The different forms of divide between developed and developing countries are growing stronger than ever representing a major challenge. It is the unfair race between Lions and Gazelles – Abu-Ghazaleh
PARIS --- May 12, 2009 --- Upon an invitation from the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Mr. Koïchiro Matsuura, Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman & CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) and vice chair of the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UNGAID), tackled the different forms of divide the world is witnessing during the “Prospects of Knowledge Acquisition and Sharing “Forum organized by the UNESCO, May 11, 2009.
The UNESCO devoted the Forum to the role and impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the knowledge process and to their potential for enhancing education, the sciences and culture to identify the challenges and consequences of this trend.
The event was opened by Mr. Matsuura and Mr. Roberto Carneiro, former Minister of Education of Portugal and the dean of the Institute for Distance Learning at the Portuguese Catholic University.
Speaking at the Forum, Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh stressed that “The different forms of divide between developed and developing countries are growing stronger than ever representing a major challenge. It is the unfair race between Lions and Gazelles.”
“Accordingly, we need to develop different paradigms for the developed and developing countries and set a bold plan to prioritize the infrastructure,” he added.
In his remarks, Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) executive board member, called on the UNESCO and other important global organizations to engage business as a full and equal partner like governments and other stockholders.
“Business is the major creator of knowledge and wealth; its role is crucial for your "Vision 2025".”