JEDDAH, 1 February 2006 — Nearly 2,500 businessmen and women from within and outside Saudi Arabia will take part in the Jeddah Economic Forum, which is expected to discuss 32 working papers on promoting perpetual global economic growth.
Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed will open the forum on Feb. 11 at the Hilton Hotel, organizers said. This year, the JEF will focus on the theme “Seeding Potentials for Economic Growth: Honoring Identity and Celebrating Common Grounds.”
Delegates will present their views on how best to cultivate sustainable economic and social growth while respecting the cultural diversity. JEF has become one the most prestigious events not only in the Kingdom but the whole the Middle East.
The event has gained extra significance this year as it comes following Saudi Arabia’s accession to the World Trade Organization after 12 years of intense negotiations.
Seventy-five international personalities from 23 countries will address the conference. They include former US Vice President Al Gore, former German President Gerhard Schroeder, Cherry Blair, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Jordanian Prime Minister Abdusslam Al-Majali.
Saud Aunallah, acting secretary-general of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the organizer, said 28 percent of the delegates would be women with Saudi businesswomen representing 85 percent of them.
He said of the 32 working papers, 11 would be discussed at working luncheons. He emphasized the international position of JEF 2006 speakers as they play a significant role in world economic decision-making process. The speakers include ministers, business leaders and prominent media persons.
This year’s forum calls for the honor and recognition of culture, identity and diversity as the building blocks for a world of “common grounds” rather than a global economy of “one size fits all,” Aunallah said.
He said JEF would highlight and celebrate achievements that are special and inspirational about the human quest for inclusion and participation in the building of one world and a prosperous tomorrow. It is only by honoring identity and celebrating common grounds that this quest is attainable, he added.