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INFO RUEHRC/AGRICULTURE DEPT WASHINGTON DC 1927

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 STATE 062405 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
YAOUNDE PASS DOUALA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL
SUBJECT: MAKTOUM FOUNDATION ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE 
 
¶1.  Summary:  This is an action message.  Please see 
paragraph 5.  Department requests posts, assistance in 
identifying key host country entrepreneurs under the age of 
40 in Arab and Muslim communities in Europe, Asia, Africa, 
and the Middle East. Department will draw on these names in 
proposing invitees to a potential Arab/Muslim Annual Regional 
Entrepreneurs Conference (AREC) under discussion with the 
Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Foundation (the Maktoum 
Foundation) in Dubai. As plans for the AREC remain subject to 
change, we request that discussion of the event and potential 
invitees be restricted to USG only for the time being. 
(ConGen Dubai is authorized to discuss the concept with the 
Maktoum Foundation.) Irrespective of whether the proposed 
AREC takes place, the names will be useful for future 
outreach activities.  End Summary. 
 
¶2.  Background:  Modeled on the Regional World Economic 
Forum, the AREC will draw on young and successful 
entrepreneurs and businessmen/women from Arab and Muslim 
communities in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  The 
conference objectives will be to: (1) link these 
 
STATE 00062405  002 OF 005 
 
 
entrepreneurs with partners and sponsors; (2) host panel 
discussions on entrepreneurship in Arab and Muslim countries 
and among large Arab and Muslim communities around the world; 
(3) showcase "rising stars" in the Arab and Muslim business 
worlds; (4) highlight indigenous, capitalist Arab and Muslim 
alternatives to violent extremism; (5) forge new networks of 
young entrepreneurs to promote job-creation in Arab and 
Muslim communities, and in the most challenging, 
predominantly Muslim regions (FATA, South Lebanon, Gaza, 
etc.) 
 
¶3.  Mechanics of the event:  We understand the first AREC 
meeting would take place in Dubai in early 2009 and would be 
organized, funded and implemented by the Maktoum Foundation 
(with potentially other sponsors to be determined).  The 
agenda and substance would be determined by sponsors both 
private and public, but with conceptual input from the USG. 
Possible panel and event topics may include &unknown success 
stories8, the history of capitalism in Muslim communities, 
how Islamic principles and capitalism are compatible, how 
wealth creation empowers Arabs and Muslims, and targeted 
matchmaking/networking opportunities, as well as possible 
entrepreneurship training opportunities (mentorships, 
internships, management training, etc. Speakers will likely 
include prominent individuals and companies from industries, 
 
STATE 00062405  003 OF 005 
 
 
including finance, technology, real estate and media, and 
government leaders. In addition, young entrepreneurs will be 
given a platform to share their experiences and express their 
own views and perspectives.  Invitees will be determined by 
the sponsors, with support and advice from other stakeholders 
as requested. The ideal mix of speakers and participants will 
showcase the breadth, success and diversity of wealth 
creation in Arab and Muslim communities around the world. In 
addition, success of the meeting requires a framework for 
ongoing communication and collaboration by participants. Thus 
it will address common misperceptions related to free markets 
and the global financial system, as well as specific issues 
such as the Islamic view of interest on debts. While the 
Maktoum Foundation will be encouraged to seek suggestions 
from the U.S. government and the full range of other public 
and private stakeholders, the event will primarily reflect 
non-government Arab and Muslim perspectives and ideas about 
the role and importance of capitalism in their own societies. 
 
 
¶4.  USG Role. Our role in this effort would be as a 
conceptual partner and a facilitator.  No funds would be 
required of Post. The Maktoum Foundation has asked that we 
help them identify potential attendees for the meeting. If 
the Maktoum Foundation proceeds with the conference, it would 
 
STATE 00062405  004 OF 005 
 
 
provide a great opportunity to empower those successful Arab 
and Muslim businessmen/women with whom Posts have developed 
positive relationships, and those with whom Posts wish to 
develop relationships. The overall USG goal is to identify, 
network and empower Muslim and Arab entrepreneurs (in both 
indigenous and diaspora communities). Doing so will promote 
entrepreneurship and, most importantly, elevate role models 
who will encourage Muslim and Arab youth to pursue 
opportunities in business. 
 
¶5.  Request.  We ask that action addressee Posts, in 
coordination with their constituent posts, identify the 
following as our contribution to this effort: 
 
a.  Names, affiliations, and contact information for ideally 
at least five businessmen/women and entrepreneurs under the 
age of 40 in Arab and Muslim communities in your country. 
There is no maximum number of qualified candidates that Posts 
may submit. We are seeking maximum diversity of 
representation, including women, non-Muslim Arabs and 
non-Arab Muslims. All suggested invitees should be 
individuals who are not only successful professionally, but 
have also used their professional success to work for 
positive change in their country or abroad. An individuals 
public prominence is less important than professional 
 
STATE 00062405  005 OF 005 
 
 
distinction and a demonstrated interest in social and 
political reform. 
 
b.  Names of foundations, companies, training institutes, and 
other endowments in your country that might be potential 
conference sponsors. 
 
c. The individuals, companies and entities recommended by 
Posts should be vetted through country team resources to 
ensure that those identified meet the high quality of 
character and substance necessary for a successful conference. 
 
d.  Posts are requested to provide an initial list by July 1, 
¶2008. 
 
¶6.  Posts should send requested names and direct any 
questions to Stephen Kaplitt 
(kaplittsb@state.gov/202-647-6683). 
 
¶7.  Minimize considered. 
RICE