Under the theme “responsive and responsible leadership,” over 3,000 leaders will gather this week at the Annual Meeting in Davos to focus on the rapidly evolving global landscape and the attendant imperatives for leaders from all sectors and geographies.
The Middle East and North Africa region is inarguably deeply affected by these changes, while at the same time addressing significant home-grown transformations. The Annual Meeting will therefore be a key opportunity for leaders not only to think through implications of the new global context — ranging from the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to the new US political leadership — but also to reshape the region’s economic and social agendas, which face the clear imperative of more inclusion and less energy-dependent growth.
It is clear that any economic and social advancement of the region as a whole is ultimately predicated on decreasing instability, resolving conflicts and reconstructing both the physical and human infrastructure in fragile societies. The Annual Meeting will therefore provide a platform for multi-stakeholder diplomatic dialogue on key geopolitical and humanitarian issues, including on the situation in Iraq and Syria.
Two specific initiatives related to the Middle East and North Africa region stand out this year in Davos.
The first one is focusing on the top Arab-world start-ups, and how they can be more integrated into shaping our economic and industry thinking about the future of the region. The World Economic Forum is partnering with the International Finance Corporation on this project and plans to introduce top emerging businesses in areas ranging from e-health to fintech and e-education. It will be rolled out gradually over the spring and culminate at the World Economic Forum on MENA at the Dead Sea on May 19-21.
The second stems from the work of the forum’s Regional Business Council and focuses on providing input on the economic reforms in the region. Led by Majid Jafar of Crescent Petroleum, the Actionable Policy Reform Initiative identifies six areas, where progress can be particularly consequential for the whole economy. These are: enhancing the efficiency of the labor market; modernizing bankruptcy laws; simplifying the process of creating a company; strengthening the government capacity to reinforce contracts; building functional mediation and arbitration methods; and promoting systems of good corporate governance.
In short, Davos this year will be an important milestone for decision makers from the region to steer their economic reforms to respond to the digital revolution and the imperative of more inclusion and greater diversification.
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Mirek Dusek is head of Middle East and North Africa at the World Economic Forum.
Responsive and responsible leadership in the Middle East
Responsive and responsible leadership in the Middle East
A look at Ramadan and how Muslims observe the holy month
- Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; the month cycles through the seasons
- Ramadan is followed by the Islamic holiday of Eid Al-Fitr
CAIRO: Observant Muslims the world over will soon be united in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan starts. For Muslims, it’s a time for increased worship, religious reflection and charity. Socially, it often brings families and friends together in festive gatherings around meals to break their fast.
Ramadan is followed by the Islamic holiday of Eid Al-Fitr.
First day of Ramadan expected around Feb. 18-19
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; the month cycles through the seasons.
The start of the month traditionally depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, the first day of Ramadan is expected to be on or around Feb. 18 or 19. The actual start date may vary among countries and Muslim communities due to declarations by multiple Islamic authorities around the globe on whether the crescent had been sighted or different methodologies used to determine the beginning of the month.
This year, the start of Ramadan is expected around the same time as Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Lent, the most penitential season of the church calendar for Catholics and many other Christians.
Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving and pilgrimage.
Muslims see various meanings and lessons in observing the fast.
It’s regarded as an act of worship to attain piety and one of submission to God. The devout see benefits, including practicing self-restraint, cultivating gratitude and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry.
The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink — not even a sip of water is allowed — from dawn to sunset, before breaking the fast in a meal known as “iftar” in Arabic.
Muslims typically stream into mosques for congregational prayers and dedicate more time to religious contemplation and the reading of the Qur’an, the Muslim holy book.
Charity is a hallmark of Ramadan. Among other ways of giving, many seek to provide iftar for those in need, distributing Ramadan boxes filled with pantry staples, handing out warm meals alongside such things as dates and juice or helping hold free communal meals.
Muslims eat a predawn meal, called “suhoor,” to hydrate and nurture their bodies ahead of the daily fast.
Exemptions from fasting
There are certain exemptions, such as for those who are unable to because of illness or travel. Those unable to fast due to being temporarily ill or traveling need to make up for the missed days of fasting later.
Cultural and social traditions associated with Ramadan
Muslims are ethnically and racially diverse and not all Ramadan traditions are rooted in religion. Some customs may transcend borders, while others can differ across cultures.
Many social rituals center on gathering and socializing after the daily fast. Some Muslims decorate their homes, put out Ramadan-themed tableware and centerpieces or throng to markets and Ramadan bazaars.
In Egypt, Ramadan is typically a festive time. Colorful lanterns, in different shapes and sizes, dangle from children’s hands and adorn homes. Ramadan songs may be played to welcome the month.
Ramadan’s soundscape in Egypt has traditionally included the predawn banging on drums by a “mesaharati” who roams neighborhoods, calling out to the faithful, sometimes by name, to wake them up for the suhoor meal.
New TV shows and communal meals
A lineup of new television series is another social fixture of the month in some countries, and advertisers compete for viewers’ attention.
In various regions, some Muslims worry that the month is getting commercialized, and say an emphasis on decorations, TV shows, outings or lavish iftar banquets can detract from Ramadan’s religious essence. Others say that a balance can be struck and that, in moderation, such rituals are part of the month’s festive spirit.
In Indonesia, Ramadan rituals vary across regions, reflecting the diversity of cultures. In deeply conservative Aceh province, animals are slaughtered during Meugang festivities, the meat cooked and shared with family, friends, poor people and orphans.
Hundreds of residents in Tangerang, a city outside the capital, Jakarta, flock to the Cisadane River to wash their hair with rice straw shampoo and welcome the fasting month with a symbolic spiritual cleansing.
Across the island of Sumatra, after evening prayers, many boys and girls parade through the streets, carrying torches and playing Islamic songs.
In the United States, where Muslims make up a racially and ethnically diverse minority, gathering at mosques and Islamic centers when possible for iftar meals and prayers provides many Muslim families with a sense of community. Some Muslims also organize or attend interfaith iftar meals.
