Arab Strategy Forum 2004 set to provide a glimpse into the future

The three-day gathering of some of the best minds in the world will map out a blueprint of the 'Arab World in 2020' and suggest measures to achieve sustainable growth that would be well integrated into the global economic, social and political fabric.

His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, will set the tone in his opening address where he will urge the region to wake up from its complacency and face the challenges that world events have imposed on the Arab world.

HH Sheikh Mohammed's opening address will be followed by the keynote address from no less a global personality than Former US President Bill Clinton.

"We very much look forward to hearing what globally respected thinkers have to say about the future of our region. What we learn from them, will help and assist us in developing a blueprint that will lead us into a future of prosperity and wellbeing for all," pointed out Mohammed Al Gergawi, Chairman of the Organising Committee of Arab Strategy Forum.

"Former President Clinton, along with other Heads of States, Premiers, Ministers, top policy makers, global corporate heads, senior management of civil society organisations and global institutions, experts, academics and influential opinion-makers, are gathering together as a leading-edge think-tank to provide an insight of what they see the Arab world in a global context in the future," added Al Gergawi.

No Arab Strategy Forum could be complete without a discussion on oil, which still forms the basis of much wealth in the region, especially the Gulf. The third session will discuss the future of oil and OPEC, the challenges and factors that impact and influence the sector. To lead the effort to map out a future scenario will be H.E. Abdulla bin Hamad Al Atiyah, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy & Industry in Qatar.

The workshops that run in parallel to the Forum on the second day include subjects such as 'Moving towards a free trade economy: The future of Family Business'. The discussion will feature Naguib Sawiris, Chairman of Egypt's leading business hose, Orascom.

Developing tomorrow's leaders is an issued that will be raised in a workshop on 'The Arab world: Between the Realities of Today and the Promises of Tomorrow'. The finale of the day will be the discussion with famous Columnist for The New York Times, Thomas Freidman, which will deal with the issue of 'Exploring the world after 9/11'.