Arab and European Dialogue Forum in Berlin concludes with framework for future cooperation

Held from 23-24 November, the Forum saw the launch of several internships, scholarships and student exchange programmes for Arab students, in both Europe and the Arab world. These include 20 internships at Dubai Holding; 20 internships at Daimler AG; 10 internships at European Aerospace and Defence Systems (EADS); scholarships for Arab students from the University of Karlsruhe, and summer training programmes for 25 Arab students in Europe to study Business and Managerial Education at the University Of St. Gallen Switzerland. The American University in Dubai will also match every scholarship given in Europe, by providing European students with scholarships.

Elias Bou Saab, Executive Vice-President of the American University in Dubai and Chairman of the Arab-European Dialogue Forum, said: "Young Arab Leaders is fortunate to have an existing infrastructure that facilitates the execution of initiatives such as the ones announced. However, it is still equally important to solicit the voice of stakeholders to direct our resources to the right kind of initiatives and programmes that benefit the youth."

Among the sponsored visits that were announced at the Forum include trips for 10 students to the Philips' high tech campus in Germany, and 10 students to the Research Center at Daimler in Germany. Arab engineering students will also get an opportunity to visit Dornier Consulting in Germany and acquire training in Project Management. In addition, an Executive Mentorship Program at the American University in Cairo was also one of the outcomes of the Berlin summit.

YAL will also identify and sponsor two to three graduates, with a major in the food and beverage studies, for a minimum three week stay in the US to gain updates on the sector, and highlight industry developments in the Arab world.

A programme to entice pioneering Arab scientists to return to their country of origin and commence research activities was also announced. YAL members were also encouraged to visit schools and universities twice a year to discuss with students creative thinking, innovation, and future entrepreneurial opportunities. An internship programme in the world of private equity will also be offered for the Arab youth to understand its key link to the innovation cycle.

YAL will establish an award for schools and teachers to celebrate the most innovative educational institution in the Arab world. Host sites for Arab youth to conduct applied research within European companies and 100 computer-based simulation software packages will be offered to encourage students to integrate science and technology into their learning process.

A programme to organise visits by senior European executives to the Middle East by connecting them with 'top talent' from the Arab world was another key initiative that was discussed at forum.

During the Social Responsibility session, His Royal Highness Prince Feisal outlined a framework for 'Peace Through Sport' a program uses sport to empower youth leaders from hostile regions, to act as agents of change to help instill peace. "Peace Through Sport" is to teach youth sport, peace education and how to cascade the programmes in their own communities and regions.

YAL announced it will take up a CSR challenge, in which AXIOM, the largest wireless communication specialist in the region, will participate on a quarterly basis to implement a project. In 2008, Philips will provide free health checks in oncology, obesity and diabetes.

Daimler Middle East will provide a public awareness campaign targeting producers to prevent the use of counterfeit parts to enhance the safety of motorists.

The Arab European Dialogue Forum was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Feisal Bin Al Hussein of Jordan. As many as 150 leading personalities from private and government sectors and civil society establishments, representing more than 20 Arab and European countries, participated in the forum.

Among the prominent Arab business leaders who participated in the sessions were Sameer Al Ansari, CEO, Dubai International Capital; Shehab Gargash, Managing Director, Daman Securities; Ghazi Atallah, Managing Director, NeXgen Advisory Group (UAE); Marwan Juma, CEO, Xpress Telecommunications (Jordan); Hakam Kanafani, Chief Business Development Officer in charge of Mergers and Acquisitions for Oger Telecom and, Dr. Barbara Ibrahim, Founder and President, Gerhard Center for Civic Engagement (UAE).