The World Economic Forum will convene an Extraordinary Annual Meeting in Jordan under the patronage of King Abdullah II. The meeting, which will bring together more than 1,900 business, political, religious, academic and other leaders from around the world, will take place from June 21-23 under the theme Visions for a Shared Future.
Among the key global issues that the World Economic Forum invites leaders to address is the need to open a new page in international relations. The discussions will include exchanges on such vital issues as the state of transatlantic relations, the future of the Middle East, the need to improve global economic performance and the effort to build a world more secure for
all citizens.
"This event is taking place at a crucial time for the Middle East and for the world," said King Abdullah II. " It is time to show the world that the Middle East is ready for reform, development and growth. It is time to redouble our efforts to make sure there is peace in the region."
By taking the unprecedented decision to host a full-scale "extraordinary" Annual Meeting, the World Economic Forum wants to bring "the Spirit of Davos" to the Middle East in a period of profound global tension. "We have to overcome the negative atmosphere which is prevailing in today's politics and which creates so much pessimism in the global economy," said Founder and President of the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab.
The Forum expects prominent political and business leaders from the Middle East, the United States, Europe and other regions to participate in the three-day Meeting. Also taking part will be ministers of foreign affairs, trade, energy, infrastructure, information technology and finance, as well as numerous religious, academic and media leaders.
The Extraordinary Annual Meeting in Jordan is one of several steps the World Economic Forum is taking to rebuild trust. The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2004 will convene as scheduled from 20 to 25 January in Davos under the theme Managing Global Interdependence.
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is an independent organization. Funded by the contributions of 1,000 of the world's foremost corporations, the World Economic Forum acts in the spirit of entrepreneurship in the global public interest to further economic growth and social progress. The World Economic Forum serves its members and society by creating partnerships between and among business, political intellectual and other leaders of society to define, discuss and advance key issues on the global agenda. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
