New wave of Middle East women leaders to gather at Global Thinkers Forum 2012 in Amman, Jordan

Confirmed speakers and GTF Award Honourees include: HRH Princess Rym Ali of Jordan, Fadi Ghandour, Muna AbuSulayman, Deema Bibi, Professor Saskia Sassen, Majd Shweikeh, Dr Hayat Sindi, Dr. Usama Fayyad, H.E. the British Ambassador to Jordan Mr. Peter Millett, Reem N. Bsaiso and Dalia Mogahed .

Elizabeth Filippouli, GTF 2012 Founder and Director, commented: 'Our partnership with the Columbia Global Center and Oasis500 in Amman creates the perfect combination of venues for Global Thinkers Forum 2012. I have just visited both CUMERC and Oasis500 at Business Park and I was so impressed with the teams and their facilities; exceptional architecture, state-of-the-art facilities and very relaxing environments, very alive with a wonderful energetic buzz. We are also thrilled about co-hosting the Oasis500 Angel Investor Network Event together with the Global Thinkers Forum Awards Dinner. Talent and Entrepreneurship will be in abundance!'.

In turn, Dr. Usama Fayyad, Executive Chairman of Oasis500 and former Executive VP of Yahoo! Inc, said, " We are both proud and impressed by the fact that female entrepreneurs are strongly present in Oasis500's Bootcamp Trainings and in the set of companies that are chosen to receive investment from Oasis500. This is a testament to the latent potential and entrepreneurial contribution of women to the Jordanian society particularly in startups within the technology sector. We are excited with our partnership with Colombia and the Forum, and we look forward to witnessing positive outcomes."

Professor Safwan Masri, Director of the Columbia Global Centers | Middle East and Chair of the Columbia Global Centers Director Group notes: 'We are very excited to partner with the Global Thinkers Forum 2012 in this important effort to recognize and celebrate the role of women in our communities. We look forward to hosting such accomplished and remarkable women and hope that their stories and experiences serve as an inspiration to many others around the region.'

At a time of change for the region many preconceived ideas are changing across politics, governance, business and society. GTF promotes the extensive participation of women as a necessary and positive imperative for our world and the creation of just societies. GTF also encourages the participation of young people and welcomes students for free.

Oasis500 Angel Investor Network Event and the Global Thinkers Forum Awards will take place as one event on Sunday October 7, 2012.