Sheikha Lubna Al-Qasimi joins delegates to discuss information and communication technology

The two-day forum was a wide-ranging event held to discuss employment, public services, private investment initiatives and technology development throughout the Arab world. Delegates from the business community and national, regional and local government institutions were invited to debate ways of maximising public participation in the region's expanding information society.

"The forum was an excellent opportunity for government leaders from across the Middle East to share their experiences and views regarding socio-economic development, education and infrastructure, and the potential information and communication technology (ICT) has to benefit those areas," said Sheikha Lubna.

"All areas of public policy stand to derive great advantages from the judicious application of ICT, and it was rewarding to participate in the mixing of perspectives. All of the delegates, whether drawn from the political, academic or commercial spheres, had important contributions to make," she added.

Sheikha Lubna addressed a number of issues as a featured panellist at the event. Her presentation included insight on Tejari, the Dubai e-Government initiative, and the success of the Dubai Internet City as case studies for the impact of technology on the economy. Sheikha Lubna also discussed using Dubai as a global benchmark for e-Government projects, which require leadership and an intensive focus on delivery to achieve the necessary returns on investment.

The forum was sponsored by Microsoft, and featured seminars on establishing different areas of the Arab information society by 2010. Sheikha Lubna participated in a seminar on socio-economic development in the Arab world, with specific reference to her views on the role of ICT within the UAE. She also spoke as an expert in the concluding question and answer session with the forum's panel of thought leaders.

Other delegates included senior businesses figures from Microsoft and Motorola; UNESCO's assistant director-general for communication and information; and serving ministers of state from many Arab nations, including Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain and Lebanon.