Jordan to seize WEF to send messages to world — Fakhoury

AMMAN – Hosting the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the eastern shores of the Dead Sea on May 21-23 sends a positive and a clear message to global investors that Jordan remains an oasis of stability despite regional turmoil, a government official said Wednesday. 

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury said the forum highlights the importance of the Kingdom at the regional and international levels and its key role in boosting peace and stability. 

Fakhoury is also the chairperson of King Abdullah II Fund for Development, a co-organiser of the high-profile event. 

At a press conference, Fakhoury said Jordan, as it has historically done, will seize the opportunity of hosting WEF - Middle East and North Africa for the eighth time since 2003 to present its economic development plans. 

"It is an opportunity to highlight the Kingdom's influential role on issues that affect the future of the region," he added. 

Politicians and business leaders from across the world will have a platform to discuss reform plans that are crucial for the region and employment opportunities for youth, the official told reporters. 

"The most important goal for Jordan is to shed light on the burdens of the Syrian crisis on Jordan and to think out of the box for solutions to overcome challenges facing our economy," Fakhoury said. 

Miroslav Dusek, senior director and head of Middle East and North Africa at WEF, said around 800 government, business and civil society leaders from more than 50 countries are expected to participate in this year’s event. 

He added that special attention will be given at the upcoming event to youth integration as it would see more participation of youth from Jordan and Arab countries as part of the Global Shapers Community, which is a network of hubs developed and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, achievement and drive to make a contribution to their communities. 

The theme of the event will be: “Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation”. 

Fakhoury said the key pillars of the forum include industries and competitiveness, employment and innovation, good governance and institution building, and economic cooperation in the region.