Young Arab Leaders to address Arab youth challenges at World Economic Forum

The Session titled "The Arab World: Impending Downturn or Phenomenal Rise?" was held from 13:00 to 14:45 hrs in the Vartani Hall 1 at The Marriott Dead Sea Hotel.

The Dead Sea Forum also marks the fifth anniversary of YAL as the organization was established during the same event five years ago.

YAL hosted a thematic luncheon session on the second day of the Forum that opened with welcome speech by Mr. Ala Khalifeh, YAL Jordan Country Office Chairman. This was followed by a presentation by Mr. Saad N. Mouasher, Deputy CEO, Jordan Ahli Bank and Member of the YAL Jordan Country Executive Board who took the internationally renowned audience of the Forum, through a presentation highlighting the socio-economic facts and other relevant regional statistics of the Arab world and how these are likely to affect the future prospects of Arab youth.

The session was also an opportunity to create awareness amongst the Forum's distinguished attendees on the leading and strategic role of YAL and its positive impact on the economies of Arab countries. Mr. Mouasher also moderated the session.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Assem O. Kabesh, Chief Executive Officer, YAL, said:

"The Dead Sea World Economic Forum is a milestone in the history of YAL as it is linked with the birth of our Organization. YAL was keen on seizing this unique opportunity to deliver its message and share the knowledge and initiate dialogue on the challenges that face the future of Arab youth. We believe that only a collective approach and joint action by all decision-making forces can develop efficient responses that would open up wide new horizons for Arab youth."

"The efforts of the Jordan Country Office Management, under the leadership of their Chairman, Mr. Ala Khalifeh and the UAE Country Office Chairman Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi are worth a special mention as they made it possible for us to have an independent YAL Luncheon Session on the side of the WEF", he added.

WEF also presented 'The Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2009' Award to one of the YAL members, Dr. Naif Al Mutawa yesterday, for his creation - The 99 Comics Series. Dr. Al Mutawa, the Kuwaiti entrepreneur who is building the Arab world's most powerful children's entertainment business is a prolific YAL Member who has been keenly involved in the organization's programs and initiatives.

Since its inception five years ago, YAL has developed pioneering programs and bespoke initiatives that orient Arab youth and provide them with education, training and entrepreneurship opportunities equipping them with the required knowledge and skills to help them acquire a positive role in the economic development of the Arab World.

YAL has more than 470 members and operates on a national, regional and global level to empower and enable the Arab Youth for a better future for the Arab World. The Regional Board drives YAL's global and regional agenda whereas the National Country Office Boards ensures national endorsement and support for the regional programs.

YAL has hitherto established offices in nine Arab countries (Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, KSA, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar and UAE), but its programs have reached out to Arab youth in other countries of the Arab League as well.