Business & Money | Wednesday 23 September, 2015 3:40 am |

 One of the most powerful gatherings of Arab region and international minds will convene in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, next month (October) for a Summit which is aimed at producing recommendations for a blueprint to reposition the Arab world’s standing within the global landscape.

Running October 10 and 11 at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Beirut Institute Summit will probe a range of issues which impact the region within the global arena moving well beyond the fundamentals of political economy and security threats.

Issues to be explored during on-the-record, dynamic sessions, include: ‘Smart Cities in the Arab Region – Are They Exclusive or Inclusive?’, ‘Celebrating Our Innovators – Listening Carefully To Their Dreams’, ‘Arab Women Directors: Their Global Impact and their Fans at Home, Literally’, and ‘Conversations with Policy Makers’.

Organised by Beirut Institute, a cutting-edge independent and indigenous think tank for the Arab region, the Summit has already attracted more than 150 distinguished personalities, including HE Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, as well as five current government ministers, two former presidents, three former prime ministers, 25 top level CEOs, in addition to tier one global officials, dignitaries and senior public policy experts from the region and beyond.

“As a pivotal destination for those interested in what matters to the Arab region and in Arab relations with East and West, the Summit will serve as a catalyst for intergenerational, innovative, action-oriented thinking for current and future policy opportunities and challenges,” explained Raghida Dergham, Founder and Executive Chairman of Beirut Institute.

She said that the Summit features a policy circle which will be held on an off-the-record, Chatham House Rule basis, with delegates from the Arab region, USA, Europe, Russia, China, South America and Africa.

“Policy makers and policy influencers across different sectors will brainstorm with a view of producing policy options that will then be delivered to policy makers in office across the Arab world and globally,” added Dergham.

“In addition to discussing the realignment of regional and global powers, the summit will address matters that will shape the future of the Arab region, including innovation, technology and the central role of women."

At the Summit’s October 10 Gala Dinner, Beirut Institute will recognise exceptional excellence in the Arab world with a tribute honour going posthumously to HRH Prince Saud Al Faisal for his lifelong contribution to Arab diplomacy. HH Sheikh Jawaher Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi of Sharjah is also being recognised for her relentless humanitarian efforts particularly for children and refugees.

The Summit’s plenary session will include: The Beirut Institute Abu Dhabi Declaration through which the policy options and recommendations generated during the Summit will be relayed to decision makers in the region and beyond.

“We will not ignore the pain we’re going through in this region and will certainly address our shortcomings but we also want to celebrate our capabilities and the region’s diversity,” explained Dergham. “The Summit will think constructively and explore options realistically.”

Caption: Raghida Dergham: “The Summit will serve as a catalyst for intergenerational, innovative, action-oriented thinking for current and future policy opportunities and challenges.”