Philip Kotler and Steve Forbes; plus Google's Nikesh Arora.

Leaders in Dubai Business Forum 2007 is supported by:

HEADLINE SPONSORS: Citi Private Bank, Nokia, Dubai Properties, BIDAYA, Addax Bank and The Monarch Dubai.

International Media Partner CNN & Headline Media Partner Al Arabiya News Channel.

OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS: Al Barari, Ithmar Capital, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, TCS Express, SP Jain Center of Management, Damac Properties, Omniyat Properties and Dubai Real Estate Institute.

MEDIA PARTNERS: Arabian Business, Emirates Today & 103.8 fm, AME Info and Al Hayat.