Thursday 28 March 2024
 
»
 
»
Story

‘Arab Spring’ main focus of ATF conference

Dubai, November 24, 2011

Independent non-profit organisation, the Arab Thought Foundation (ATF), has chosen 'Arab Spring' as the focus for its 10th annual conference, Fikr10, to be held in Dubai from December 5 to 7. 

The conference entitled ‘Arab Spring: What’s next?’ will be held under the auspices of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Dr Suleiman Abdel Muneim, general director of ATF, said that this year the Fikr conference is coming during critical and sensitive times in the Arab world. Through its title and seven chapters, the conference is adopting a scientific methodology that’s not biased.

“However, our interest lies in presenting an objective comparison that aims to distinguish between the causes of the Arab Spring and its consequences, as well as in the research implications of Foreign Affairs, and the cultural and social dimensions of the Arab Spring,” he said.

Hamad AlAmmari, deputy secretary general of the ATF and executive director of FIKR conferences, has said conference sessions will be characterised by the participation of different Arab world elite thinkers and intellectuals, and some foreign professional and interested guests.

He added that ATF will use its entire means to ensure that it is neutrally and objectively presenting the ongoing events in the Arab world, and the paths to which it could lead. Hence, it will come out with serious and responsible ideas that would lead the nation to overcome the current crisis, insuring a bright future for its coming generations.

AlAmmari said that these exceptional circumstances have doubled the importance of the union of these Arab thinkers.

The conference will conclude its activities with an award ceremony for the fifth annual Arab creativity award and the second annual most important book award. “The event will also be a good opportunity to launch the fourth Arab report on cultural development,” he said.

AlAmmari said that some voices called for the postponement and even cancellation of the event due to the current Arab circumstances. But ATF was determined to launch its tenth conference taking into consideration that what some Arab countries are going through is very important and will have a huge impact in the future.

The conference will raise serious challenges before different Arab elite thinkers, choosing Dubai to be its starting point to study, discuss and answer questions, aspirations and concerns of the observers of the Arab Spring events.

“Ten years have passed since ATF launched its first annual conference in Cairo in 2002. FIKR conferences have visited different Arab capitals and cities, tackling the challenges and concerns of the Arab World, discussing every year the urgent current affairs, seeking to strengthen the region’s position on the world map and shedding the light on the potential and new capabilities that carry the constructive seeds and changes that would enhance and improve the Arab future. Within this frame, the program of FIKR10 lines with the implications of what is happening on the Arab scene. These implications require attention and discussion, as well as the presentation of visions that ensure the achievement of the best interests of the nation saving it from any potential risks,” AlAmmari said.

Interested participants can fill out the application form on the FIKR conference website.

The Arab Thought Foundation has no affiliation with political regimes, or factional or sectarian trends. It is a joint initiative between thought and money to promote the nation constant pride, principles, values and ethics with responsible freedom approach.

ATF is involved in various fields of knowledge of science, medicine, economics, administration, media and literature in efforts to unify the intellectual and cultural aspects, which also call for Arab solidarity and the promotion and preservation of identity. – TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Conference | Arab World | Arab Spring | Arab Thought Foundation | FIKR10 | Thought Leaders |

More Miscellaneous Stories

calendarCalendar of Events

Ads