Regional Agenda World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation

Dead Sea, Jordan 21-23 May 2015 Contents Preface

3 Preface Four years ago, the Arab Spring also an integral part of the agenda, brought a new sense of optimism to the explored at several working groups and 5 The Meeting in Numbers Middle East and North Africa (MENA). sessions as well as the closing plenary. 6 Dead Sea Highlights The region is still undergoing political, economic and social transformations, The dynamic discussions and 8 Transforming Industry and but one clear message emerged at the dialogues focused in particular on Competitiveness World Economic Forum on the Middle the advancement of youth, which 14 Transforming Employment and East and North Africa: despite regional was considered critical for the long- Entrepreneurship turmoil, MENA needs to continue term success of efforts to counter pushing reforms and initiatives to boost marginalization and radicalization. 20 Transforming Governance and productivity, create jobs and deepen Institutions economic integration. Another key focus was the policy reform 26 Transforming Geo-economics momentum in many countries, including and Geopolitics At this decisive time for the region Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco, and the new strategic context, more along with the attendant infrastructure, 33 Acknowledgements Miroslav Dusek than 1,000 leaders from government, energy and investment partnerships 34 Digital Update Senior Director business and civil society, from 58 with the Gulf Cooperation Council Head of Middle East and countries, gathered in Jordan for the countries and international financial 36 Upcoming Meetings North Africa meeting, with the full support and institutions. Participants examined how World Economic Forum presence of Their Majesties King these national developments can jump- Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah. start growth and foster job creation and This year’s event marks the Forum’s ninth entrepreneurship, and the role of the meeting in Jordan and the 16th meeting private sector. in the region, and participants included six heads of state or government and To help understand these trends and over 80 public figures. linkages, the programme in Jordan was based specifically on a transformation Given MENA’s double challenge of map for the region, built around four security and macroeconomic uncertainty, pillars: Industry and Competitiveness; the meeting convened under the theme, Employment and Entrepreneurship; Creating a Regional Framework for Governance and Institutions; and Geo- Prosperity and Peace through Public- economics and Geopolitics. Private Cooperation. Participants discussed economic and geopolitical The meeting’s five Co-Chairs reflected challenges, from the crises in Iraq, Syria, the best of leadership from different Libya and Yemen, to the threat of ISIS sectors gathered in Jordan and – and the work towards building a new highlighted the importance of enlarging comprehensive and forward-looking the dialogue across stakeholder groups, vision for the region. sharing their insights and perspectives with participants on topics that ranged World Economic Forum Reflecting the Forum’s status as an from governance to urbanization and 91-93 route de la Capite CH-1223 Cologny/Geneva international institution for public- technology. Switzerland private cooperation, the meeting also Tel.: +41 (0)22 869 1212 Fax: +41 (0)22 786 2744 integrated the ongoing, impact-oriented The World Economic Forum is grateful Email: [email protected] initiatives, such as the New Vision for to its members and communities for www.weforum.org Arab Employment, Arab Economies their commitment to and dynamic World Economic Forum® in Transition and the Global Strategic participation in the World Economic Infrastructure Initiative. The countering Forum on the Middle East and North © 2015 – All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or of violent extremism and the plight of Africa. We look forward very much to Transmitted in any form or by any means, including refugees and internally displaced people welcoming you to our next gathering in Photocopying and recording, or by any information in several countries of the region were the region in spring 2016. Storage and retrieval system.

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Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 3 Co-Chairs The Meeting in Numbers

Omar K. Alghanim Chief Executive Officer Alghanim Industries Kuwait 1,000+

Gordon Brown Participants Chair World Economic Forum Global Strategic 30+ Infrastructure Initiative Official sessions UN Special Envoy for Global Education Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2007-2010)

Suma Chakrabarti President European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) London 80 Government 200 Bodour Al Qasimi figures 50 Reporting Chairperson press Sharjah Investment and Development Global Shapers Authority (Shurooq) United Arab Emirates

John Rice Vice-Chairman GE Hong Kong SAR 58 Countries 600 Business leaders

4 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 5 Dead Sea Highlights

For session highlights, videos and meeting-related documents, plus Forum insights, visit Dead Sea Highlights https://toplink.weforum.org/

Social entrepreneurs Jobless youth at New initiative to support Platform for addressing honoured in Jordan top of RBC agenda Syria’s refugee children violent extremism

Three outstanding social entrepreneurs from the Middle East The World Economic Forum’s Regional Business Council (RBC) Since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, hundreds of In private meetings and a plenary session (pictured above) and North Africa region have been recognized by the Schwab for the Middle East and North Africa, meeting in a series of thousands of refugees – many of them children – have fled to at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Foundation as winners of the 2015 Social Entrepreneur of the private sessions, launched a new phase of its New Vision for neighbouring Jordan seeking shelter, water and food. To help Africa (MENA), the World Economic Forum conducted a special Year Award for their work in health, education, employment, Arab Employment Initiative. The initiative aims to invest in the meet the humanitarian needs of these refugees, Table For Two, programme on Addressing Violent Extremism. These discussions gender and finance. The honourees are Amina Slaoui (Groupe continuous learning and training of the region’s youth, through a non-profit committed to simultaneously tackling malnutrition are part of several dialogues around the world on this issue, which AMN), for her work on integrating disabled people into collaborations between business, educational institutions, civil and obesity, launched a fundraising drive to support the World participants stressed is not only a problem for the MENA region Moroccan society; Maysoun Odeh Gangat (NISAA Radio society and governments to foster job-readiness and close the Food Programme’s school meals initiative for 16,000 Syrian but is also a global challenge. Broadcasting Company), for producing the first Palestinian growing skills gap. children in the Al Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps in Jordan. women’s radio station; and Pierre Issa (Arc en Ciel), for The initiative has already received $150,000 initial funding from The stakeholder approach is essential. “There is an increasing providing social and financial services to vulnerable and Nine founding partners from across the region, including Abdul the Tamer Group and is looking to build other partnerships demand for joint responses,” Espen Barth Eide, Managing Director marginalized communities in Lebanon. Latif Jameel, Alghanim Industries, Consolidated Contractors throughout the region. and Member of the Managing Board, World Economic Forum, Company (CCC), Crescent Enterprises, Crescent Petroleum, said. “We believe this is something that has to be dealt with not Since its inception, the Schwab Foundation for Social Jumeirah Group, Olayan Financing Company, VPS Healthcare Table For Two works by providing meals on “both sides of just by governments but also by businesses and NGOs alike.” Entrepreneurship has been identifying the world’s leading social and Zain Group, have committed to scaling their corporate the table” – people in partnering restaurants and corporate entrepreneurs and engaging this community of 320 award initiatives, or creating wholly new initiatives, aimed at closing dining halls pay for healthy meals which, in turn, fund nutritious The difficulty is that action to counter violent extremism is needed winners in advancing social innovation in collaboration with the skills gap in the region. Collectively, these initiatives will offer school meals for communities in need. The programme is immediately, while long-term solutions are also required. “A corporate, governmental and academic stakeholders. Schwab skilling opportunities to 49,000 people. These commitments meet designed to increase school enrolment and attendance by military victory will not be sufficient,” said Saleh Muhammed Al Foundation Social Entrepreneurs are fully integrated into the nearly 50% of the RBC’s target of skilling 100,000 young people providing children in these schools with nutritious, high-energy Mutlaq, Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq. “We also need to have events and initiatives of the World Economic Forum. They by 2017. foods. School meals play a key role in improving the quality of one clear strategy to develop conducive political and economic contribute actively to and benefit from peer-to-peer exchanges education and providing children with lifelong skills. environments. Our concern is for the period post-ISIS. If we with other social entrepreneurs, as well as interactions with top At the same time, the RBC launched a Call to Action to other procrastinate, we will contribute to social tensions that will lead to leaders in business, government, civil society and the media. business leaders, governments and organizations to join this Table for Two was launched in 2007 by the World Economic internal conflict.” collaborative effort to maximize impact. The New Vision for Arab Forum’s Young Global Leaders community. To date, it has Employment Initiative is one of several regional projects within served over 58 million meals worldwide by partnering with over The discussions on addressing violent extremism, which will be on the Forum’s broader Global Challenge initiative on Employment, 600 corporations, universities, restaurants and organizations the agenda of the UN General Assembly in the autumn, will focus Skills and Human Capital, which produces analysis and fosters implementing the programme in their establishments and on identifying the causes of radicalization in each country that is collaborative action to combat unemployment and skills gaps products. It also draws support from Forum Partners and a source of recruits to violent extremist groups. “The emphasis around the world. Members. should be to diagnose specifically what the drivers are and then integrate our efforts,” said Sarah Sewall, US Undersecretary of More information at www.tablefor2.org State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.

6 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 7 Transforming Industry and Competitiveness

Transforming Industry and Competitiveness potential, King Abdullah Spending on healthcare should and proper and timely said. “It’s time for a new also increase. In a session on implementation of projects.” push to relaunch growth and the issue, business and civil John Rice, Vice-Chairman, GE, investment while deepening society leaders warned that Hong Kong SAR, and Co-Chair reforms and inclusiveness.” countries in the region risked of the meeting, said: “Without Multistakeholder approach At the meeting, Jordan creating a two-tier system, public-private job creation, demonstrated the political where quality services and there is no path to sustainable, will to do just that. It treatments are available only inclusive growth.” can overcome risks unveiled $6.9 billion worth of to the wealthy. “We really need projects in energy (including to rethink and reshuffle our A second common appeal at renewables), water, transport, healthcare systems to offer the meeting was the need to ICT, infrastructure, urban equitable access to quality use technology to ensure that Despite geopolitical turmoil and perceived economic risks, countries in development and tourism. care for everybody,” said solutions are cost-effective and the region have to improve productivity, enhance the investment climate It also kicked off its Jordan HRH Princess Dina Mired, inclusive. In financial services, and take steps to create jobs, particularly for youth. Solutions should Relaunched campaign to Director-General, King Hussein for example, mobile telephony involve public-private cooperation, the use of technology to enhance revitalize its economy and Cancer Foundation, Jordan. and the internet have become attract investments. The “Healthcare should be seen as essential tools for driving inclusion and cost-effectiveness, and efforts to promote regional government announced a fundamental right.” inclusion and empowering economic integration. investment opportunities worth the “unbanked” to become $20 billion aimed at creating In that session, participants productive entrepreneurs. “A 180,000 jobs. It also set up concluded that public-private country that is not connected a National Competitiveness cooperation was necessary At the World Economic Forum competitiveness and to counter Kingdom of Jordan, in his and does not provide Council. to achieve the best solutions, on the Middle East and North violent extremism. These plans opening address. “We cannot opportunities for its people and especially with government Africa (MENA), the business, – whether for energy security, be sidetracked by regional industries to participate will be Action to make industry more budgets tight and private- government and civil society closing the infrastructure turmoil.” Hisham El-Khazindar, left behind,” cautioned Steven productive and efficient and sector capital abundant. leaders meeting at the Dead gap, embedding technology Co-Founder and Managing Boutelle, Vice-President, to enhance competitiveness is This was a paradigm for Sea had one clear message: in industry or improving Director, Qalaa Holdings, Cisco Consulting Services; possible across many sectors. transformation proposed despite geopolitical risks and healthcare – must include all Egypt, said in a session on Jordan Country Sponsor, On energy, Ibrahim Saif, across almost all the sessions concerns, the region should be stakeholders to succeed. energy security: “Change and Cisco Systems, USA. Venture Jordan’s Minister of Energy on competitiveness agenda alive with reforms and initiatives reform happen when there are investor Dave McClure, and Mineral Resources, said: challenges, from education to to boost productivity, create “We will solve the problems real pressures and challenges.” Founding Partner, 500 “The name of the game is countering violent extremism. jobs and deepen economic of our region only when we Startups, USA, agreed: “In the to diversify sources, achieve integration. Each country build on its strengths,” said Defining the region by its next five years, 30%-50% of sustainability and gain Public-private cooperation needs to set out a roadmap His Majesty Abdullah II Ibn Al problems rather than by your entire customer base will security of supply.” The drop offers multiple benefits. In for action to strengthen Hussein, King of the Hashemite solutions misses its great go online. If you are not ready in oil prices and commodity developing infrastructure, for to go online, you are going to costs gives governments example, “a complete public- get disrupted.” of non-petroleum-exporting private partnership is not just economies in the region an about money,” Hani Mulki, Even in the energy sector, the opportunity to redirect energy Chief Commissioner, Aqaba region’s oil-producing and non- subsidies to other needs such Special Economic Zone oil-producing countries have to “We will solve the problems of our as infrastructure investment, Authority (ASEZA), Jordan, be ready for major disruptions. region only when we build on its where MENA countries lag told participants. “It includes “Centralized mainframes gave strengths.” behind other parts of the world. technology, transparency way to distributed computing,”

His Majesty Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

8 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 9 Closing the infrastructure gap

Compared to other areas competitiveness and drive Yet public-private cooperation of the world, the Middle growth. Majid Jafar, Chief is essential, given tight public East and North Africa Executive Officer, Crescent budgets and risk perceptions. (MENA) is falling behind in Petroleum, in a session on Brown said: “Public sector infrastructure development. infrastructure, referred to a guarantees may be more According to the World Bank, World Bank report showing important than public sector MENA countries spend just that every $1 billion invested money in the long run.” 5% of their total GDP on in infrastructure can generate, MENA countries cannot let infrastructure, compared on average, 110,000 jobs infrastructure development with 15% for China and 10% in the region’s oil-importing stall because of concerns for the world on average. In economies, 26,000 jobs in about instability, Jafar argued. private meetings and in a the Gulf Cooperation Council “The investments will lead to plenary session, participants (GCC) nations, and 49,000 stability,” he said. considered ways to address in oil-exporting developing this gap. countries. Cross-border projects will deepen regional integration “There is a huge opportunity The region requires $106 and contribute to peace, Mulki Murat Sönmez, Chief Business Officer, Member of the Managing Board, World Economic Forum; Hani Mulki, Chief Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority not just because of high youth billion a year in infrastructure advised. “This will create an (ASEZA), Jordan; Gordon Brown, Chair, World Economic Forum Global Strategic Infrastructure Initiative; UN Special Envoy for Global Education; Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2007-2010); John Rice, Vice-Chairman, GE, Hong Kong SAR; Majid Jafar, Chief Executive Officer, Crescent Petroleum, United Arab Emirates; Thierry Déau, Chief unemployment and the need investment, which would create interdependent region. That Executive Officer, Meridiam Infrastructure, France for facilities but because 2.5 million jobs. should reduce risk. It would interest rates have been help minimize disparities in low and there is a surplus Jafar said: “The World income. It would combat said K. R. Sridhar, Chief private cooperation can that the rates of return on his in savings,” Gordon Brown, Bank report estimates that terrorism and extremism and Executive Officer, Bloom mitigate the risks and turn company’s investments in Co-Chair of the meeting, infrastructure investment at the same time provide for Energy, USA. “Centralized cowardly capital brave. The Jordan are higher than those it said in the plenary. “So across the world gives you transparency.” landlines gave way to a MENA business community gets in Europe or the US. even with low oil prices and returns of between 5% and distributed infrastructure. This has to show confidence in banks in a difficult position 25%, all of which are better Thierry Déau, Chief will happen to energy whether their own region, participants At the meeting, Israeli and to lend because of new than most alternatives that are Executive Officer of Meridiam we like it or not.” agreed. Palestinian business leaders regulations, it is possible to facing governments today.” Infrastructure in France, called recommitted to their mission to make progress.” Brown chairs for MENA investors to lead Finally, participants also “We’ve been living in an shape civil society-led initiatives the World Economic Forum The political and social disorder the way. “You can mobilize appealed for greater efforts to unstable environment for a long to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian Global Strategic Infrastructure in the region and volatility in the long-term capital if you have broaden and deepen regional time,” said Mohamed Alabbar, conflict under the framework Initiative, which aims to close global economy are making the right project partnerships. integration. Sectors such as Chairman, Emaar Properties, of the Breaking the Impasse the infrastructure deficit investors concerned about There is a lot of capital in this tourism require a regional United Arab Emirates. “We initiative, which is supported by by facilitating collaboration risks. “The main investor in region and it needs to commit cooperative effort to reap understand it and know how the World Economic Forum. among governments, infrastructure is the public to this region to give comfort the benefits of the worldwide to work in it. But the numbers multilateral development sector, but it cannot do it to capital from outside.” growth in travel. Again, public- have to make sense.” He said banks, investors, and alone,” said Hani Mulki, Chief He concluded: “If you bring engineering and construction Commissioner of the Aqaba together MIGA [the World companies. Special Economic Zone Bank’s Multilateral Investment “We need to first invest in people, Authority (ASEZA) in Jordan. Guarantee Agency] with a The benefits of building “The main problem is that the Saudi sovereign wealth fund then in infrastructure.” infrastructure – from schools private sector is shying away to finance a project to build to airports – are clear: from long-term infrastructure telecoms infrastructure in economies in the region projects.” Palestine, you are going to get Bodour Al Qasimi will boost productivity and it done – no problem!” Chairperson, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), United Arab Emirates; Co-Chair of the meeting

10 AnnualWorld Economic Meeting of Forum the New on theChampions Middle East 2015 and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 11 01: Partnering with Start- 01: Philipp Rösler, Member 01 Ups session of the Managing Board, 01 02: Sebastian Kurz, World Economic Forum; Minister for Europe, Abdelfattah Said Hussein Integration and Foreign Alsisi, President of Egypt Affairs of Austria 02: Vasily Nebenzya, 03: Mahmoud Abbas, Deputy Minister of Foreign President of the Affairs of the Russian Palestinian National Federation Authority; Chairman of 03: Ibrahim Saif, Minister the Palestinian Liberation of Energy and Mineral Organization Executive Resources of the Committee Hashemite Kingdom of 04: His Majesty Abdullah Jordan II Ibn Al Hussein, King of 04: Shimon Peres the Hashemite Kingdom President of Israel (2007- of Jordan; Klaus Schwab, 2014) 05: The Challange: 03 Founder and Executive Chairman, World Renewing Energy Economic Forum 06: Opening Address 05: Revitalizing the Role of Business 06: Fahd Al Rasheed, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia

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12 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 13 Transforming Employment and Entrepreneurship Transforming Employment and Entrepreneurship

Gender parity and the role of women

Closing the gender gap in as maternity leave and shared nurseries, flexible working Tapping into the region’s MENA is one of the region’s parental responsibility.” hours, longer maternity leave big challenges. Three out of and part-time contracts and four women are not working Participants noted that there being able to work from greatest wealth - youth and women’s labour force are real differences across home. They also called for participation is still only at the region and among the right values to be instilled 18%, even though more industries in women’s labour in middle managers – most than 50% of university participation. For instance, of whom are men – to create graduates are women. Yet women are well-represented better career opportunities for study after study has shown in industries such as media women. that women’s inclusion in and advertising, while High youth unemployment levels continue to plague the Arab world, but the workforce results in a engineering and finance A number of governments a new initiative to equip 100,000 young people with skills for jobs by marked boost to the national remain male-dominated due and industries have already 2017, and renewed efforts to address the gender gap, could turn a economy. to a lack of availability of skills developed successful challenge into an opportunity. among women. Developing initiatives. In the United Arab “In Egypt, if you can create women’s technical skills sets Emirates, for example, a gender parity, you will have would help to address this. law has been passed that $34 billion in additional compels listed companies to Tackling youth unemployment With young people constituting The educational system in most revenues a year,” said Ronald Ghada Waly, Minister of have at least one woman on was high on the agenda and two-thirds of the Arab Arab countries is not producing Bruder, Founder and Chair of Social Solidarity of Egypt, their boards. In Saudi Arabia, one of the key components population, participants graduates who can problem- Education for Employment, said that encouraging women the government has decreed of the meeting in Jordan for called on governments and solve, analyse and innovate. speaking at a session on to use technology enhances that companies which have participants from all sectors of businesses to tap into this Schools and universities are jobs. their chances of finding more than 50 women on their society. With the unemployment wealth, instead of seeing it producing people who go on to employment and also gives workforce should provide a rate among 15 to 24-year-olds wasted. “Youth is the biggest work in the public sector, which, At 44%, female youth them the opportunity to work crèche. now at 28%, and expected challenge and the biggest in many cases, employs 50%- to grow to 29% by 2018, opportunity in the region,” 80% of the workforce. unemployment is almost from home, if they prefer. participants from government, said Fadi Ghandour, Founder double that of their male Attesting to these changes business and civil society called and Vice-chairman of Aramex Omar Alghanim, Chief Executive counterparts in the region. Participants agreed that was the fact that two of for immediate action. International, who chaired a Officer, Alghanim Industries, Contributing to this disparity having the right policies the three winners of the session on youth. Kuwait, and Co-Chair of the are cultural and social norms in place would not only Schwab Foundation 2015 The deepening threats of meeting, said: “In our region, we that discourage women encourage women to Social Entrepreneur of the radicalization and violent In this context of growing risk are so caught up with getting from working. Bodour Al participate in the workforce Year Award, honoured at the extremism make finding an and uncertainty, participants the degree but are not teaching Qasimi, Chairperson, Sharjah but also would help to shift meeting, were women who effective response to the youth called for a three-pronged youth how to think.” He added Investment and Development mindsets among men. were recognized for their unemployment challenge even approach to reduce that teachers and the quality Authority (Shurooq), and Changing the workplace outstanding work in health, more imperative. “It is no secret unemployment: schools and of teaching played a key role. Co-Chair of the meeting, culture and having the right education, and gender. that unemployment affects universities should teach “We have a lot of desks, a lot said: “We need to change facilities in the workplace security,” said Ghada Waly, critical thinking; women should of school buildings and a lot of perceived gender roles in our would also be beneficial. At To find out what the Forum is Minister of Social Solidarity of be encouraged to join the teachers, but we do not have a society.” She underlined the a session on gender parity, doing to help achieve gender Egypt. workforce; and governments way to assess the quality of the role of families, saying: “We speakers proposed initiatives parity, go to: www.weforum. should ease regulations for teaching provided,” he said. need to have more legislation such as providing separate org/women-leaders-and- start-ups and small to medium- that supports women, such women’s bathrooms and gender-parity sized enterprises (SMEs).

14 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 15 01: The Psychology of Radicalization 01 02: Mahmoud Jibril Prime For Bodour Al Qasimi, option because of the stability Business Council (RBC) for Minister of Libya (2011); Leader of the National Chairperson of Sharjah and incentives it offers them. MENA launched at the meeting Forces Alliance of Libya National Forces Alliance Investment and Development a new phase of its New Vision of Libya Authority (Shurooq), United That said, a growing number of 03: H.M. Queen Rania Al for Arab Employment Initiative. Abdullah of the Hashemite Arab Emirates, and Co-Chair young people are venturing into Kingdom of Jordan 04: Mohamed Alabbar, of the meeting, the need start-ups. In addition to easing The aim is to invest in the Chairman, Emaar Properties, United Arab to overhaul the educational government regulations, and continuous learning, training Emirates 05: A Vision for Gender system is imperative and is providing bank loans to SMEs, and job-readiness of the Progress 06: Gerald Lawless, 02 the collective responsibility participants said the right region’s youth, through President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah of parents, governments, the ecosystem should be created to collaborations between Group, United Arab Emirates private sector and civil society. protect the intellectual property businesses, educational 07: Tarek Sultan Al Essa, “We need to first invest in rights of start-ups and big Chief Executive Officer institutions, civil society and and Vice-Chairman of the people then in infrastructure,” businesses should partner with governments, to help education Board, Agility, Kuwait 08: Amina Slaoui, she said. them. systems keep up with the President, Groupe AMH, Morocco; Social needs of the labour market. Entrepreneur; Hilde Schwab, Chairperson Compounding the problem of A number of business leaders and Co-Founder, Schwab Foundation for Social youth unemployment is the acknowledged, in the session “Massive unemployment Entrepreneurship fact that young women are Partnering with Start-ups, coupled with talent gaps is not joining the workforce (see that they eye start-ups with a pattern that is particularly side panel on gender parity). an equal measure of fear and acute in this region,” said Female youth unemployment, hostility. The region seems to Saadia Zahidi, Head of the 02 03 06 at 44%, is almost double that shy away from start-ups as Employment, Skills and Human of male unemployment in the they are deemed “too risky”, Capital Global Challenge region, although more than said Hani Ashkar, PwC, Senior Initiative at the World Economic half of university graduates are Partner, Middle East, UAE. Forum. “The pilot initiative women. Dave McClure, Founder, 500 tackles today’s challenges while Startups, USA proposed a more anticipating future trends and What is preventing women pragmatic approach. “Instead solutions, and aims to be a from joining the workforce? of going to war with start-ups, model to be used across the Speakers at a session on work with them and figure out region.” gender progress agreed that a how you can invest in them, prevailing culture that does not and maybe later, acquire them,” Nine founding partners from encourage women to work and he said. across MENA have committed 04 05 the absence of supportive laws to scaling their corporate and infrastructure are holding Participants urged both the initiatives or creating wholly back progress. public and private sector new initiatives aimed at closing to provide the enabling the skills gap. Collectively, Young entrepreneurs in the environments to help start-ups these initiatives will offer skilling region are being held back get solidly anchored. “We need opportunities to 49,000 people. by excessive government to create laws that make it These commitments meet regulations and red tape. easier for banks to fund SMEs,” nearly 50% of the RBC’s target “Sadly, in our region, it’s not the Alghanim said. of skilling 100,000 young lack of capital that is a problem people by 2017. 06 07 for young entrepreneurs Recognizing that longer-term but excessive government reform by the public sector It is clear that through public- regulations,” Alghanim said. For must be complemented by private cooperation, the region most young Arabs, pursuing the active collaboration of can create the right environment safe jobs in the public sector the private sector, the World to maximize success and remains the most attractive Economic Forum’s Regional reduce failure.

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16 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 17 01: Rima Maktabi, 01 02 Senior Anchor and 01 Roving Correspondent, Al Arabiya, United Arab Emirates; Imad Najib Fakhoury, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Elaine Weidman- Grunewald, Vice-President, Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Ericsson, Sweden; Gordon Brown, Chair, World Economic Forum Global Strategic Infrastructure Initiative; UN Special Envoy for Global Education; Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2007- 2010); Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva; Ali Oman Sindi, Minister of Planning, Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraq 03 04 05 02: Keiko Honda, Executive Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), Washington DC 02 03 04 03: Akel Biltaji, Mayor of Amman, Jordan 04: Atifete Jahjaga, President of the Republic of Kosovo 05: Technologies of Tomorrow 06: The Future of Arab Cities 07: Jean-Paul Laborde, Executive Director, Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), United Nations, New York 08: Elaine Weidman- 06 07 08 Grunewald, Vice- President, Sustainability 05 and Corporate Responsibility, Ericsson, Sweden

01: Abdullah Ensour, Prime Morocco 09 Minister of Jordan; Klaus 06: Fadi Ghandour, Schwab, Founder and Founder and Vice- Executive Chairman at the Chairman, Aramex World Economic Forum International, Jordan 02: Dave McClure, 07: Ayman Al Safadi, 06 07 08 Founder, 500 Startups, Chief Executive Officer, USA Path Arabia, United Arab 03: Amre Moussa Emirates Secretary-General of the 08: Rowsch N. Shaways, League of Arab States Deputy Prime Minister (2001-2011) of Iraq 04: H.R.H. Carolina de 09: The Challenge: Borbon Parma, Head and Circular Economy Representative for Partnerships in Switzerland, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Geneva 05: Abdelilah Benkirane, Chief of Government of

18 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 19 Transforming Governance and Institutions Transforming Governance and Institutions

Managing the cities of tomorrow

The Middle East and North and healthcare. Densely as accommodate projected Reforms that are building Africa region is undergoing an populated areas also create population growth in New urbanization trend in which an enabling environment for Cairo, a satellite town of large numbers of people are social instability. greater Cairo that aims to a more competitive future moving to cities. Metropolitan alleviate overcrowding in areas have been the primary With limited resources the city centre. New Cairo’s focus of this growth, with and stretched municipal current population of 550,000 Although political instability has slowed in many countries of the region, the urban share of total budgets, national and local is expected to increase to the outlook is more positive. Countries have been working to strengthen population growing from 48% governments need to find about 3 million by 2029. existing governance frameworks and there is great momentum for in 1980 to 75% by 2015. creative ways and new According to UN Habitat, by opportunities to meet growing Other cities, such as Jordan’s economic, political and social reform to deliver on development and 2030 several countries will demand. The goal is to help capital Amman, are looking prosperity. be more than 90% urban: these cities to move towards to become an incubator Bahrain (95.8%), Kuwait a smarter, more sustainable of new technologies and (98.4%), Lebanon (93.9%), future through new models a hub for entrepreneurs, Libya (92%), Oman (95.2%), of urban development and aiming to enhance the city’s Qatar (95.9%), Saudi Arabia innovation. This has the liveability, efficiency and (92.6%) and the United Arab potential to fundamentally productivity. This can be Emirates (93.3%). transform the way citizens achieved through smart and The biggest threat to world country can no longer provide act decisively on issues such consume urban services, the sustainable solutions as well stability – after interstate security and basic services to as conflict resolution. Failure The cause is rooted both ways these services will be as good governance and conflict and extreme weather its citizens. to collaborate and implement in climate change, where delivered and, ultimately, how reforms to simplify doing events – is failure of national common solutions in these changing temperatures and the cities will be managed business, protect investors governance, followed by state Given the lack of a stronger areas could significantly desertification are leading and governed. and support growth. Cities collapse or crisis, according to response from both the public undermine future growth and many to abandon agriculture have always been the the World Economic Forum’s and private sectors, the risk stability. as a means of making a Public-private partnerships engines of productivity and Global Risks 2015 report. As is the unravelling of hard- state structures are challenged earned gains in economic “The failure of governance living, and demographic will be essential for will be essential to the future by conflict, the risk of the failure and political stability, and and state power is leading to shifts, which are resulting in developing the cities of growth and competitiveness can grow, particularly in areas the further erosion of trust in the fragmentation of nation growing migration from the tomorrow and addressing of nations and regions. where current boundaries leadership. This is not only states at unprecedented speed countryside in the search growing infrastructure have been blurred and when a weakening governance but and complexity,” said Mina for better employment and and energy needs. Such More information on the also undermining the ability to Al-Oraibi, Assistant Editor- education opportunities. partnerships can be effective future of cities at: in improving city budgeting, www.weforum.org/content/ As cities grow, however, planning and maintenance. global-agenda-council-future- so do the problems. These One example is a partnership cities-2014-2016-0 “Without sovereign guarantees, I don’t include serious strains on between the Egyptian see foreign capital being available at transport and infrastructure, government and the private the level close to what is required.” housing, ITC and basic sector to build a wastewater services such as water, treatment facility to improve

John Rice electricity, sanitation sanitation services as well Vice-Chairman, GE, Hong Kong SAR; Co-Chair of the meeting

20 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 21 01: Patrick Allman-Ward, and Turkey, Royal Philips, 01 Chief Executive Officer, United Arab Emirates; Dana Gas, United Arab Ahmed Badreldin, Partner, in-Chief, Asharq Al-Awsat mistakes of the past? Reforms introducing a new election law Emirates The Abraaj Group, 02: Majid Jafar, Chief United Arab Emirates; Newspaper, United Kingdom; in a number of countries are that will enhance democracy, Executive Officer, Crescent Salah Mawajdeh, Head, Petroleum, United Arab Business, Middle East Young Global Leader; Global solidifying good governance to give people a bigger margin Emirates and North Africa Hikma Agenda Council on the Middle and providing the necessary 03: A Vision for Gender Pharmaceuticals Plc; to express their voice,” he said. Progress Shamsheer Vayalil, East and North Africa. “When a framework for the rule of law. 04: Peter Salama, Managing Director, VPS Regional Director, Middle Healthcare, United Arab state is unable to provide basic Whether through the ballot East and North Africa, Emirates United Nations Children’s 05: Ayad Allawi, Vice- needs – whether security, basic In Tunisia, where the Arab box, or through the ability to Fund (UNICEF), Amman; President of Iraq H.R.H. Princess Dina 06: Robert Mardini, healthcare or primary education Spring began, democracy provide services, governments Mired, Director-General, Regional Director, King Hussein Cancer Near and Middle East, – to its people, non-state and pluralism are taking root. of relatively stable countries in Foundation, Jordan; Arjen International Committee Radder, Chief Executive of the Red Cross (ICRC), 02 actors will fill the vacuum.” Since the revolution, Tunisians the region have understood Officer, Philips Middle East Geneva; Vasily Nebenzya, Deputy Minister of Foreign have had elections, in which the importance of delivering Affairs of the Russian Federation; Mohannad Nowhere is this more visible the previous regime handed 0303 to their people. This is not to Khatib, News Presenter, than in Iraq and Syria, where over power to the opposition say that those countries are Sky News Arabia, United Arab Emirates; Ayman Al ISIS and other extremist without civil discord or war, not in need of further reforms Safadi, Chief Executive Officer, Path Arabia, groups have claimed control and a new constitution, rooted or improvement, but they United Arab Emirates; Joshua Landis, Associate of large swathes of territory, in the rule of law, has been provide a benchmark for which Professor, International Area Studies; Director, terrorizing local populations drafted. The country’s current a semblance of stability can be Center of Middle East Studies, University of and destroying institutions and national unity government attained. Cementing laws into Oklahoma, USA political rivals along the way. includes secularists and a fair constitution and making A breakdown in the rule of law Islamists. sure that they are adhered to and governance in Yemen and are fundamental to tackling the Libya has also brought both Neighbouring Morocco phenomenon of failed or failing countries to near collapse. remained relatively untouched states in the Middle East. by the violence and chaos that Espen Barth Eide, Managing ensued in 2011, thanks to the In the meeting’s closing 04 05 Director and Member of reforms, particularly regarding plenary, Klaus Schwab, the Managing Board, World political reconciliation, Executive Chairman of the Economic Forum, said that introduced by King Mohamed World Economic Forum, urged the crises in the region are a VI years earlier. “When you good governance, not only result of the “collapse of old want to achieve reform there for countries in the region systems that were not able to is no guarantee you will but also for all stakeholders: deliver” results to people. This, achieve everything,” said “There is a lack of confidence he said, is what ultimately led Abdelilah Benkirane, Chief of in the political and business to protests and the overthrow Government of Morocco, but communities because we do of leaders in Egypt, Tunisia and he added that a lot has been not always practise the best elsewhere. done, including amending governance. If next year you the constitution to rectify the can say that in my organization The well-functioning of human rights situation and I have applied the best institutions is critical to ensure election issues. “We proved to governance rules, then we will inclusive and sustainable the people that government is make real progress.” 06 growth, but corruption, political willing to take in the interests of deadlock and weak legal all groups.” systems, among other failures of governance, have prevented In the meeting’s host country, governments from putting in Abdullah Ensour, Prime Minister place policies to mitigate risks of the Hashemite Kingdom and build a resilient society. So of Jordan, cited government what can the MENA countries reforms on decentralization do to avoid repeating the and election laws. “We will be

22 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 23 01: Umayya Toukan, Minister of Finance of the 01 02 01 Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan 02: Hani Mulki, Chief Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Jordan 03: Bassem Awadallah, Chief Executive Officer, Tomoh Advisory, Jordan 04: The Challenge Circular Economy 05: Fadi Ghandour, Founder and Vice- Chairman, Aramex International, Jordan; Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), United Arab Emirates; Omar 03 K. Alghanim, Chief Executive Officer, Alghanim Industries, Kuwait; Mahmoud Jibril Prime Minister of Libya (2011); Leader of the National Forces Alliance 01: Afsin Yurdakul, 03 of Libya; H.R.H. Carolina 02 International News de Borbon Parma, Head Anchor, Habertürk TV, and Representative Turkey; Ibrahim Saif, for Partnerships in Minister of Energy and Switzerland, United Mineral Resources of the Nations Relief and Works Hashemite Kingdom of Agency for Palestine Jordan; Sayyid Baha’ Al Refugees (UNRWA), Araji Deputy Prime Minister for Energy; Patrick Allman- Geneva Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Dana Gas, United Arab Emirates; Hisham 04 El-Khazindar, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Qalaa Holdings, Egypt; Young Global Leader; K. 0705 R. Sridhar, Chief Executive Officer, Bloom Energy, USA; Technology Pioneer 02: Ali Abbasov, Minister of Communication and High Technologies of Azerbaijan 03: The Future of Arab Cities 04 04: Zeina Soufan, Senior Business Presenter, Dubai Media, United Arab Emirates; Tarek Sultan Al Essa, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of the Board, Agility, Kuwait; John J. Haley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Towers Watson, USA; Nidal Mardi Al Katamine, Minister of Labour of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Ronald Bruder, Founder and Chair, Education For Employment, USA; Social Entrepreneur; Ghada Waly, Minister of Social Solidarity of Egypt

24 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 25 Transforming Geo-economics and Geopolitics Transforming Geo-economics and Geopolitics

Refugee crisis: leaders warn of ‘lost generation’

Working together for The number of refugees and become too much for the one’s country is 10 years. internally displaced people country to handle on its own. Brown stressed the need (IDPs) in Libya has risen “We have over 1.4 million to provide education for all peace and prosperity from 100,000 to 400,000 Syrians and this is creating Syrian refugees. since mid-2014. In Iraq, challenges,” he said, noting more than 100,000 Christian that such an increase in the Antonio Guterres, UN High families have been displaced. population is putting a huge Commissioner for Refugees Since the Arab Spring of 2011, a number of deepening political, The greatest challenge is strain on social services and called on the world to do economic and societal transformations have threatened to throw the the 10 million Syrians who resources in a country with more. “The international region into chaos. Addressing issues such as the political and have fled their homes since limited resources to begin community is not coming socio-economic conditions of Arab citizens and the growing refugee March 2011. According to with. together sufficiently to crisis will stem the rising tide of radicalization and violent extremism. the UNHCR, the number of support the humanitarian Syrian refugees rose from Ali Oman Sindi, Minister of needs of the Syrians and 200,000 in mid-2012 to 1 Planning of the Kurdistan Iraqis.” Host nations also million in 2013 and 2 million in Regional Government, appealed to the international 2014. said: “We have seen our community to help them The political, economic and that bad governance led in part so citizens feel they have hope population increase by 28%. deal with the world’s largest security crises in Iraq, Libya, to what we see today in the in our country’s future.” To date, 3.9 million Syrian This is an extra burden on humanitarian crisis. “We need Syria and Yemen are part of region. Daesh is but a result of refugees have fled to a region that already has its a Marshall Plan to provide a strategic competition that is wrong policies by the previous Nasser Sami Judeh, Deputy neighbouring countries, while own issues and instability. We support,” Fakhoury said, playing out in the region and government in Iraq,” he said. Prime Minister and Minister an estimated 6.5 million are are managing the emergency, referring to the US initiative to could lead to major changes in of Foreign Affairs of the internally displaced within but we need to talk about rebuild European economies the Arab world. Today, ISIS (the Saleh Muhammed Al Mutlaq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Syria. About 5,000 additional resilience.” after the end of the Second extremist group also known as Deputy Prime Minister of acknowledged the need to Syrian refugees are created World War. Daesh) is the biggest security Iraq, told a session on The tackle regional issues. “To every day. The most affected Gordon Brown, Chair, World threat in the MENA region. Geostrategic Outlook that have a discussion about countries are Lebanon Economic Forum Global While appeals for a political solution was as regional concerns, many of the According to Amr Moussa, important as a strong military differences in the region have with 1.2 million registered Strategic Infrastructure humanitarian assistance Secretary-General of the response to ensure a more to be resolved,” he said. refugees, Turkey with 1.7 Initiative and Co-Chair of are often directed toward League of Arab States (2001- stable future. “Fighting ISIS million and Jordan with 1.4 the meeting, underlined government, companies and 2011), the chaos in the Middle cannot be only a military battle. Another driver of regional million, almost half of whom the problem in a session civil society also have a role East and North Africa has not We need a political solution instability is the refugee are not registered. on the issue. He warned of to play. “The private sector is happened by chance. “I believe that goes hand in hand with it crisis (see side panel). The a “lost generation”, noting underutilized in humanitarian At a session on the refugee the vulnerability of 2 million responses. We could bring crisis, Imad Najib Fakhoury, refugees from Syria who lack solutions,” said Elaine Minister of Planning and shelter, healthcare, food and Weidman-Grunewald, Vice- “We need education systems to International Cooperation education. “This problem President of Sustainability teach how to think and to solve of the Hashemite Kingdom is huge, it’s not temporary and Corporate Responsibility of Jordan, said his country and will last for years,” he at Ericsson. innovative problems” has opened its borders to said, adding that the average

Omar K. Alghanim refugees but the burden has period of a refugee out of Chief Executive Officer, Alghanim Industries, Kuwait; Co-Chair of the meeting

26 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 27 01 increasing number of internally a greater focus on its young and a plenary session in the displaced persons (IDPs) people. President Abdelfattah Forum’s special programme on and refugees presents host Said Hussein Alsisi, President Addressing Violent Extremism countries in the region with of Egypt, said. “Enhancing the to advance multistakeholder enormous economic and social role of youth can no longer momentum, including business challenges that they are unable be considered a luxury. It has and civil society, on this to cope with alone. become an imperative. Their pressing issue. The ongoing energy should be channelled discussions of this challenge, At the same time, the in the right direction to which will be on the agenda of international community must drive production and realize the UN General Assembly in be involved in addressing the desired progress and New York in the autumn, will violent extremism – a challenge development.” This will require focus on identifying the causes not only for the Middle East public-private cooperation, he of radicalization in each country and North Africa but also said. “The challenge posed that is a source of recruits for the whole world. “The by the issue of investing in to violent extremist groups. 01: The Challenge: Water rise of violent extremism is youth is not just an item on the “The emphasis should be to 02 03 Security a challenge for all in politics, agendas of governments but a 02: Li Ming, Chief diagnose specifically what the Executive Officer, Hanergy business and civil society,” said key issue that should constitute drivers are and then integrate Global Solar Power Group, Netherlands Klaus Schwab, Founder and an area of cooperation and our efforts,” said Sarah Sewall, 03: Andrew Torchia, Middle East Chief Executive Chairman, World integration of efforts between US Undersecretary of State for Financial Correspondent, Thomson Reuters, United Economic Forum. the government and business Civilian Security, Democracy, Arab Emirates; Rasheed sectors.” Al Maraj, Governor of and Human Rights. the Central Bank of While security is an urgent Bahrain; Tirad Mahmoud, Group Chief Executive challenge, it should not At the opening plenary, H.M. Officer, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, United overshadow the cultural, social, King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein Arab Emirates; Umayya Toukan, Minister of economic, psychological and of Jordan painted a brighter Finance of the Hashemite political factors that have picture and said countries Kingdom of Jordan; Dimitris Tsitsiragos, Vice- spurred this phenomenon. should not be sidetracked President, Global Client Services, International Ayad Allawi, Vice-President of by regional turmoil. “It is time Finance Corporation (IFC), 04 Istanbul Iraq, called for clear strategies for a new push, engaging all 04: The Challange: Food to counter the immediate sectors to create inclusive Supply 05: V. Shankar, Group threat of ISIS and to prevent growth,” he said. “Our goal Executive Director; Chief Executive Officer, Europe, radicalization of citizens, is to relaunch growth and “Solving Middle East, Africa and the Americas, Standard particularly young people. investment while deepening regional Chartered, United Arab Emirates; Ziad Fariz, reform and inclusion.” He problems is Governor and Chairman Inclusion is key, Atifete urged participants to similarly of the Board, Central about coming Bank of Jordan; Hafez Jahjaga, President of the grasp the opportunity to Ghanem, Vice-President, up with Middle East and North Republic of Kosovo, told build a positive vision for the Africa, World Bank, solutions, not Washington DC; Ghassan participants. “Terrorism and future. “To define our region by Nuqul, Vice-Chairman, just rephrasing Nuqul Group, Jordan; extremism are countered by problems and not solutions is Tarik M. Yousef, Member engaging all the layers of our to miss a huge potential. New the problem.” of the Board of Directors, Central Bank of Libya societies. No one should be approaches and innovative 05 Suma Chakrabarti kept aside. Exclusion is the products and services offer President, European Bank for Reconstruction and breeding ground of extremism,” unprecedented scope to those Development (EBRD), London; she said. who look ahead.” Co-Chair of the meeting

As human capital is any One major outcome of the region’s greatest asset, meeting was a commitment by transforming MENA will require participants in private meetings

28 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 29 01: Hadley Gamble, 01 01 Reporter and Anchor, CNBC, United Kingdom; Saleh Muhammed Al Mutlaq, Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq; Nasser Sami Judeh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Amre Moussa Secretary-General of the League of Arab States (2001-2011); Head of the Constitution of Fifty; Espen Barth Eide, Member of the Managing Board, World Economic Forum 02: Partnering with Start- Ups

01: Espen Barth Eide, Member of the Managing 02 03 Board, World Economic Forum; Ayad Allawi, Vice- President of Iraq; Atifete Jahjaga, President of the Republic of Kosovo; Saleh Muhammed Al Mutlaq, Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq; Mohammad Jaafar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kuwaiti Danish Dairy Company, 0204 Kuwait; Sarah Sewall, US Undersecretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights; Suleiman Bakhit Founder and Chief Financial Officer Hero Factor 02: Gordon Brown, Chair, World Economic Forum Global Strategic Infrastructure Initiative; UN Special Envoy for Global Education; Prime Minister 04 of the United Kingdom (2007-2010) 03: The Challange: Food Supply 04: Mohamad Al Ississ, Associate Dean, School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, American University in Cairo, Egypt; Gerald Lawless, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah Group, United Arab Emirates; Nikolina Angelkova, Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria; Young Global Leader; Nayef Al Fayez, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Yasmine El Baggari, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Voyaj, USA; Haitham Misto, President and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Jordan

30 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 31 01 Acknowledgements

The World Economic Forum wishes to Strategic Partners Regional Associates recognize the support of the following companies as Partners and supporters Agility Al Dahra Holding of the World Economic Forum on the Bahrain Economic Development Board Alghanim Industries Middle East and North Africa. Bank of America Alshaya Group Barclays averda Citi Capital Bank Deutsche Bank Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) Ericsson Crescent Enterprises GE Crescent Petroleum HSBC Dana Gas JPMorgan Chase & Co. Emirates NBD Kudelski Group Hikma Pharmaceuticals

01: Khalid Karaoui, Lazard ITHRAA Business Editor, France 02 Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC) Majid Al Futtaim Holding LLC 24, France; Falah Mustafa Bakir, Minister and Head, Morgan Stanley Olayan Financing Company Department of Foreign PepsiCo Palestine Telecommunications Company Relations of the Kurdistan Region, Iraq; Jean-Paul PwC (Paltel Group) Laborde, Executive Renault-Nissan Alliance Qalaa Holdings Director, Counter- Terrorism Executive UBS Saudi Telecom Directorate (CTED), UPS UAE Exchange Centre United Nations, New VPS Healthcare York; Richard Stengel, US Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs 02: Abdullah Ensour, Strategic Partner Associates Prime Minister of Jordan; Host Broadcaster Klaus Schwab, Founder Ooredoo Group and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum; Zain Group Jordan Radio and Television Corporation His Majesty Abdullah II Ibn (JRTV) Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Abdelfattah Said Hussein Alsisi, President Regional Partners of Egypt 03: Antonio Guterres, UN Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd Official Carrier High Commissioner for Al Dabbagh Group Royal Jordanian Airlines Refugees, Geneva Arab Bank 04: Nikolina Angelkova, Minister of Tourism of Burgan Bank Bulgaria; Young Global Lulu Group International LLC Leader Vision 3 The World Economic Forum would like to thank Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) for its support.

03 04

32 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 33 Digital Update Contributors Upcoming Meetings

World Economic Forum on Africa Cape Town, South Africa 3-5 June 2015

In 2015, the World Economic Forum on Africa will mark 25 years of change in Africa. Over the past decade and a half, Africa has demonstrated a remarkable economic turnaround, growing two to The report was written by Maha Al- three percentage points faster than global GDP. Regional growth is projected to remain stable above 5% in 2015, buoyed by rising foreign direct investment flows, particularly into the natural resources Azar, Alejandro Reyes, Dorit Salis and sector; increased public investment in infrastructure; and higher agricultural production. Mark Schulman. The Forum would also For more information, email: [email protected] like to thank them for their work at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa.

Editing and Production Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2015 Ann Brady, Head of Editing Dalian, People’s Republic of China 9-11 September Kamal Kimaoui, Director, Head Production and Design Established in 2007 as the foremost global gathering on science, technology and innovation, the Meeting convenes the next generation of fast-growing enterprises shaping the future of business and society, and leaders from major multinationals as well as government, media, academia The event page of the World Economic Forum on the Middle and civil society. Join us next September in Dalian as part of a community of more than 1,500 Photographers East and North Africa provides access to a richer level of participants from 90 countries for a true global experience addressing today’s unprecedented set of Jacob Polacsek content from the meeting, including videos, photographs, intertwined global challenges – economic, political, societal and environmental. Benedikt Von Loebell For more information, email [email protected] session summaries and webcasts of selected sessions. http://wef.ch/mena15

Summit on the Global Agenda 2015 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 25-27 October 2015

The annual Summit on the Global Agenda – the world’s largest brainstorming event – brings together the most relevant thought leaders of the World Economic Forum’s Network of Global Agenda Councils, comprising experts from academia, business, civil society, international organizations and government. The 2015 edition of the summit will provide the network’s members with a unique convening platform to connect with one another, identify the latest trends and risks, explore interconnections among issues and collectively develop solutions to address the most pressing issues shaping our present and future global, industry and regional agendas. For more information, email: [email protected]

This report is also available to download: http://wef.ch/mena15report

For more information on the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa go to: http://wef.ch/mena15

34 World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation 35 The World Economic Forum is an international institution committed to improving the state of the world through public-private cooperation in the spirit of global citizenship. It engages with business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

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