7th Jeddah Economic Forum - 11-13 February 2006

Seeding Potentials for Economic Growth
Honoring Identity And Celebrating Common Grounds

Overview

The Jeddah Economic Forum (JEF) was conceived in 2000, as an initiative of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JCCI). The Forum was designed to demonstrate and promote Jeddah�s position as the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia and as the center of Middle East trade, business, and finance.

International, local and regional leaders from the private and public sectors convene annually at the Forum in Jeddah:

• to address global and regional economic, political, and social trends;

• to present manageable and sustainable solutions to current and future challenges  confronting Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and the global community;

• and to enhance cooperation and working relationships among economic, social, and   political leaders and organizations.

Source: JEF Web Site

JEF 2006

Seeding Potentials for Economic Growth
Honoring Identity And Celebrating Common Grounds

This year's conference calls for the honor and recognition of culture, identity and diversity as the building blocks for a world of "common grounds' rather than a global economy of "one size fits all."  The conference will further seek to underscore stories of success and actionable solutions both within and outside the context of Saudi Arabia. Whether locally, regionally or globally, we seek to highlight and celebrate achievements that are special and inspirational about the human quest for inclusion and participation in the building of one world: our world, our tomorrow.

Honoring identity means honoring diversity as well. Identity and diversity are two sides of one coin. Identity is indeed an all encompassing word allowing for many voices in culture, not only in race, gender and age, but also in thought, perspective, and orientation.

Among the questions to be answered in this year's conference is how can identity, and hence diversity, within society and across societies be respected while building a world that we all can be proud of? Is an economy of common grounds possible? Where are we on the quest to allowing more voices in the dance of what is truly human and truly productive? What of missing voices, such as the voices of the poor and the very young? Where do they fit in the shaping of the economy and society of the future? Are there stories of successes to be told on all these quests or is it all "gloom and doom" out there?

No two would argue about the current imbalances in the macro global picture both economically and socially. The question moving forward is what to do about it?

The answer for us is simple:  Honoring identity and celebrating common grounds.

Source: JEF Web Site

Press Reporting

Makkah Governor to Open JEF Tomorrow - Arab News

JEDDAH, 10 February 2006 � One of the Middle East�s most prestigious economic events begins tomorrow with the opening of the Jeddah Economic Forum (JEF) at the Hilton Hotel tomorrow. The three-day JEF 2006, with �Seeding potentials for economic growth: Honoring identity and celebrating common grounds� as its theme will have 35 sessions with some of the most prominent national, regional and international participants, among them heads of state and decision makers, government officials, businessmen and businesswomen, economic strategists, academics and entrepreneurs..

Danish speakers not to attend Jeddah Economic Forum 2006 - Khaleej Times

JEDDAH � In response to reports that delegates from Denmark will not be coming to Jeddah Economic Forum 2006, Amr Hassan Enany, JEF Chairman, pointed out that the two Danish guest speakers concerned have themselves declined the invitation to attend and that their decision was entirely their own.  Enany added that The Jeddah Economic Forum has always been a platform on which to discuss topical current affairs, whether economic, social, political or religious, affecting not only the region but the international arena as well. This is only possible through a cultural exchange between a diverse group of professionals representing different societies and ideologies..

Jeddah Economic Forum to Address Cultural Diversity - Arab News

JEDDAH, 1 February 2006 � Nearly 2,500 businessmen and women from within and outside Saudi Arabia will take part in the Jeddah Economic Forum, which is expected to discuss 32 working papers on promoting perpetual global economic growth. Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed will open the forum on Feb. 11 at the Hilton Hotel, organizers said. This year, the JEF will focus on the theme �Seeding Potentials for Economic Growth: Honoring Identity and Celebrating Common Grounds..�

About JEF

The Jeddah Economic Forum draws institutions, communities, and nations ever closer together.

Each year, delegates from around the world meet with their counterparts in Saudi Arabia and the region, to share their experience and employ their expertise to create new and innovative approaches to deal with regional and global challenges.  At the same time, they take the opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, develop new ones and promote goodwill.

Forum delegates, whether Heads of State or Government, Chief Executives of major Corporations, or Community Leaders, form personal and professional bonds that significantly enhance their ability to achieve regional and global agendas.

Building on the success of the first Jeddah Economic Forum, organized by the JCCI-owned Jeddah International Exhibition Centre (JIEC), the JCCI established the Jeddah Marketing Board (JMB), whose mission is to promote the city of Jeddah to local, regional, and international visitors.

Today, the Jeddah International Exhibition Centre and the Jeddah Economic Forum are units of the Jeddah Marketing Board. Dr. Ghassan Al-Sulaiman, a leading Saudi businessman, is Chairman of the Jeddah Marketing Board.

The Jeddah Economic Forum is now firmly established as the Middle East�s most prestigious and influential annual gathering of Leaders from Government, Business, Finance, Academia and the Media.  It is also recognized world-wide as a Premier Global Event.

Source: JEF Web Site

ON SUSRIS

• Jeddah Economic Forum 2005 Opens - Capacity building: Developing people for sustainable growth - SUSRIS NID - Feb. 18, 2005

• Jeddah Economic Forum 2005 - Update - SUSRIS NID - Feb. 20, 2005

• Top World Leaders to Address Jeddah Economic Forum - SUSRIS IOI - Jan. 29, 2005

• Saudi Women and the Jeddah Economic Forum - By Maggie Mitchell Salem and Reem Al Jarbou - SUSRIS IOI - Feb. 12, 2004