World Economic Forum to start in Jordan

The World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa 2019 will be held in Jordan on April 6-7 and more than 1,000 government and business leaders from over 50 countries will attend the forum, according to an official statement on Wednesday. Under the theme "Building New Platforms of Cooperation," the meeting will focus on four aspects, including shaping a new economic and social model for the region, environmental stewardship in the Arab world, finding common ground in a multi-conceptual world, and the fourth industrial revolution in the Arab world.

The World Economic Forum is partnering with the Bahrain Economic Development Board for the second time to bring 100 Arab start-ups to the meeting.

The World Economic Forum's Global Shapers (aged between 20 and 30) and Young Global Leaders (under the age of 40) will take part in the discussions.

Social Entrepreneurs will also contribute to the dialogue on innovative local and regional action to address pressing problems.

"The region is at a pivotal time of taking the bold decisions necessary to future proof its societies and economies," said Mirek Dusek, deputy head of Center for Geopolitical and Regional Affairs and Member of the Executive Committee at the World Economic Forum in a press conference on Wednesday.

With the full support of the host country and presence of Jordan's King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, the meeting will bring together leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the North Africa, as well as key international stakeholders from East Africa, Europe and the United States.