Arabia shows support for globalisation, says Albright (page 1 of 2)

Albright, who will address the international leadership summit Leaders in Dubai in Dubai on November 28 - 29, is the chair of the group which has conducted a series of worldwide public opinion surveys.

In the report, nearly 75,000 people were questioned in 50 countries on how they feel about their lives, the environment and the changing world. Other Pew Global Attitudes Project advisory board members include Hernando de Soto, Henry Kissinger, Queen Noor of Jordan and Desmond Tutu.

Globalisation is one of the key issues tabled for discussion at Leaders in Dubai, and HE Sheikh Faisal bin Khaled Sultan Al Qassemi, chairman of the Al Qasimi Group, said: "Globalisation is more complicated than people think at the beginning and it requires growth and evolution.

"What comes out of the report is that people - on the whole - like globalisation and they like the idea of being part of a larger system.
"You cannot stop globalisation - it is something that happens; so the issue is how to manage it so that the benefits are spread more widely among rich and poor countries and the negative aspects are alleviated."

According to the survey, globalisation, the free market model and democratic ideals are accepted in all corners of the world. Most notably, the report found strong democratic aspirations in most of the Muslim countries surveyed. These aspirations remain intact despite the conflict in Iraq.

Sheikh Faisal explained: "Beyond their common desire for democracy and free markets, people in emerging nations also generally acknowledge and accept globalisation. People worldwide have become aware of the impact of increasing interconnectedness on their countries and their own lives."

Majorities in 41 of the 44 countries surveyed say that international trade and business contacts have increased in the past five years. More than 75 per cent of those interviewed in almost every country think children need to learn English to succeed in the world today.

People generally view the growth in foreign trade, global communication and international popular culture as good for them and their families as well as their countries.

Despite the widespread support for the globalisation process, people around the world think many aspects of their lives are getting worse. Majorities in 34 of 44 countries see the gap between rich and poor, the affordability of health care and the ability to save for their old age as getting worse.

Sheikh Faisal added: "But people do not blame a more interconnected world for these problems - they mostly point to domestic factors. People around the world are more inclined to credit globalisation for conditions they see as improving, such as increased availability of food in stores and more modern medicines."

Saudi industrialist, Abdulla Al Zamil, chief operating officer of Saudi Arabia's Zamil Industrial Investment Company, is one of the returning Corporate Ambassadors - regional supporters - for Leaders in Dubai.

He said: "Leaders need to keep pace with the changing world. We are in an era of alliances and merging boundaries and borders.

"However, we must take care to prevent a loss of cultural identity. In many countries, the traditional way of life is getting lost and the public feel that their way of life has to be protected against foreign influence."

Lebanese industrialist Jacques Sarraf, president of Malia Holding, acknowledged that modern developments were not always "for the best", but should be embraced overall.