Young Arab leaders chart out path for revival of the region

"We have an aggressive plan to identify, create, develop, support, encourage and promote the leaders of tomorrow. We know that for our plan to be successful, we need to get input from leading minds and experts who have accumulated decades of management experience and leadership skills. The Arab Strategy Forum presented an ideal platform where some of the greatest thinkers, leaders and managers of today have gathered," said Hakam Kanafani, Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the YAL.

The workshop on 'The Arab World: Between the Realities of Today and the Promises of Tomorrow' discussed the plans for the revival of the region. It outlined prospective opportunities and realities that face the region and put the present and future situation in the Arab world in a global context.

Several major personalities attended the workshop and included HE Dr. Hanan Ashrawi Secretary General of the Palestinian Initiative for Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy (Miftah) and Member of the Palestinian Parliament. Insights into the subject were also provided by Dr. Fareed Zakaria, Editor of Newsweek International of the USA and Dr. Ghassan Salameh, professor of International elations, Institutit d'Etudes Politiques de Paris, France and Former Minister of Culture of Lebanon.

Dr. Hanan Ashrawi speaking at the workshop stressed the importance of providing opportunities and scholarships to the young who excel, as a way of empowering them. She said that it important to recognize the merit in the young leaders as a tool for effecting positive change.

Dr. Ghassan Salameh speaking during the workshop said that most societies - especially Arab societies in transitional times - need affirmative action to support potential leaders because otherwise certain groups such as the women and the poor will get marginalized. He said that the population growth has to be controlled so that it is less than economic growth otherwise there is possibility of new urban rebellions.

Dr. Fareed Zakaria said that the biggest challenge faced by the Arab world is that of employment. He said that if you look at countries that have done well you see that they have certain common elements. First, the market has to be free to play a dominant role in the allocation of capital and creating entrepreneurship.

Secondly countries that want to replicate the success need to be open to world economy as it benchmarks them to global standards in various spheres including education. Thirdly, he said that countries need judicial systems and governments that work. Fourthly the countries will need capacity to invest in infrastructure.

Dr. Zakaria said that in case of Arab countries although they might need to remove other hurdles the capacity to invest in infrastructure already exists which might make progress possible for them in a much faster and smoother way.

The interactive discussions between the panel and delegates centered on the issue of where does the Arab world want to be in 2020 and what role could the youth play in transforming the region?

The workshop debated the critical issue of reform asking whether reformation was the vehicle for westernisation of the region and is westernisation related to the absence of home grown role models for Arab youth?

The workshop delved into the factors that need to be implemented to create an environment that empowers today's youth to become effective influencers of policies that will drive future growth and development.

"How can the youth form a mission that can bring the Arab world together and how can we merge the different incentives of the youth," asked Hakam Kanafani, Vice-Chairman of the YAL Executive Committee.

The workshop highlighted ways to prepare future political and business leaders in the Arab world.

"What we learned through this workshop will be analysed. We will incorporate what we have learned here today into our work plan for 2005. We are enthused by the faith reposed in Arab youth by all who attended today's workshop. With such hopes from our young and with the support and encouragement of the public and private sector leaders, we are sure that we cannot fail in our objective," pointed out the YAL Executive Committee Vice Chairman.

Kanafani added: "We want to promote transparency and good governance. We will publicise our work plan and what we will achieve over the year, we will present for evaluation at Arab Strategy Forum 2005."

YAL aims at widening its membership base to include 500 members below the age of 45 who are selected from various countries in the Arab world. These will be those who are known for their leadership skills and wise management of resources in order to build a better future for the region.