Representatives of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and King Abdullah II Fund for Development signed in Geneva on Monday a memorandum of understanding that marks the official start of preparations for the World Economic Forum on the Middle East, to be held at the Dead Sea, Jordan, on May 15-17 May 2009. More than 1,200 participants drawn from the highest level of government and business worldwide are expected to take part in the meeting. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Bassem Awadallah, vice-chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development, and André Schneider, managing director and chief operating officer of the WEF. With significant accumulation of wealth and marked openness to the world, the Middle East is increasingly seen as a key international partner in addressing global challenges. The 2009 World Economic Forum on the Middle East will engage leaders in dialogue to identify key regional dynamics and international trends that will define the region and its global position in the next decade. Through a variety of formats, the meeting will look at the Middle East's role in shaping the new global economic order, address the changing regional geopolitical and security landscape, as well as focus on the region's growing social vigor and the question of youth. Particular attention will be paid to the issues of food security, resource management and systemic financial risks. “It is a great pleasure to come back to the Dead Sea, Jordan, once again to convene key leaders, thinkers and actors from across the region and around the world. Here, in 2003, the Forum relaunched its strong presence in the Middle East and our participants of this strategic gathering in the Middle East will be happy to return.” __
