Dubai-based Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, an organisation which seeks to develop knowledge and human capabilities, has relaunched the Arab Strategy Forum (ASF) in an interactive format.

The new format will enhance its status as a knowledge platform for Arab and international thought leaders to convene and address current issues in the region, a statement said.

It includes a series of focused events that will be organised in different Arab countries in the run-up to ASF 2010.

“Part of our aim is to institutionalize ASF as an entity that provides equal opportunities for everyone to participate in dialogue and share their opinions on issues that concern their communities,” said Dr Sulaiman Al Hattlan, CEO of Arab Strategy Forum.

“ASF will serve as an active change agent for the Arab world through its dual role as knowledge generator and disseminator,” he added.

Dr Al Hatlan explained that since its inception, the ASF was held bi-annually until the foundation took the forum under its umbrella as its knowledge platform.

He added: “Since the establishment of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, it became clear that both ASF and the Foundation share the same vision for the region and a common interest in promoting knowledge in the Arab world.”

Dr Al Hattlan said that the ASF, with its new format, will debut with the launch of the Arab Knowledge Report (AKR), a joint effort between the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme).

The launch of the report is scheduled for October 28 at Mina A'Salam and will be followed by a series of discussion sessions titled ‘Towards a knowledge society in the Arab world’.

The two-day event will bring together around 30 researchers and intellectuals to debate on the status of knowledge in the Arab world.

The Arab Strategy Forum will offer a unique combination of unparalleled network, debate-driven sessions and custom-made knowledge products that will provide participants with the tools they need to shape viable action plans for the region.

Dr Al Hattlan added: “With the Arab Strategy Forum adopting the new set up, we aim to reach out and engage communities across different cities in the region. If we are to succeed in this mission, it is important for us to effectively use interactive communication channels such as websites and live feeds for ensuring our debates gain a wider audience.” – TradeArabia News Service