Saudi Arabia - Jeddah Economic Forum 2008

�To examine, formally at the annual Jeddah Economic Forum and informally at other complementary events, the key issues, both short and long-term, which most effect the ability of the Middle East in general and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular to enjoy sustained economic growth generating new work opportunities and a stable business environment. To identify and prioritise the actions necessary to achieve these goals and to publish an annual report on the results of these discussions within three months of the Jeddah Economic Forum.�

JEF Mission

The Jeddah Question
Fatin Bundagji, [email protected]

A session in progress from JEF 2006. (Photo: Rachel Bronson) Beginning tomorrow, it is estimated that more than 2,500 people will participate in a three-day event that will take them on a virtual journey of mutual discovery � a journey that will hopefully open their minds and hearts to the stories and experiences that will be told; a journey that will broaden their horizons, and build their capabilities so that they can work together for the advancement of their global communities.

Tomorrow the Bride of the Red Sea, will receive for the 9th time in as many years her annual guests for the Jeddah Economic Forum. For nearly a decade now, our city has graciously hosted one of the most prestigious � and at times controversial � international events.

Prestigious in that it is an elitist venue for politicians, thought leaders, academics, diplomats, corporations and entrepreneurs to convene and deliberate over the state of regional and world affairs; and controversial in that it has for the most part of its history, risked venturing into some treacherous grounds, mainly the inclusion of women into its topics, audience, panels, and moderation processes.

Ms. Lubna Olayan at JEF 2004. (Photo: Arab News)

During the next three days, a select audience will bear witness to a host of world-class panelists who will share stories of trials and tribulations of humble beginnings built on dreams, faith, instinct and will power.

We will hear of stories that not only highlight the importance of courage and determination as prerequisites to turning obstacles into opportunities and dreams into reality, but also prove that no man is an island, and that dreams cannot turn into long-term opportunities unless they are built on the solid ground of genuine partnerships. In short, we, the audience, will be forewarned that the option of not engaging in goodwill partnerships will guarantee that the art of creating the �possible� will in fact be �impossible.�

As I reflected upon this year�s theme of �Value Creation through Partnership and Alliances�, I could not help but think of the �Davos Question� initiated this year by the World Economic Forum.

In an effort to encourage public participation, the forum created a strategic partnership with You Tube to give a chance to the general public to have its voice heard by some of the most influential movers and shakers attending the Davos debate. This initiative, known as �The Davos Question�, allowed citizens of the world to record a You Tube video expressing their thoughts on how to improve the world in 2008. You Tube viewers had the option of ranking these videos according to their preference; and the most popular videos were selected for broadcast in some of the public sessions in Davos for world leaders to see.

Ingenious, relevant and timely. As we, the members of the global community, venture into a fast-paced high-tech environment, our old ways of managing the state of the world�s affairs is changing dramatically � and the quicker we adapt to that emerging reality the better we will be at navigating it.

I believe that The Davos Question has jump-started this process and that world leaders have caught up with this trend. The time has come for us to realize that development solutions targeting the general public cannot be assigned to a select number of people but that it must be shared by the wider participation of all those concerned.

Without input from the people most affected by the problems addressed on the debate table, no solution � suggested or adopted therein � will be relevant or sustainable.

The Davos Question has enabled the process of inclusion in an empowering way. It has provided world leaders with the opportunity to hear and see what global citizens believe to be the solutions for making their world a better place for all; and it has provided global citizens with the validation they need to get their voice heard and their needs met. The biggest impact perceived from the Davos Question is that it has proven that a genuine value can emerge if the intention of partnerships is to bring to the planning table the key beneficiaries of the plan.

What comes to my mind front and center from all of this is my personal inclination and curiosity in wanting to know how this process can benefit our region. Dare I pose the question of what can we, the citizens of the city of Jeddah, do to bring about the intended value-related alliance that the Jeddah Economic Forum�s theme is referring to?

Dare I ask how can we capture the attention of our local movers and shakers to convey to them the message that they must find meaningful ways to concern themselves with the needs of those they serve?

Dare I ask that we dream of seeing the day that this year�s theme of �creating value through alliances and partnerships� will be more than just words on paper?

Dare I ask, that we suggest ways in which our homegrown Economic Forum can be transformed from being an elite-centered venue to become the building block on which solid partnerships convene? And finally dare I hope that the biggest impact of all will be the birth of a service-oriented culture that is people-centered and inclusive?

Unfortunately, like you, I do not know if I can. All that we can do for now is wait and see.

� Fatin Bundagji is an institutional development consultant. She is based in Jeddah.

Source: Arab News