JEDDAH, 20 February 2005 — In an unprecedented move, the sixth Jeddah Economic Forum 2005 held a special session for the interaction and involvement of youth. “Voice of the Future” was presided by its moderators Dr. Haifa Jamalallail, dean of Effat College, Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, president of Arabian Stores Co. Ltd., Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Haifa, also the president of the JCCI’s Women’s Committee, said that the wrong that is widespread in society is focusing on the mistakes that youth commit while not listening to the youth and enabling them to express their opinions and ideas so they can participate in development and growth. She lauded the session as a step in the right direction with the youth, with their ages ranging between 15-20 years, estimated to make up 60 percent of the Kingdom’s population.
“We hear from heads of state, rightly so because they’ve something important to say,” said Binzagr in his opening statement. “Equally important are the youth.” He said the goal of the session was to put the youth on centerstage and to hear directly from them. He went on to say that instead of youth being considered as part of the problem, they could very much be part of the solution if they are given the chance.
The session was host to a selected group chosen on the basis of diversity in nationality and fields of study and interest. The varying student panel chosen was as follows:
(1) Derek Au; M.S. Engineering Management Program, Duke University (Canadian).
(2) Farheen Ali; M.S. Engineering Management Program, Duke University (Indian).
(3) Alias Bin Ismail; B.S. Horticulture, University of Putra, Malaysia (Malaysian)
(4) Kareem Idriss; B.A. in International Relations, Tufts University (Saudi).
(5) May Dabbagh; Ph.D Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford (Saudi).
(6) Hashim Dabbagh; BSE in Operation Research & Financial Engineering, Princeton University (Saudi).
(7) Abdulbadie A. Al-Yafi; B.A. in Government, Franklin & Marshall College (Saudi).
(8) Bakr Mohammed Azam; B.A. in Marketing, College of Dopage (Saudi).
(9) Dina Madani; B.A. in Management Information Systems, Dar Al-Hekmah College (Saudi).
(10) Amani Fairak; B.S. in Counseling Psychology, Effat College (Saudi).
(11) Omar Mugharbel; B.A. in Marketing, American University of Dubai (Saudi).
(12) Fatima Al-Qu’aiti; B.A. Law, Oxford University (Hadrami).
Each student was given 1-2 minutes to express their interests, ideas and goals in line with the JEF’s theme of “Capacity Building: Developing People for Sustainable Growth”.
Ferheen Ali said “I wish to see all, man, woman and children not just educated but intellectually excited.” Amani Fairak said, “I wish to bridge the communication gap between cultures.” And “communication” said Derek, “means sharing knowledge.”
A science student from King Abdul Aziz University said: “I’ve been waiting all day for this session. It’s the most important one and should’ve been earlier in the day. The older generations should listen to this session instead of all the business and economy ones.”
A third year business student at King Saud University who went by the name Zaher Al-Ghamdi flew in from Riyadh. He said: “Finally they have recognized that we’ve got voices to be heard. Let’s hope that the first time isn’t the last time and that it’s a beginning!”
