Arab and European Dialogue Forum opens in Berlin

Organized by the Young Arab Leaders in collaboration with leading European car manufacturer Daimler AG, the two-day forum sought to enhance economic and social cooperation between Europe and the Arab world. It was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal Bin Al Hussein of Jordan and Federal Minister Dr. Thomas de Maiziere, Head of the Federal Chancellery, Germany.

His Royal Highness Prince Feisal highlighted the urgent need for Arab governments to make stronger commitments to innovation by adopting policies that encourage small and medium enterprises.

'Governments need to create policies that support innovative financing approaches and minimize bureaucratic obstacles to investments. Corporate culture must approach investment in research and development as a competitive tool rather than expenditure. We must look to our youth as part of the solution,' he said

This event was also addressed by Saeed Al Muntafiq, Chairman of the Board of Young Arab Leaders and Executive Chairman of Tatweer; Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Elias Bou Saab, Executive Vice-President of the American University in Dubai and Chairman of the Arab-European Dialogue Forum.

Al Muntafiq said: 'For the Arab world to become globally competitive, the region needs to improve its quality of education and prepare the next generation of Arab leaders to lead its integration into the global economic framework.

'There are millions of Young Arab leaders around us, who with the right support and the right opportunities will make our region one of the most prosperous in the world.'

Highlighting the growth of relations between Arab leaders and their German counterparts, Bou Saab said: 'This partnership between Germany and Dubai has now evolved into an Arab-European collaboration. Over the last few years, we have witnessed this partnership grow from just being a dialogue into one that promises concrete action.

'During the forum, delegates learnt more about these initiatives and about the commitments that we have set forth in line with YAL's mission. Internships and Top Talent Programmes in Germany were just two of the proposals finalised at the forum.'

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG, said: 'Strengthening partnerships between the Middle East and Europe is the most effective way to overcome cultural and political barriers. This will also lead to increased trade ties, higher levels of understanding, as well as greater prosperity for everyone.'

The forum featured discussions on 'Business and Innovation', 'Science and Technology', and 'Social Responsibility'. It also included a half hour debate to chart an appropriate mechanism for improving Arab-European relations on a multi dimensional level.