The Arab Thought Foundation announces a change of topic for FIKR 5

This decision was taken in response to the dramatic events that have occurred in Lebanon. The original topic of the conference - "Arab Strategies for the Global Era" - will now be presented at next year's conference, Fikr 6, to be held in Manama, Bahrain in 2007.

A new program for Fikr 5 will be announced shortly. Its focus will be on Lebanon and the theme of Arab solidarity.

Board members believe the change of topic reflects the Foundation's priority of assisting the rebuilding of Lebanon after the massive destruction caused by the conflict. The aim is to keep Lebanon on the international agenda as the center of a rich Arabic culture, and recognize Beirut as a unique and exceptional Arab capital.

His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al Faisal, the chairman of ATF, affirmed his solidarity with Lebanon: "Lebanon is an integral part of Arab culture and society, and that obliges us to help and support our brothers and sisters to ensure that Lebanon remains a beacon of Arab Thought."

He added: "The idea of this conference is to highlight a bright cultural future and strengthen the Lebanon's standing in the Arab world. Fikr 5 will focus on the key issues for re-building Lebanon, especially the economic infrastructure and the restoration of the tourism sector. The conference will also discuss ways in which the media can respond to the historic events and critical challenges Lebanon and the region are experiencing. In parallel, focused discussions on issues relating to development and investment promotion in Lebanon - and across the whole region - will help sustain the agenda for economic reform.

The conference will not overlook the grave risks that are threatening the Arabic identity, and the negative impact of recent developments in international and regional politics. The conference organizers seek to promote a dialogue that can help foster an effective response to these challenges.

On this occasion Dr. Ali Moussa, the Assistant Secretary General of ATF, said: "Holding Fikr 5 in Beirut is gratitude to this eternal Arabic city, for its embrace of ATF. The theme of the conference will be "Lebanon and Arab solidarity", and we hope it will encourage Arab business to further invest in Lebanon. However, this conference is about more than economics; the ATF seeks to foster a vibrant debate on the central social, cultural, and political issues facing the Arab world on the road to a safe and secure future."

Leading Arab thinkers, eminent politicians, and influential businesspeople will attend the conference. Their goal is to help facilitate the revival of Lebanon. It is the intention of the organizers that this conference will deliver the necessary resources to allow Lebanon to maintain its essential cultural role in the region.