Young Arab Leaders Organization (YAL) - Kuwait Chapter announces initiatives for young Arabs

The announcement came during a press conference held in Dubai, UAE by Mrs. Maha K. Al-Ghunaim, Global's Vice Chairman and Managing Director and the president of YAL- Kuwait.

Global sponsored last night the YAL- Kuwait dinner at the Mina Al Salam Hotel, Dubai that was attended by YAL Chairman Mr. Mohammad Al Gergawi and some young Arab personalities from Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

Mrs. Al-Ghunaim affirmed during the press conference the importance of nurturing and building the young generation, in addition to giving special attention to this vital segment of the society. She revealed a number of initiatives, divided into Motivational and Educational Aspects, to mold and employ the young Arabs, and society's potential in general.

The first initiative with a Motivational Aspect she announced is the "YAL Initiative Fund" which will be sponsored by Global to support potential entrepreneurs with small business ideas in Kuwait. The fund's capital will be USD50 million and Global will seed and manage the fund at cost.

Another initiative is "YAL-Kuwait Forum for the Future Joint Forces", which is a cooperative effort by the states of the Broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) Region, the Group of Eight (G-8) industrialized nations and other partners, to seek, promote and develop political, economic, and social reforms in the region. The Forum & YAL-Kuwait will unite around a common agenda that advances the values of human dignity, democracy, economic opportunity, and social justice.

Speaking about the Educational Aspect initiatives, Mrs. Al-Ghunaim said that the "YAL - Kuwait Toastmaster Program" offers its members the opportunity to participate in the Toastmasters Communication and Leadership Program. The program will be presented in English & Arabic and it will allow people from all backgrounds to learn how to effectively speak, conduct a meeting, manage a department or business, lead, delegate, and motivate.

It also improves member's communication and presentation skills. A typical Toastmasters club is made up of 20 to 30 people who meet once a week for about an hour.

Another Educational initiative is Microsoft's "Unlimited Potential" Program (UP). It is designed to help broaden digital inclusion and aid workforce & community development by providing technology skills training, tools, and guidance through community technology centers.

YAL- Kuwait president said that "Skills required for running a Family Business" initiative aims to provide assistance to family business owners by addressing issues and challenges that may face them. They will also be trained on skills to help them handle important topics like business management, estate planning, hiring issues, transfer of ownership and sibling rivalries. These skills will help the family business grow and prosper.

The final initiative Mrs. Al-Ghunaim announced was a series of seminars targeted to women in business. The aim of the seminars is to prepare women to take on greater organizational responsibilities, asses their strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement, and offer practical information and inspirational advice.

Mr. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Chairman of Young Arab Leaders organization praised Global efforts and the initiatives it presented, describing them as the "most active" chapter in the organization as it was able, within a short period of time, to put forth a promising action plan for next year.

Young Arab Leader was launched in February 2004 by the World Economic Forum with the purpose of creating a community of the region's foremost achievers, all under the age of 43, who will dedicate their time and effort to developing the region.

YAL has regional chapters in Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, UAE, Palestine, Egypt, and Morocco.

YAL- Kuwait Founding Task Force includes, in addition to Mrs. Al-Ghunaim; Dr. Rola Dashti Chairperson Kuwait Economic Society & FARO International Co., Mr. Fareed Al-Fozan Vice Chairman Gulf Group Holding Company, Mr. Ayad Al-Khorafi Chairman Scientific Club, Ms. Rana Al-Khalid Director, Private Equity NBK Capital, Mr. Ali Al-Rashed Member of Kuwait's National Assembly, and Ms. Dana Al-Sabah Chairperson American University of Kuwait (AUK) Board of Trustees.