Jordan Times
Friday, April 29, 2005
Arab reform vision to be
launched at Dead Sea — King
SINGAPORE (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday said next month's
meeting of the World Economic Forum at the Dead Sea will launch a new vision of
specific reforms and set deadlines for the Arab world.
“Regional leaders from the private sector and
NGOs are already meeting, to define a new regional vision — a vision for the
Arab world in the year 2010. The goal is a plan of action, including specific
reforms, and set deadlines. Already, a region-wide poll is surveying public
views,” King Abdullah said in his address to the WEF's Asia Roundtable here (see
the full text).
“The Arab people also know we need reform — political, economic and social. Such
reforms will revitalise the engines of growth and promote real development...
Reform is in our own hands.”
Reiterating the importance of homegrown reform, King Abdullah said “deep change
cannot succeed unless it responds directly to its own society.”
“It must reflect public priorities and concerns. No action imposed from outside
will generate that public buy-in,” he said.
More than 250 participants from 34 countries gathered at the two-day event to
identify their critical issues and generate insights necessary to develop the
right strategic response.
In Jordan, King Abdullah said, reform plans were based “on the idea of an open,
modern civil society rooted in true Arab-Islamic values: Peace, tolerance, rule
of law and the pursuit of excellence.”
“Jordan has been in the lead... We've formed a committee of leaders from across
society — an inclusive group of people, representing different parties — the
media, the private sector and more. They are developing a comprehensive,
national reform agenda. Its guidelines will give the government a consistent
framework for many years to come,” the King added, referring to the Steering
Committee for the National Agenda, whose guidelines are expected in September.
A vibrant private sector was critical to future prosperity and key to new ideas
and creativity that can expand productivity, King Abdullah said.
“One reality that is very clear is the critical role of civil society and the
private sector. No progress can be made without your participation,” King
Abdullah told the World Economic Forum's Asia Roundtable meeting here.
“Countries that advance are countries that create a partnership between
government and people. Again and again, we've seen growth and development take
root where there is stability and justice, thrive where there is opportunity,
and expand with openness and partnership,” the King stressed.
But he said the private sector “does not act alone.”
“The public sector also has a critical role. It is the public sector that opens
the doors to a society that is rich in opportunity. One key is an enabling
environment: Fair and consistent regulations, transparent and clear governance,”
the Monarch said.
Also on Thursday, the King met with several CEOs of major Asian and
international companies and invited them to attend the WEF's meeting at the Dead
Sea.