Global Policy Forum

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan called yesterday on "stakeholders" in countries stretching from North Africa to Central Asia and the subcontinent to embrace globalization and improve human development. "You have gathered for dialogue because you are keenly aware that more and more of the challenges we face — from environmental degradation to drug trafficking and the spread of diseases such as AIDS — transcend borders," Annan said in a speech delivered on his behalf at the start of the three-day Dubai Strategy Forum.

"You have come together to forge partnerships for progress because you realize that as global interdependence deepens, and as trade and communications stitch the human family more closely together, rising to these and other challenges requires a greater sense of shared responsibility and global citizenship," he said.

The speech was read by Mervat Tallawy, executive secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (UNESCWA).

More than 50 speakers, government and business leaders, academics and representatives of the media and civil society will participate in open dialogue and discussions on the future of the region which covers countries in North and East Africa, Central and South Asia, Middle East and the Arabian Gulf. The main debate this year will revolve on the theme of "Creating networks of growth", which will focus on opportunities and challenges facing the region with 31 countries and 1.8 billion people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) estimated at $1.5 trillion.

Annan called for balanced social development that takes into account the wider social, cultural and political aspects, including "cultural diversity as a spur to learning and innovation." But "development in the broadest sense also requires an enabling political environment. Men and women must be able to have a say in the decisions affecting their lives," he added. "Together we can promote universal values such as equity, dignity and mutual respect. Together we can defeat the poverty and insecurity that disfigure so many lives."

Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al-Maktoum said in an opening speech that the region from North Africa through the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent was "moving outside the active international economic circles positioned in South East Asia, Europe and Northern America... The regional states are moving on the margins of the world economy, and their contribution in the world GDP does not exceed two to three percent, while their population constitutes nearly one-third of the total world population."

Sheikh Mohammed called on the region to establish an economic cooperation organization grouping public and privates sectors as well as experts and intellectuals. "Such a body will be an essential addition to the existing organizations which represent all regional governments"

. "Unless there is a change in governmental concepts and work styles, the developmental failure will recur in the future," the prince warned delegates at the forum aimed at bringing together key stakeholders to bridge differences and build opportunities for growth and prosperity in the region.

The second day of the forum will be devoted to economic and business issues and discussions will be held on how a country's strategic development can benefit from the global strategies of multinational corporations.

Topics to be taken up on the final day and innovation and technology. A panel discussion will also be held. It will be attended by opinion leaders in business and media from the UAE and abroad. The panel will throw light on how the region will look like in five years. Among the speakers will be Prince Alwaleed ibn Talal, who will address the issue of business development through strategic partnerships in the region and the world.