Okaz The difference between planning and actual requirement is one of the major problems facing Arab societies. We don't know how most countries set out their plans, whether they followed international standards or just assumptions of ministries. The old Arab generation still believes that they know everything about the requirements of present and future generations. There is a general notion that the elderly are more knowledgeable than the younger ones. This may not be correct always. During a workshop organized by the Arab Thought Foundation at Arab University, the problems surrounding planning in Arab countries came to the fore. The thoughts presented by young participants showed that they think differently from their elders and they are more realistic. The majority of Arab population is young. But unfortunately they are not allowed to participate in the discussions on solving various problems facing them. They are forced to accept whatever their elders tell them without taking into consideration their opinions and proposals. The workshop proved that Arab youth are capable of providing a leadership role in the next phase if they are given proper support and encouragement. We should encourage young men and women to give their thoughts and ideas while preparing future plans and strategies. If we study Western experiments and models we can easily understand that the youth are making important inventions and achievements. Some of them manage major international companies. Youth have strong presence in political parties and government positions. On the other hand, if we look at the youth in the Arab world we can find them depressed as they are not allowed to make any proposals for future plans and they are supposed to accept what their elders say or they have to migrate to countries that respect their thoughts and ideas. This condition is pitiable. It is high time we listen to our youth, respect their opinions and give them confidence to participate effectively in the nation-building endeavors and boost the country's progress and prosperity.
