WE need a national dialogue to discuss all matters that concern us — from the system of government to the Council of Ministers, the state regulations, religious matters and finally, the problems and obstacles we face every day. Tackling of these problems is vital as they obstruct the country’s development, promote corruption, unemployment and plain bad manners. We have to remove the masks and discuss these matters together, not in order to blame anybody but in order to reach a unified plan. Even if we manage to have only 70 percent agreement, the discussion will be a big success.
Who will organize this proposed dialogue? The Shoura Council or regional councils or what body? The Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI) formerly organized specialized conferences. Would the authorities allow the CSCCI or some other agency to organize this important dialogue in coordination with the Ministry of Planning?
We propose that the dialogue be conducted with the participation of a group of officials and intellectuals, not fewer than 100 and the number should include ministers, experts and consultants, members of the Shoura Council and university professors. It would be conducted in an open and free atmosphere without protocol, without deviating from the limitations set by the Shariah and without affecting the country’s unity.
The Ministry of Planning organized a conference in Riyadh recently which dealt with the future vision of the Saudi economy. It focused on manpower development, diversification of revenue sources, partnership between the public and private sectors and modernization. I wish that the conference had had a positive impact on the economy.
What worries me is that we have seen so many conferences and seminars over the past 20 years. It seems that none of them ever helped to eliminate either our social and economic problems or the obstacles we face every day. Instead, the conferences and seminars drown us in figures, empty talk of achievements and recommendations. Seminar after seminar, we have become experts at holding seminars.
My proposed national dialogue is more important than future economic plans and efforts to attract investment. The dialogue must deal with political, religious, social and educational issues as well as any other matters that bother us. We should find viable solutions. The government must work out clear and competitive economic and financial policies. We must implement the plans instead of ignoring them.
We should speed up efforts to make the Saudi economy cope with global and regional developments. We have to admit the absence of bold initiatives. We should also make a thorough and farsighted appraisal of our present economic and social situation and set out goals which will accelerate growth.
