H.H. Sheikh Mohammed to deliver the opening address at Arab Strategy Forum 2004

H.E Mohamed Al Gergawi, Chairman of the ASF Organising Committee, stated: "His Highness will share his vision on the issues and challenges that face the Arab region. He will lead off the discussions which will be carried on and analysed by top experts, heads of states and academics from all over the world."

He added: "We expect to have a great number of delegates for all the sessions. Policy-makers, advisors and top management personnel have been invited to listen to the expert opinion and views of top decision-makers on strategic regional issues and challenges and to find ways to overcome these obstacles."

Al Gergawi said: "We are pleased to draw the world's attention to this significant event that is, in fact, a platform for the analysis of top topics and issues. The forum will feature open and frank discussions with a high level of transparency in order to reach valuable solutions and reformation plans for the region."

Preparing for the future
The ASF Organising Committee Chairman said that the importance of this year's forum lies in the theme of 'The Arab World in 2020', as it will discuss the political, economic, security, and social scenarios in the Arab world and plan ways to help the region prepare for future challenges.

He added that the Arab Strategy Forum will also encourage the coalition and partnerships between governments and the private sector.

The Arab Strategy Forum will map out the blueprint for the Arab world in 2020. It will discuss and outline what are the key factors that influence the region's regimes and what are the trends in governance. It will also discuss political reform and development and the march towards genuine democracy and the impact of the shift towards transparency.

Impact of developments
One of the other subjects to be covered under the overall theme is the impact of domestic developments in a country on its neighbours and the wider region.

The Arab Strategy Forum is divided into different sessions on the three days it will be held. The first day (13th December) will see discussions on 'Security in the Arab World in 2020'. Day Two (14th December) would focus on business and economy with speakers debating 'Globalisation of Economies and Business in 2020 - The Future of Economic and Financial Reform in the Arab World. The final day (15th December) will discuss the Arab workforce in a session on 'Arab Labour Markets in 2020 - Population Growth and the War for Talent'. The Arab Strategy Forum will provide valuable insights, which will help in improving the status of the Arab World.

Eight pre-eminent local and international organisations have come forward to offer their unstinted support for this year's Arab Strategy Forum. The premiere annual event has six Organising Partners and two Media Partners. They are Emirates National Oil Company Ltd (ENOC), Abraaj Capital, PricewaterhouseCooper, DaimlerChrysler Middle East, National Bank of Dubai and Gulf News, in addition to Media Partners Al Sharq Al Awsat and CNN.