Young Arab Leaders to organize the 4th Annual Forum in Beirut

The Forum will be attended by members of YAL's Regional Board of Directors, members of YAL's National Chapters and other members of YAL. Partners of YAL and representatives from the business sector and civil society will also attend.

Under the theme "Creating Impact Within and Beyond: the Way Forward", the Forum will explore the main factors driving and inhibiting the development of youth in the Arab world. Speakers will share their insights on how Young Arab Leaders can contribute to the creation of a framework for addressing development and progress. The Forum will also discuss new opportunities for Arab youth and the support extended by Arab governments and businesses for their development.

Speaking ahead of the Forum, H.E. Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Chairman, YAL, said: "YAL is a pan-Arab organization that seeks to engage Arab youth in shaping the future of Arab countries. In a world marked by rapid transformation, fierce competition and high risks, businesses and organizations need strong leadership to survive. Through YAL, we aim to nurture a new generation of young leaders who are empowered and equipped to steer change and development in the region. We seek to do this by providing a platform for them to learn from international experts and exposing them to global leadership thinking. YAL's Annual Forum in Beirut will further consolidate our mission and encourage government and non-government organizations and businesses to join forces with the organization to create the leaders of tomorrow".

The Forum will be structured into several sessions that will debate issues relevant to the key areas under YAL's scope of activity - education, employment opportunities for Arab youth, leadership skills development and entrepreneurship. The plenary session will explore the main drivers and inhibitors for youth development. The session will be a triangular debate between speakers, YAL members and Arab youth.

Other interactive sessions will discuss the employability of Arab youth and their capability to create change in the Arab world as well as ways to develop the leadership and entrepreneurship potential of young Arabs. Dialogue Exchange within and beyond the Arab World will be the main theme for the Global Citizen session. The Forum will be an opportunity for YAL to present its five-year strategy.

Assem O. Kabesh, Chief Executive Officer, YAL, said:

"The 2009 Annual Forum will see the participation of hundreds of young Arabs who are leaders from various walks of life. Their involvement in YAL gives us the confidence and determination to go ahead with the mission we have taken upon ourselves - to empower young Arabs and equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary for them to lead change in the Arab world."

"Youth comprise the majority of the Arab world's population and are expected to reach 78 million by 2020. This is an invaluable wealth that needs to be tapped into, but Arab youth need some direction to become a driving force for economic prosperity. At YAL, we seek to meet this need by guiding Arab youth and opening new horizons for them to discover and use their individual potential and professional assets. The 2009 Annual Forum will be an excellent opportunity for the YAL executive leadership and members to discuss how we can best deliver our mission in the years ahead and maximize our contribution to the Arab world's development", he further added.

YAL's Annual Forums bring YAL members together every year to review the year's progress, share experiences and create a new roadmap for the future. The three previous Annual Forums were held in Dubai (UAE), Jordan and Bahrain, respectively.