Dubai School of Government's United Nations Regional Forum In Reinventing Government in the Arab World opens today

"This event allows the governments of the region to share our experience and take stock of our efforts towards achieving integrity, transparency and accountability in our public sectors. The discussions that will take place over the next three days, and the conclusions that we draw from this gathering, are essential if we are to be active and constructive as a participating region at the 6th Global Forum on Reinventing Government in Seoul, Republic of South Korea in May 2005," Mr. Al Yousuf said.

Guido Bertucci, Director, Division for Public Administration and Development Management, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations, also addressed the 40 high-level government and civil society delegates from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen, thanking DSG for hosting the event.

"The countries of the Middle East have actively and positively worked towards increasing integrity, transparency and accountability in their public sectors and protecting their citizens' rights to quality public services," Bertucci said. "The region has fully supported good governance initiatives such as the UNDP and Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) initiative, launched last February at the Dead Sea, Jordan. The discussions and conclusions of this week's meetings will contribute to those we will take to the 6th Global Forum."

Supporting DSG in hosting the forum are the Dubai International Financial Centre, as well as Shell and National Bank of Dubai (NBD).

Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, Director General of Dubai International Financial Centre, said, "We are delighted to be associated with Dubai School of Government and to support this important Forum. A stated aim of the DIFC is to contribute to the ongoing development of the Middle East and to be a catalyst for growth, progress and economic development in the UAE and the wider region.

"The principles of this noteworthy event closely mirror our own. Integrity, transparency and accountability in public institutions are worthy aspirations and can be achieved with diligence, stamina and determination. We at DIFC have shown that the world can and will notice the results of adhering to such principles and I wholeheartedly welcome the debate on how we can further enhance the burgeoning advancement of public institutions in the region," he concluded.

Shell spokesperson, Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager said, "Our long term commitment to the Middle East has positioned us as an industry leader, with a presence that continues to grow as we develop partnerships with the region's governments and national oil companies. Shell recognises that commitment carries responsibilities to the markets in which we operate. We are proud to support the DSG in hosting the Forum as part of Shell's substantial and continued involvement in socially responsible programmes that are designed to greatly benefit society."

National Bank of Dubai (NBD) CEO R. Douglas Dowie said, "NBD is proud to support DSG and the Dubai Forum focusing on issues of integrity, transparency and efficiency that mirror our own NBD standards." Founded in 1963, the National Bank of Dubai is the oldest, locally incorporated bank in the Southern Gulf. Recognized as the bank with a performance that is second-to-none, NBD has built a reputation of stability and strength much appreciated by shareholders and customers alike.

A keynote speaker at the forum, Jae Doo Yea, Director General of the Planning Department, South Korea, arrived to Dubai to participate in the Middle East's preparatory conference and brief the attendees on his country's preparations for the 6th Global Forum.

Speakers at the 3-day event include, Adel Abdellatif, UNDP Regional Coordinator, Programme for Governance in the Region of Arab States, Ragaa Makharita, Senior Advisor UNDP Programme on Governance in the Arab Region and Nabil Al Yousuf, Executive Director, DSG."