Intel Corporation will highlight key achievements of the Intel® World Ahead program and announce expansion plans in the Arab World at the upcoming World Economic Forum (WEF).

A global partner at the WEF, Intel will join international and industry thought leaders once again at the forum which opens today (Saturday) at Dead Sea, Jordan.

Helping future generations understand the importance of technology in education is a key component of the Intel World Ahead program, which seeks to provide technological and educational opportunities to people in developing communities in the region and across the globe.

As part of the World Ahead program and through the Intel Education Initiative, Intel works with governments and educators in more than 50 countries to improve teaching and learning through the effective use of technology, and to advance mathematics, science and engineering education and research.

Intel’s education programs are adapted to the needs of individual countries and utilize an approach focused on building local competency for teacher training and technology innovation.

“As a global technology leader, Intel is committed not only to creating innovative technology but also to helping people around the world use it effectively to better their lives,” said Gordon Graylish, Intel’s vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

“Intel is pleased to be part of the World Economic Forum's Global Education Initiative and its efforts to improve education worldwide through public-private partnership,” he commented.

Intel has launched Intel® Teach program in various countries in the region since 2003 and has already trained 66,000 teachers in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa.

This year at WEF, Intel will highlight key achievements and new plans to expand on the program in Palestine and Jordan.

The Intel Teach program provides teachers, lecturers, school principals and ministry officials with access to professional development training modules, curriculum materials and other resources that support 21st century skills in students and teachers.

"Education is the backbone of society’s future development – without it progress cannot be made. At Intel we firmly believe today’s youth are the key to solving global challenges and to do this students need to be equipped with the basics; a solid maths and science foundation, coupled with strong critical thinking and digital literacy skills."

"With these skills, our youth will be empowered with ability to drive their nations forward in the field of science and technology," he added.

Intel will also provide an update on its investment portfolio in the META region. In 2005, Intel established a $50 million venture capital fund to invest in technology companies developing innovative hardware, software and services in the region covering the Middle East and Turkey.

Intel plans to continue supporting local entrepreneurship in the Middle East through its investments in education, digital accessibility and specialized technical competencies.

The purpose of doing so is to help promote technology skills, knowledge transfer and job creation across the META region. Intel additionally works with several local governments, educational institutions, businesses, non-governmental organizations, program developers, local businesses, and other groups to highlight and demonstrate the benefits of technology.

Graylish will also speak at the “New Science Architecture for Middle East” panel to integrate communications channels across the world of academia, scientists and business leaders.

In doing so the region will ensure solid foundations are laid to help the Middle East become a major science and research centre in the coming years.

"Many of the Governments in the Middle East have issued strategic plans for diversifying their economies over the next decades, and most<