This session will address such key issues of concern, with particular focus on two strategic sectors;

MENA Ecosystem, Education:

 
Moderated by: Haif Bannayan

Countries with efficient ICT ecosystems boast a solid base of ICT technical skills, in addition to good levels of science and math education. In such countries, government policies with regards to ICT in education, research and development, and innovation amongst the private sector, academia and civil society organizations are focused, aligned and supportive, and open and unrestricted ICT networks are championed.
Topics will address: Where does the region stand in terms of ICT education, and how do we move forward? Are regional ICT education plans isolated from national ICT policy? Are they aligned with national education development objectives and incorporated in the education sector planning process? What restrictions are faced by the sector?

Speakers of the "MENA Ecosystem; Education" session:

Dr. Jarallah Al-Ghamdi, CIO-Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia
Mr. Walid Tahabsem, President & CEO- ITG
Ms. Randa Ayoubi, CEO- Rubicon
Dr. Deirdre Butler, Chair of Microsoft’s Partners in Learning International Advisory Council
Mr. Rich Goldaman, VP -Corporate Marketing & Strategic Market Development Synopsys, CEO- Synopsys Armenia
Mr. Mr. Philippe Mero, CEO- Education Impact

MENA Ecosystem, Entrepreneurship & Start-ups:

 
Moderated by: Wajih Halawa

In a fast moving and evolving industry such as ICT, it is essential that stakeholders work together to create an environment in which opportunities are supported and able to flourish. Improving access to capital in the region requires the challenging task of stimulating an entire national ecosystem of private and public sector support, and the building of connections and synergies between all relevant supporting institutions and expertise.
Knowing that access to capital is essential for the materialization of new ideas and the growth of the ICT and ICTES sectors, how accessible is financing to the sector in the region, and what challenges do entrepreneurs and business seeking capital face?
What initiatives exist to promote financing of ICT and ICTES, and how supportive are government interventions in this area?

Speakers of the "MENA Ecosystem, Entrepreneurship & Start-ups" Session:
Dr. Fawaz H. Zu'bi, Founder & CEO- Accelerator Technology Holdings
Mr. Habib Haddad, Founder & CEO- Yalla Startup & Yamli.com
HE. Karim Kawar, President of Kawar Group & Serial Entrepreneur
Mr. MohammedBarig Siraj, CEO- Malaz Capital
Mr. Maher Kaddoura, VP & Managing Director- meydanjo
Ms. Deirdre M. Coyle, Jr., Co-Founder- AllWorld Network
Mr. Laith Al-Qasem, Chief of Party of the USAID Funded Jordan Economic Development Program, Chairman of Arabian Business Consultants for Development, and Chairman of RUBICON