AMMAN, 17 May 2005 — The Jordanian authorities are in race against time to finish preparations for hosting the third yearly conference in a row of the World Economic Forum (WEF) at the eastern shore of the Dead Sea with the participation of about 1,300 prominent figures from the world’s business, politics and civil society.
The three-day meeting that kicks off on Friday, is being held under the theme “Seizing the Moment”, which is indicative of the hopes pinned on the conference to act as a platform for helping regional leaders to push ahead with reforms in various walks of life, making benefit from the current climate of change and opportunity.
“The WEF conference is set to come up with an initiative for reform in the Arab world to be ready for implementation by the year 2010 in the spheres of administration, business and education,” said Jordanian Finance Minister Bassem Awadallah, who heads the panel in charge of preparations for the meeting.
“The Arab reform initiative will be based upon a vision worked out by some 20 renowned Arab intellectuals and experts,” he added.
Conferees will be challenged to respond to peoples’ demands for improvement in their daily lives through wider political participation, improved economic opportunities and greater peace and stability throughout the region, according to a WEF statement.
The statement indicated that experts and political leaders “will provide a window on Iraq and the Palestinian territories some 100 days after their elections”.
“Citizens in countries such as Lebanon, Egypt and Kuwait are making their voices heard and demanding a better future,” the statement said.
“Reform in the Middle East is not an option, it is a necessity. The World Economic Forum in Jordan 2005 will be an opportunity for all those who want to bring about real and sustained changes in business, government and civil society,” said Klaus Schwab, WEF’s founder and executive chairman. “Without such reform, the Arab world faces the prospect of not only missing out on the advantages of playing a full role in a vibrant world economy, but also failing to develop the true potential of its young and growing generations,” he added.
