DUBAI — Top officials stressed the importance of creating new job opportunities for young people through the creation of infrastructures to attract investments that will develop economic sectors as well as the rehabilitation of human cadres capable of formulating the economy and the leadership of the future. They also pointed out to the importance of concerted efforts by the private and public sectors along with society to create jobs for young people in the region, in addition to driving economic development engine as well as to enhance transparency and governance in companies of all types to ensure sustainable development. These issues were addressed during the inaugural Pearl Initiative and United Nations Global Compact regional Forum themed “Corporate Accountability Matters: Business Integrity and Value Creation Beyond 2015”,held recently in Dubai under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. During his opening keynote video addressed to the forum, the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, praised the UAE's leadership for supporting sustainable business practices, and said: "I salute HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his vision as the Founding Patron of the Pearl Initiative. I also thank HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, for patronizing this important joint forum with the Global Compact." He affirmed that 2015 will be a very important turning point to adopt a new set of sustainable development goals and reach a meaningful, universal agreement on climate change. Faysal Alaquil, CPC Director of Business Development & head of “Binaa Wa Amal” – a CSR Division, received the honorary award for sponsoring the forum. Following the recognition ceremony, Alaquil said “as partners of Pearl Initiative, we are very happy to be part of this forum. Our participation stems from the belief in all that is related to transparency, accountability and good practices in the business sector, which is supportive of the private sector in the long term.” He added “recently we have launched a new sector called “Binaa Wa Amal”. This sector would fall beneath all directions related to social responsibility in the field of education, health, environment, caring of young people and motivating these young people to work in a step to reduce the unemployment rate and be productive in the society." Regarding Women empowerment, Alaquil said “women around the world play an important role in the economy and business, and also in the management of companies. Today, we stand by them and also support their role in all fields.” “Women are underestimated and they have not given the opportunity to prove themselves. There is no doubt that the perfect example of a women pioneer in entrepreneurship is the honorable Khadija bint Khuwaylid. Currently women are playing a major role not only in our society but also as entrepreneurs,” Alaquil said. According to a breakthrough report conducted by the Pearl Initiative, career women in the GCC are ambitious and want to lead in their organizations, with over 50 percent of those surveyed aiming at senior or board level position within the next seven years. — SG
