Job creation and education: Proud to be Jordanian

By Dina Shoman*

The World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Economic Growth and Job Creation in the Arab World comes at a crucial time not just for the region, but also for the world at large. The programme is filled with many topics of interest, specifically job creation and its related sub-components of entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation. Those subjects should be addressed collaboratively if we want stability in the region and beyond. I believe these issues should no longer be treated as “unique” or as the “topic of the day”, but rather as a constant factor to be considered and institutionalized within the systems of all countries. 

I look forward to hearing from the list of participants made up of experts, renowned thought leaders and decision makers, all of whom will hopefully engage in fruitful discussions to come up with relevant, realistic and effective solutions. 

In addition to job creation, the Forum provides an opportunity to present and discuss other important issues facing the region, such as addressing the region’s scarce resources of water, energy and food; improving education; and regional collaboration. Improving education should be a main focus, as it is the basis of everything, and as my parents taught me, it is the one thing that no one can ever take away from you. 

I sincerely hope we all realize how critical it is for us to take action now. The implementation of solutions alongside the collective regional collaboration which takes place after the meeting will be the moment of truth for us all and will determine the sustainability and success of our region. 

As a Jordanian, I am proud Jordan is hosting such a critical forum under the continuous support and leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II. Jordan has been and will continue to be a leader in identifying these important topics, working to address them and in bringing together those who have the expertise and power to address those issues to make a difference.

*Dina Shoman is Executive Vice President, Member of the Board of Directors of Arab Bank and will be attending the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Economic Growth and Job Creation in the Arab World.