The International Herald Tribune (IHT), a premier international source of news, opinion and commentary, will kick off its 125th anniversary with the ‘IHT Global Conversation’ to be held in Dubai on May 2.

Thomas Friedman, foreign affairs correspondent of The New York Times, will deliver the keynote address on the topic ‘Middle East’s Role on the Silk Road.’

The address will be followed by a panel discussion where Friedman will be joined by Tarik Yousef, chief executive officer of Silatech, Qatar; Nader Mousavizadeh, chief executive officer of Oxford Analytica; and Masood Ahmed, director of the Middle East and Central Asia, in the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Serge Schmemann, editor of the IHT editorial page, will moderate the session.

The ‘IHT Global Conversation’ is a series of panels to be held in key cities worldwide to debate issues that challenge the world’s future development and prosperity. The Dubai discussion will highlight the epochal changes in the patterns of global trade and capital flow, the role that China plays in shaping the global economic dynamics, and how the Middle East can draw on the enormous trade opportunities by serving as a key destination on the ‘New Silk Road.’

Stephen Dunbar-Johnson, publisher of the IHT, said: “For over a century, the International Herald Tribune has played a vital role in driving intellectual dialogue and stimulating discussion that makes a difference to the global community. With the political, social, and economical landscape fast-evolving, it is fitting to mark our 125th year by launching a platform to encourage industry leaders to put forward their opinions on how the global community can address these sweeping changes and set an agenda for the future. Dubai is today a central hub for business and trade, and serves as a perfect destination to commence this important discussion.”

The ‘IHT Global Conversation’ will progress on to Hong Kong on June 15, where it will address the topic ‘Can Asia Manage an Asian Century,’ and Paris, on October 4, to discuss ‘Restoring European Competitiveness on the World Stage.’

The IHT Global Conversation events are open to the public and further details, including ticketing information, can be found at www.ihtglobalconversation.com.  The panels will be livestreamed on the IHT Latitude blog and the IHT Rendezvous community site. 

Viewers are invited to submit questions for the panel and share their views on Twitter with the hashtag #IHT125. – TradeArabia News Service