The Young Arab Leaders (YAL) unveiled their strategy for 2006-2008 during a press conference at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt. The strategies are designed to create the conditions necessary for the emergence of a new generation of leaders in the Arab world.
The announcement was made at this year’s WEF – themed “Promise of a New Generation” – held from May 20-22. “The strategies are the product of consensus reached amongst all the regional and chapter boards, with an eye on working towards establishing YAL as a leading global NGO,” said Saeed Al Muntafiq, Chairman of YAL and CEO of Tatweer, speaking on the occasion. “We are investing our energies in transforming weaknesses and obstacles into opportunities for growth throughout the region, with a focus on youth as a vehicle for achieving that end.”
The strategy is based on five main initiatives which YAL will organize and facilitate including the Education Initiative, Leadership Initiative,
Entrepreneurship Initiative, Youth Network Initiative and the Dialogue Exchange Initiative.
Commenting on the initiatives, Al Muntafiq said, “The design and preparation stages were based on three main aspects – the power of influence, allowing YAL to enjoy influence on a wide range of youth; addressing common regional issues through the Arab world; and, supporting and activating the role of YAL chapters in the region.”
“The new initiatives represent the basis for achieving our set goals and there is no doubt the cooperation between the chapters will have a significant role in achieving them, keeping in mind we have a common goal in the betterment of the Arab nation,” added Al Muntafiq.
Also on hand at the press conference was Elias Bou Saab, Vice-President of the American University in Dubai and Chairman of the Young Arab Leaders Communication and Events Committee. He spoke about the organization’s strategy which aims to reach out to its stakeholders to guarantee overall success and benefits.
Hani Al Zubair, Managing Director of the Al Zubair Corporation and YAL’s Chair of Membership Services, discussed YAL’s membership criteria and its plans to expand its base by attracting distinguished leaders who occupy positions of influence in their respective communities and who can assist YAL in attaining its goal of developing the region’s status on the global stage.
Essam Al Janahi, CEO of Gulf Finance House, talked about YAL’s financial policy and resources it relies on to ensure operational continuity. Also, Al Janahi stressed the positive role of strategic partners and highlighted the importance of their cooperation in integrating YAL’s initiatives and programs, which aim to develop the skills of Arab youth and preparing them to take on leading positions.
The initiatives include an Education Initiative, which will help reduce the gap between the education sector and the job market needs in the Arab world, developed and piloted jointly by both Egypt and Jordan chapters. Leadership Initiative will introduce a new leadership model for mentoring future leaders to equip them with the skills and tools to empower others, and to be developed by the Egyptian and Saudi chapters.
Entrepreneurship Initiative will develop a regional strategy for the empowerment of young men and women to pursue entrepreneurship opportunities in the Arab World and the development of small- and medium-size businesses, lead by the UAE and Jordan chapters, Youth Network Initiative, to establish an outreach and dialogue mechanism with Youth in the Arab world and, finally, a Dialogue Exchange Initiative, aimed at bridging the divide between the region and the rest of the world, both lead by the Lebanese chapter.
YAL participated in WEF to spread awareness throughout the region – and the world - on its vision and strategy to improve the state of the Arab world. WEF provided the organization this opportunity through its global audience of political and economic figures, not to mention its widespread attraction.
Members of the board met with His Excellency Ahmed Nazif, Prime Minister of Egypt, host country of the WEF. The board presented His Excellency on the latest, including the launch of YAL’s chapter in Egypt.
YAL’s members are participating in WEF sessions and workshops discussing a variety of topics such as population growth, gender ratios and the importance of human capital investment, building blocks for a productive economy. Challenges facing financial markets in the region, modern approaches to education and leadership concepts, as well as issues to enhancing the image of the Middle East on the world stage were topics of discussion during the 3-day forum.
About Young Arab Leaders:
The Young Arab Leaders is a network of Arab men and women who have seen the power of action in their own lives, reached unprecedented levels of success for their age, are positive and can see beyond today’s difficulties to that vision of a prosperous Arab future. These leaders are currently in prominent positions of responsibility and are destined for extraordinary achievement, and they believe that their efforts today can have an impact on their communities, countries and the region as a whole.
Better opportunities for education, new means of income generation and a belief in the ability to achieve, is what will help Arab youth become tomorrow’s leaders. Members of Young Arab Leaders bring together their capabilities and resources to building the necessary environment that will facilitate the way for tomorrow’s young Arab leaders.
Each year, the Young Arab Leaders commit to implementing an Action Plan that sets the strategic vision of the organization. They undertake projects focusing on mentorship and education, while producing sector-specific plans that aim to increase income generation opportunities for youth.
For more information please visit: www.yaleaders.org
