MAKTOUM FOUNDATION ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 STATE 062391

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
YAOUNDE PASS DOUALA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL
SUBJECT: MAKTOUM FOUNDATION ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE


1. Summary: This is an action message. Please see
paragraph 5. Department requests posts, assistance in
identifying key host country entrepreneurs under the age of
40 in Arab and Muslim communities in Europe, Asia, Africa,
and the Middle East. Department will draw on these names in
proposing invitees to a potential Arab/Muslim Annual Regional
Entrepreneurs Conference (AREC) under discussion with the
Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Foundation (the Maktoum
Foundation) in Dubai. As plans for the AREC remain subject to
change, we request that discussion of the event and potential
invitees be restricted to USG only for the time being.
(ConGen Dubai is authorized to discuss the concept with the
Maktoum Foundation.) Irrespective of whether the proposed
AREC takes place, the names will be useful for future
outreach activities. End Summary.


2. Background: Modeled on the Regional World Economic
Forum, the AREC will draw on young and successful
entrepreneurs and businessmen/women from Arab and Muslim
communities in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The
conference objectives will be to: (1) link these
entrepreneurs with partners and sponsors; (2) host panel

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discussions on entrepreneurship in Arab and Muslim countries
and among large Arab and Muslim communities around the world;
(3) showcase "rising stars" in the Arab and Muslim business
worlds; (4) highlight indigenous, capitalist Arab and Muslim
alternatives to violent extremism; (5) forge new networks of
young entrepreneurs to promote job-creation in Arab and
Muslim communities, and in the most challenging,
predominantly Muslim regions (FATA, South Lebanon, Gaza,
etc.)


3. Mechanics of the event: We understand the first AREC
meeting would take place in Dubai in early 2009 and would be
organized, funded and implemented by the Maktoum Foundation
(with potentially other sponsors to be determined). The
agenda and substance would be determined by sponsors both
private and public, but with conceptual input from the USG.
Possible panel and event topics may include &unknown success
stories8, the history of capitalism in Muslim communities,
how Islamic principles and capitalism are compatible, how
wealth creation empowers Arabs and Muslims, and targeted
matchmaking/networking opportunities, as well as possible
entrepreneurship training opportunities (mentorships,
internships, management training, etc. Speakers will likely
include prominent individuals and companies from industries,
including finance, technology, real estate and media, and
government leaders. In addition, young entrepreneurs will be

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given a platform to share their experiences and express their
own views and perspectives. Invitees will be determined by
the sponsors, with support and advice from other stakeholders
as requested. The ideal mix of speakers and participants will
showcase the breadth, success and diversity of wealth
creation in Arab and Muslim communities around the world. In
addition, success of the meeting requires a framework for
ongoing communication and collaboration by participants. Thus
it will address common misperceptions related to free markets
and the global financial system, as well as specific issues
such as the Islamic view of interest on debts. While the
Maktoum Foundation will be encouraged to seek suggestions
from the U.S. government and the full range of other public
and private stakeholders, the event will primarily reflect
non-government Arab and Muslim perspectives and ideas about
the role and importance of capitalism in their own societies.



4. USG Role. Our role in this effort would be as a
conceptual partner and a facilitator. No funds would be
required of Post. The Maktoum Foundation has asked that we
help them identify potential attendees for the meeting. If
the Maktoum Foundation proceeds with the conference, it would
provide a great opportunity to empower those successful Arab
and Muslim businessmen/women with whom Posts have developed
positive relationships, and those with whom Posts wish to

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develop relationships. The overall USG goal is to identify,
network and empower Muslim and Arab entrepreneurs (in both
indigenous and diaspora communities). Doing so will promote
entrepreneurship and, most importantly, elevate role models
who will encourage Muslim and Arab youth to pursue
opportunities in business.


5. Request. We ask that action addressee Posts, in
coordination with their constituent posts, identify the
following as our contribution to this effort:

a. Names, affiliations, and contact information for ideally
at least five businessmen/women and entrepreneurs under the
age of 40 in Arab and Muslim communities in your country.
There is no maximum number of qualified candidates that Posts
may submit. We are seeking maximum diversity of
representation, including women, non-Muslim Arabs and
non-Arab Muslims. All suggested invitees should be
individuals who are not only successful professionally, but
have also used their professional success to work for
positive change in their country or abroad. An individuals
public prominence is less important than professional
distinction and a demonstrated interest in social and
political reform.

b. Names of foundations, companies, training institutes, and

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other endowments in your country that might be potential
conference sponsors.

c. The individuals, companies and entities recommended by
Posts should be vetted through country team resources to
ensure that those identified meet the high quality of
character and substance necessary for a successful conference.

d. Posts are requested to provide an initial list by July 1,

2008.


6. Posts should send requested names and direct any
questions to Stephen Kaplitt
(kaplittsb@state.gov/202-647-6683).


7. Minimize considered.
RICE