Forbes CEO Middle East Forum announces Kofi Annan as keynote speaker

Forbes CEO Middle East Forum 2008, Qatar's premier business and industry conference, today announced the launch of the conference and the confirmation of former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan will be the keynote speaker for the February 2008.

Born in 1938, Ghanaian-born Kofi Annan progressed through the ranks of the World Health Organisation and several high profile United Nations roles, earning election as Secretary-General in 1996. Annan served two consecutive five-year terms after which both he and the United Nations were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 "for their work for a better organized and more peaceful world."

Confirming Kofi Annan's appearance at Forbes CEO Middle East Forum, Esmat Selim, Managing Director of United Group for projects commented: "Forbes CEO Forum is another key conference for Qatar Expo and we are honoured to welcome Kofi Annan as our Keynote Speaker. To have one of the world's most respected and admired politicians endorse our event is a fantastic accomplishment for the Forum and demonstrates the increasing global respect for Qatar."

"Forbes CEO Forums attract visionary executives with a dynamic agenda presented by global business and industry leaders. Today's news means the region's business leaders and Forum sponsors will benefit from having contact with a speaker of the calibre of Kofi Annan," added Fernando De Guama, Director Exhibitions and Events

Gathering at the forum will be world authorities on business, innovation, energy, finance, entrepreneurship, globalization, CSR, education, retail, and real estate, delivering unprecedented discussion and debate on the issues, challenges, risks and rewards that make the Middle East / GCC one of the most dynamic markets in today's global economy.

The forum agenda comprises speaker sessions, round table / panel discussions, interviews and debates, interspersed with invaluable networking opportunities and face-to-face access to the most important corporate decision makers in international business.