May 22, 2003 Extraordinary Annual Meeting: " Davos in Jordan" On May 22nd, 2003 the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan held a seminar entitled Extraordinary Annual Meeting: "Davos in Jordan". Dr. Bassem Awadallah, Jordan's Minister of Planning and Mr. Paul Smyke, Senior Advisor to the Managing Board of the World Economic Forum discussed the significance of the World Economic Forum's extraordinary meeting that will be held in Jordan on 21-23rd June 2003. Following is a summary of the discussion. The World Economic Forum 's extraordinary meeting will be held on 21-23rd June 2003 at the Dead Sea resort in Jordan under the theme: "Visions for a Shared Future." This meeting is truly extraordinary in its mission to address the issues arising in the Middle East after the war on Iraq. The agenda rests on two principle lingering concerns; what next for the Middle East and what next for post-Saddam Iraq. Accordingly, the forum will discuss the reconstruction of Iraq, the roadmap to peace, political and economic reform in the Arab world and the role of the international community in directing the region to confront the challenges that lie ahead and to help define the direction the region should uptake in the pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity. A timely necessity, this meeting fits into the rationale of many in the Arab world, Europe and the United States that there is a window of opportunity in the Middle East today that should not be missed. A role model in the region and for the region, Jordan is honored to host this meeting. Jordan believes it is imperative for all leaders in the Middle East to push their reform agendas forward and open their borders to each other and to the world to guarantee a better life for each and every individual. A week before the global leaders meet at the Dead Sea resort, Jordan will hold its parliamentary elections, a crucial step in the pursuit of liberalization and democratization and one that inspires others to follow suit. Further, given its geographic proximity, Jordan hopes to serve as a model for post-Saddam Iraq in its laws, its educational system, its liberal economy and its growing civil society. Distinguished leaders from the Middle East, the United States and Europe will attend the meeting. Secretary of State Collin Powell and Ambassador Robert Zoelick will head the US delegation, which includes members of Congress. The American participation is of utmost importance, as it will shed light into President Bush's vision of a Free Trade Area in the Middle East, which he articulated in his commencement speech at the University of South Carolina on May 9th 2003. Palestinian and Israeli representatives are also expected to participate together with 1,900 businessmen, academics and analysts from different parts of the world. This global participation, bringing together the political, economic and media leadership, provides a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and views on the key issues in the Middle East today in an effort to reach define a shared vision for the future of the region..