Intel Corporation will join international and industry thought leaders at the World Economic Forum to discuss key issues affecting the Middle East. The key issues Intel will focus on include the importance of entrepreneurship and education in the Middle East at the World Economic Forum, October 26-28 in Marrakesh, Morocco. Arvind Sodhani will additionally announce Intel Capital's latest Middle Eastern investments and participate in a series of education forums.
Commenting on the upcoming investments, Sodhani stated, "Many of the governments in the Middle East have issued strategic plans for diversifying their economies over the next decade, and most include a deliberate focus on innovation, technology R&D and the creation of knowledge hubs. We believe that enhancing education by focusing on 21st century skills and assisting with the growth and development of local companies with consultation and financial support is vital to helping the region build human capacity and a technological eco-system that will assist with economic development and global competitiveness."
Originally established in 2005, Intel Capital's US$50 million Middle East and Turkey Fund seeks to invest in technology companies developing innovative hardware, software and services. With a total of eight investments to date, the fund has acted as a positive driver of entrepreneurship and innovation. Keeping with the theme of fostering innovation, Intel will also participate at the Entrepreneurship Roundtable and showcase Intel Capital portfolio companies in the Middle East. The goal is to help promote technology skills, knowledge transfer and job creation across the region.
The Intel Capital announcements also act as a positive proof point in support of the success of Intel's Digital Transformation Initiative for the Middle East. Recently celebrating its fifth anniversary, the initiative was established to support sustained economic growth in the region by building local innovation and research capacity through an educated and competitive workforce. Comprised of three main pillars, Promote Research, Inspire Innovation and Enhance Education, Sodhani will carry forward Intel's education messaging by hosting an Education Vision Dialogue forum for industry experts and decisions makers to discuss Intel's transformation model.
With education set to be a key focal point during the forum, Sodhani will join global leaders in co-chairing "The Future of Education: Incentives, Impact and Accountability" on October 25th. Other participants include HRH Prince Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prince of Saudi Royal Family; Chairman, Zain Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia, H.E. Dr Sheikh Abdulla Bin Ali Al Thani, Vice-President, Education, Qatar Foundation and Chairman, World Innovation Summit for Education, Qatar, Soraya Salti , Senior Vice-President, Middle East and North Africa, INJAZ Al Arab - JA Worldwide, Jordan.
"Education is society's investment in future development – progress cannot be made without it. At Intel, we firmly believe today's youth are the key to solving global challenges and students need to be equipped with the basics; a solid math and science foundation, coupled with strong critical thinking and digital literacy skills. With these skills, our youth will be empowered to drive their nations' forward in the field of science and technology" added Sodhani.
