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Dubai: Executing results-based programmes that enable young people in the Middle East and in America to understand and appreciate the similarities as well as the differences in the two cultures is essential in fostering productive relations between the Arab world and other countries, including the United States, according to Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre and chairman of Young Arab Leaders (YAL).
Speaking ahead of the YAL Global Action Forum in New York City on the power of dialogue, Dr Sulaiman called on Arab and American delegates alike to build bridges between individuals, cultures and societies through open and frank dialogue.
"Dialogue among ourselves and dialogue with other cultures and societies represents the steel we must use to build our bridges," Dr Sulaiman said.
YAL sponsors a series of programmes - some in cooperation with the private sector and NGO communities - that work to bring young Arabs together with young people from America and other countries in business, academic, and day-to-day-life environments.
Starting point
"People's disagreements - even on the most crucial issues - are usually the starting point, not the final outcome of their discussions," Dr Sulaiman said. More than 200 Arab and American delegates attended the YAL Global Action Forum.
They heard from such distinguished speakers as former United States Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell; Mike Gambrell, executive vice-president of The Dow Chemical Company, a major supporter of several YAL programmes; Rabbi Gary Greenebaum, US Director of Interreligious Affairs, American Jewish Committee; Keith Reinhard, president of business for Diplomatic Action; Richard Haass, president, Council on Foreign Relations; Dr James Zogby, president, Arab American Institute; and John Zogby, president of Zogby International.
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