Information Technology & Telecommunications in the Arab World:
Accessing New Horizons
March 2001

M. M Shafik Gabr welcomes the participants during the opining session

Upon a call from Egypt’s International Economic Forum, the First Conference “Information Technology and Telecommunications in the Arab World: Accessing New Horizons” convened in Cairo 18th-19th of March 2001 under the auspices HE Dr. Atef Ebeid, Prime Minister of Egypt. Ministers of Information Technology and Telecommunications of the Arab World and from Turkey as well as representatives of the Arab and international economic organizations and companies, technical experts and activists in the field of information technology and telecommunications participated in the conference.

During the two days of the conference, participants held extensive sessions and specialized workshops in which they discussed several working papers and initiatives to enhance joint Arab cooperation and lay down policies and guidelines for information technology and telecommunications in the Arab World.
	L. to Rt. Dr. Hamza El Kholl, H.E. Dr. Youssef Boutros Ghali and Mr. M. Shafik Gabr
These initiatives were focused on introducing new means to bridge the gap separating the Arab countries from other technologically advanced countries. The conference examined the foundations upon which Arab cooperation could be built, corresponding to the strategic, political, economic, scientific, cultural and social status of the Arab World.	Mr Emad Adeeb, chairman of good newfor me in grand conversation with H.E Baheya El Ham, Chairperson of the Education Committee and Member of the lebenese Parlment
	The conference of “Information Technology and Telecommunications in the Arab World: Accessing New Horizons” has concluded and adopted three recommendations. First, the formation of Arab Forum for Information Technology and Telecommunications.
Second, establishing a fund for information technology and telecommunications in the Arab World. Third, submitting these recommendations for review in the ordinary session of the Arab Summit that was taking place in Amman on 27th-28th of March 2001.
	L. to R. Mr. Gary Shapiro, President & CEO Consu,er Electronics Association, Dr. Jeffrey Garten, Dean, Yale School of Management, Mr. Richard McCormick, President International Chamer of Commerce and Mr. John Sculley, Former CEO, Apple Computers Mr. Neil Bush addressing over 1500 participants during the

For more details about the conference, please visit the conference at: arabitforum.com