Join the Discussion from the Dead Sea

Recent shifts in the Arab world, coupled with an economic contraction at the global level, have created renewed urgency for decision-makers across the region to address the unfolding economic situation. Responding to this still-evolving landscape, the World Economic Forum is holding a Special Meeting on Economic Growth and Job Creation in the Arab World in Jordan.

World leaders will discuss topics including resource management, digital innovation and development, the impact of social media, the advance of women and youth, US-Arab relations and much more. The discussions will be set against the backdrop of entrepreneurship and job creation to drive sustained growth and development in the region.

Sessions looking at topics such as regional co-operation, development and energy, will be streamed live on our website, Facebook page and Livestream channel. You can follow live tweets from the sessions and see how the participants are reacting and interacting.

The sessions which will be streamed are:

Saturday 22 October 2011

10.30 – 11.00 (7:30 – 8:00 GMT)
Opening Address

11.00 – 12.00 (8:00 – 9:00 GMT)
The New Economic Context
How can the region deliver growth and jobs in light of global economic uncertainty and heightened public expectations?

The following dimensions will be addressed:

• Impact of US and European fiscal challenges
• Economic implications of transitions
• Investing in employment

12.00 – 12.20 (9:00 – 9:20 GMT)
Special Address

14.00 – 15.30 (11:00 – 12:30 GMT)
Trust through Accountability
How can improvements in transparency and accountability be achieved across sectors?

The following dimensions will be addressed:

• Building trust in institutions
• Corporate governance challenges
• The role of media

15.45 – 16.45 (12:45 – 13:45 GMT)
Renewing Partnerships for Development
How can international and regional stakeholders best support Arab economic and social development?

The following dimensions will be addressed:

• G8 proposal for the Arab world
• International partnerships for human development
• Lessons from transition economies

16.45 – 17.00 (13:45 – 14:00 GMT)
Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award Arab World

18.00 – 19.15 (15:00 – 16:15 GMT)
Linking Trade to Development
How can Arab economies better leverage regional and global trade to restart growth and drive economic and social development?

The following dimensions will be addressed:

• Global growth markets
• Relations with developed economies
• Diversification of economic output for high value trade

Sunday 23 October

09.00 – 10.15 (6:00 – 7:15 GMT)
Al Arabiya Debate: Geostrategic Scenarios for 2012
What are the most relevant scenarios for discerning the region's future political and security relations?

The following dimensions will be addressed:

• National priorities
• Regional alliances
• The role of the international community

The World Economic Forum hosts this debate in partnership with Al Arabiya.

10.30 – 11.30 (7:30 – 8:30 GMT)
Addressing the Employment Challenge
How can the region deliver the jobs critically needed in the immediate future while ensuring quality and long-term positive impact?

The following dimensions will be addressed:

• Education for employment
• Redesigning labour markets
• Role of major employers

11.30 – 11.50 (8:30 – 8:50 GMT)
Introducing the Global Shapers

13.30 – 13.45 (10:30 – 10:45 GMT)
US Foreign Policy Priorities, Perspective from John McCain

13.45 – 14.30 (10:45 – 11:30 GMT)
US-Arab Relations: An Outlook
In light of its mounting fiscal challenges, how can the US best support the future of the region?

The following dimensions will be addressed:

• Development assistance
• Investment and trade
• Security cooperation

14.30 – 14.45 (11:30 – 11:45 GMT)
Keynote Address

15.00 – 16.15 (12:00 – 13:15 GMT)
Insights on the Future of Libya
What is required to achieve short-term stability and medium-term reforms while building the new Libyan state?

The following dimensions will be addressed:

• Resumption of oil revenues and jump-starting the domestic economy
• Management of international assets and repairing the banking system
• Safeguarding the political transition and establishing trust in public institutions

16.30 – 17.15 (13:30 – 14:15 GMT)
An Action Plan for 2012
The Co-Chairs of the Special Meeting set key imperatives for accelerating economic growth and job creation in the Arab world.

17.15 – 17.30 (14:15 – 14:30 GMT)
Closing Plenary
Featuring the King Abdullah II Award for Youth Innovation and Achievement