Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia) (2014)

Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia Former Government Official) – Beirut Institute Working Lunch (2014)

Chapters

00:00:45 Beirut Institute's Mission and Objectives

Introduction to the Beirut Institute:
The Beirut Institute is an independent, contemporary, and well-established intellectual community from the Arab region. The Institute aims to achieve a positive impact on local and global policies by fostering creative thinking and intergenerational actions.

Mission and Goals:
To serve as a guardian of creative thinking and intergenerational actions to create opportunities and build on them. To be a solution-oriented, independent think tank that hopes to accomplish the “40-40” goal, where 40% of the Institute’s community is under the age of 40.

Challenges and Obstacles:
Building a think tank is a lengthy and challenging process, particularly in terms of financing. The Institute strives to maintain independence and avoid government subsidies.

Strategies for Success:
Raising awareness of the Institute’s mission and activities through events, workshops, and outreach to the private sector and individuals. Increasing visibility and activities to attract support and engagement.

Role of the Advisory Board and Board of Directors:
The Advisory Board and Board of Directors play a crucial role in supporting the Institute’s mission and vision. Members of the Advisory Board and Board of Directors are passionate about the Institute’s goals and believe in the importance of taking the region seriously.

The Importance of Global Engagement:
The Beirut Institute seeks to distinguish itself by being global, starting with the United Nations and other international organizations. The Institute aims to create a platform for discussions, collaboration, and solution-finding on a global scale.

Appreciation for Support:
The Institute expresses gratitude to its partners and supporters, particularly Infopro, for their contributions and collaboration.

Personal Reflections:
The founder, Raghida Dergham, shares her personal journey and the importance of tolerance in her life. She acknowledges the contributions of key individuals who have supported the Institute’s establishment and growth.

00:12:58 Beirut Institute: A Platform for Arab Thought and Innovation

00:17:07 Arab Spring Life Cycle and Yemen's Transformation

00:27:17 Women's Role in Arab Politics and Society

History with Raghida Dergham:
Farida Allaghi has known Raghida Dergham for over 30 years, and they have a close friendship. Farida Allaghi is a respected member of the Youth Institute’s Board of Advisors.

Libyan Women’s Delegation to the United Nations:
Raghida Dergham and Farida Allaghi were part of a group of five women from Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, and Somalia who met with ambassadors from the UN Security Council. The delegation highlighted the importance of women’s involvement in politics and decision-making in Arab countries.

Seminar on Women’s Sidelining in Libya:
Farida Allaghi is organizing a policy circle seminar in Tripoli to address the issue of women being marginalized in Libya during and after the transition. The seminar will focus on developing strategies to promote women’s participation in politics and decision-making.

Women’s Role in Arab Revolutions:
Farida Allaghi emphasizes the significant contributions of women to the Arab revolutions, including in Libya. She highlights the courage and leadership of Libyan women, such as the first woman to speak in court in Benghazi during the revolution.

Women’s Role in Arab Societies:
Farida Allaghi argues that women constitute half of the Arab population and should have an equal role in shaping the future of their countries. She stresses the need for women to be involved in politics, economics, education, and other fields.

Challenging Traditional Gender Roles:
Farida Allaghi challenges the traditional view that politics is a male-dominated field. She draws on her own experience as a political opponent of Muammar Gaddafi for 40 years to advocate for women’s participation in politics.

Addressing Challenges in the Arab World:
Farida Allaghi acknowledges the challenges facing the Arab world, including extremism, corruption, and economic difficulties. She emphasizes the importance of women taking an active role in addressing these challenges and contributing to the development of their countries.

Women’s Political Role in Libya:
Farida Allaghi and other Libyan women are working to secure a political role for themselves and to be recognized as citizens with equal rights and responsibilities. They are collaborating with democratic forces that value their contributions and view them as full partners in nation-building.

Abstract

The Beacon of Change: Beirut Institute’s Vision for the Arab World

Introduction

The Beirut Institute emerges as a pivotal force in the Arab world, championing youth engagement, policy innovation, and women’s empowerment. Spearheaded by visionaries like Ra’adah Dehran and Raghida Dergham, the institute stands as a testament to the power of dedicated leadership in the face of adversity and limited resources. With initiatives like the 40-40, which seeks a substantial youth representation, and its commitment to independent, impactful policy-making, the Beirut Institute is not just a think tank, but a harbinger of transformative change in a region riddled with challenges.

The Institute, an independent intellectual community, aims to create opportunities by fostering creative thinking and intergenerational actions. As a solution-oriented think tank, it strives to accomplish the “40-40” goal, where 40% of its community is under the age of 40. However, building and sustaining the Institute has been challenging, especially in terms of financing. To maintain independence and avoid government subsidies, the Institute raises awareness through events and workshops and seeks support from the private sector and individuals.

Farida Allaghi, a well-respected member of the Youth Institute’s Board of Advisors, has known Raghida Dergham for over three decades and shares a close friendship with her. Her perspective on Arab women’s engagement in politics is particularly noteworthy.

The Advisory Board and Board of Directors play a crucial role in supporting the Institute’s mission and vision. Members of these boards are passionate about the Institute’s goals and believe in the importance of taking the region seriously. The Institute also seeks to distinguish itself by being global, starting with the United Nations and other international organizations. It aims to create a platform for discussions, collaboration, and solution-finding on a global scale. The Institute is grateful to its partners and supporters, particularly Infopro, for their contributions and collaboration.

The Visionaries at the Helm

Ra’adah Dehran’s unwavering passion and dedication have been the linchpin in establishing the Beirut Institute as a significant think tank. Similarly, Raghida Dergham, with her grateful acknowledgment of the support from board members like Mohamed Alem, highlights the collaborative spirit driving the institute. These leaders have not only set the foundation but have also charted the course for a future where the Arab world’s issues are addressed thoughtfully and inclusively.

Youth Inclusion and the 40-40 Initiative

The Beirut Institute’s 40-40 initiative is a bold step towards incorporating the voices of the youth, mirroring the demographic realities of the region. This forward-thinking strategy ensures that young minds are not just heard but are integral in shaping the policies and solutions for their future.

Financial Independence and Challenges

Despite its ambitious vision, the institute faces significant financial hurdles. Its commitment to independence, steering clear of government subsidies, means a constant search for private sector support and innovative fundraising. This financial struggle underlines the institute’s resilience and the critical nature of its mission.

Global Impact and Addressing Regional Crises

Dergham’s vision extends beyond the institute, focusing on global collaborations and addressing pressing issues like the Syrian refugee crisis. This global perspective is essential for the institute, which aspires to influence policies not just locally but on an international scale.

The Arab World’s Complex Landscape

The challenges facing the Arab world are multifaceted, ranging from internal strife to external pressures. The Beirut Institute’s role becomes crucial in navigating these issues, providing thoughtful solutions and serving as a beacon of hope and progress.

The Legacy of King Faisal and the Arab Spring

King Faisal’s view of Beirut as the heart of the Arab world resonates with the institute’s mission. The Arab Spring’s lifecycle, a poignant metaphor for the tumultuous journey of various Arab nations, exemplifies the need for insightful dialogue and policy-making, which the Beirut Institute aims to facilitate.

Future Endeavors and Notable Contributions

The institute’s future projects, including the upcoming Beirut Foundation and seminars led by experts like Dr. Adel Karim Al-Aryani, signify its ongoing commitment to diversity and intellectual exchange. Farida Al-Allaghi’s role as a women’s rights advocate further strengthens the institute’s dedication to inclusive leadership.

Farida Allaghi has been at the forefront of efforts to promote women’s political participation in Libya. She was part of a delegation of five women from Arab countries who met with ambassadors from the UN Security Council to highlight the importance of women’s involvement in politics and decision-making. Allaghi is also organizing a policy circle seminar in Tripoli to address the issue of women being marginalized in Libya during and after the transition.

Conclusion

The Beirut Institute stands at a crossroads, embodying the hopes and aspirations of the Arab world. Its mission, though fraught with challenges, shines as a beacon of change. By empowering youth, embracing independent thought, and fostering global collaboration, the institute is not just addressing today’s challenges but is shaping a more hopeful tomorrow for the Arab region.

Notes by: Simurgh

Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia Former Government Official) – Beirut Institute Working Lunch (2014)

Chapters

Abstract

Related posts: