Press Clippings
An interview with HE Senator Talal Abu-Ghazaleh / e-gov Magazine.
24 Oct 2010
Abu Ghazaleh participates in Moscow State Institute of Int’l Relations Conference.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev inaugurated the fifth conference for Commonwealth Independent States “CIS” Scientists and Scholars at Moscow State Institute of International Relations in the occasion of declaring 2010 as the year of Russian science and creativity.
Talal Abu Ghazaleh attended the inauguration ceremony and took part in its various activities along with other ministers, officials, scientists, academics and leading figures.
Abu Ghazaleh, chairman of the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID?, headed the conference session on “Knowledge Society and Human Aspects in Modernity” where he called for developing standards to measure the human impact on economic indicators and to encounter behaviour, psychological and health challenges that emerge with the development of knowledge society.
Abu Ghazaleh also met with the students of Moscow State Institute of International Relations in an open dialogue regarding international economy, information technology and development.
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=31250
20 Oct 2010
Abu-Ghazaleh Participates in Moscow State Institute of International Relations Conference Chaired by the Russian President .
(MENAFN Press) The President of the Russian Republic Dmitry Medvedev inaugurated the fifth conference for Commonwealth Independent States “CIS” Scientists and Scholars at Moscow State Institute of International Relations in the occasion of declaring 2010 as the year of Russian science and creativity. Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh attended the inauguration ceremony and took part in its various activities along with other ministers, officials, scientists, academics and leading figures.
The Russian President tackled strengthening relationships among the states of the CIS, indicating that the upcoming phase will witness development and reform of economy, focusing on the role of youth, learning from international experiences, stressing on partnerships with neighboring countries in particular and the whole world at large,
contribution of thought, science and business leaders in the political decision making and giving priority to creativity.
Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman of the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID), headed the conference session on “Knowledge Society and Human Aspects in Modernity” where he called for developing standards to measure the human impact on economic indicators and to encounter behavior, psychological and health challenges that emerge with the development of knowledge society.
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh also met with the students of Moscow State Institute of International Relations in an open dialogue regarding international economy, information technology and development.
http://www.menafn.com/pr/pr_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093373512
17 Oct 2010
Turkish President Receives Talal Abu-Ghazaleh.
Mr. Abdullah Gül, President of The Republic of Turkey received Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) and Chairman of the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID) in Serail, Tarabya- Istanbul.
The meeting addressed the means of bolstering economic and cultural relations at the private sector level to achieve more economic integration and support the official approach of the Turkish and Arab leaderships under approved policies and valid agreements.
The President provided his guest with the necessary directives assuring the full support to establish Turkish Arab institutions between the two private sectors in Turkey and the Arab countries with a view to boosting inter-trade. His Excellency the President also commended the steps and procedures to promote the cultural integration by teaching Turkish and Arabic languages and participating in the establishment of Turkish-Arab academic institutions.
As for GAID, he instructed to hold a Turkish national conference to accelerate the development process by utilizing information and communications technology, and by making use of MDG eNABLER developed by GAID to achieve the millennium goals with the support of the UN Secretary-General after being approved by the high level meeting held on the sidelines of the Millennium Summit in the United Nations late last September.
© 2010 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
http://www1.albawaba.com/news/turkish-president-receives-talal-abu-ghazaleh
17 Oct 2010
Turkish President Receives Talal Abu-Ghazaleh.
(MENAFN Press) – His Excellency Mr. Abdullah Gül, President of The Republic of Turkey received Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) and Chairman of the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID) in Serail, Tarabya- Istanbul.
The meeting addressed the means of bolstering economic and cultural relations at the private sector level to achieve more economic integration and support the official approach of the Turkish and Arab leaderships under approved policies and valid agreements.
The President provided his guest with the necessary directives assuring the full support to establish Turkish Arab institutions between the two private sectors in Turkey and the Arab countries with a view to boosting inter-trade. His Excellency the President also commended the steps and procedures to promote the cultural integration by teaching Turkish and Arabic languages and participating in the establishment of Turkish-Arab academic institutions.
As for GAID, he instructed to hold a Turkish national conference to accelerate the development process by utilizing information and communications technology, and by making use of MDG eNABLER developed by GAID to achieve the millennium goals with the support of the UN Secretary-General after being approved by the high level meeting held on the sidelines of the Millennium Summit in the United Nations late last September.
http://www.menafn.com/pr/pr_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093372039
14 Oct 2010
TAG-Knowledge and Akhtaboot Promise A Unique Career Opportunity at 1st Job Fair.
Set for October 19-20th, the job fair promises a unique experience for job seekers who are looking for a "genuine" opportunity to find a job and start their career.
"There is a definite demand right now for new ways to research and secure genuine job opportunities as well as gain leading industry insight on career tips and advice," TAG-Knowledge Executive Director Mr. Tareq Hammad said:
"Our goal is to create an environment that offers face-to-face networking opportunities with reputable companies that are currently hiring in the local market. The job fair is a great opportunity to look for a job or maybe a better job in various fields and industries," he added.
Attendees will also benefit from the various lectures provided by professional staff of both Akhtaboot and TAG-Knowledge which will cover skills of writing a resume, how to sit for a job interview and strategies adopted in finding a job in addition to others.
The job fair runs October 19th and 20th from 10 am till 7 pm at TAG-Knowledge Headquarters.
-Ends-
About TAG-Knowledge
TAG-Knowledge is the latest initiative taken by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the Arab organization for global professional services and the regional professional leader with 73 offices in 29 countries & over 2000 professionals.
About Akhtaboot Cares Initiative
The Akhtaboot Cares Initiative (ACI) is a comprehensive CSR program that was developed through partnerships with a number of second parties and educational institutions in the Middle East and GCC region. Through the ACI Akhtaboot maintains an ongoing presence in the region's educational institutions and career-related events by developing and executing specific training programs that are tailor-made to educate graduates-to-be and job seekers on how to approach the job market and to smoothen their transition into the professional world.
© Press Release 2010
http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20101014064347
14 Oct 2010
TAG-Knowledge and Akhtaboot promise unique career opportunity at 1st Job Fair .
Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Samir Al Rifai, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with the presence of Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the first job fair organized by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Society (TAG-Knowledge) and Akhtaboot kicks off October 19 at TAG-Knowledge headquarters opposite the University of Jordan.
Set for October 19-20th, the job fair promises a unique experience for job seekers who are looking for a "genuine" opportunity to find a job and start their career.
"There is a definite demand right now for new ways to research and secure genuine job opportunities as well as gain leading industry insight on career tips and advice," TAG-Knowledge Executive Director Mr. Tareq Hammad said:
"Our goal is to create an environment that offers face-to-face networking opportunities with reputable companies that are currently hiring in the local market. The job fair is a great opportunity to look for a job or maybe a better job in various fields and industries," he added.
Meanwhile, the Co-founder of Akhtaboot Eng. Yousef Shamoun said: "The Akhtaboot - TAG job fair will bring together both employers of choice and qualified job seekers from across Jordan. Employers will get the chance to physically interact with potential hires and conduct on the spot interviews, considerably improving their recruitment cycles. Job seekers, on the other hand, will also benefit from one of the largest gatherings of top notch companies, as well as career related workshops conducted periodically during the job fair."The easy-to-navigate floor plan at TAG-Knowledge just opposite the University of Jordan will feature pavilions dedicated to recruiting, career services, youth employment, education and training and entrepreneurship.
Attendees will also benefit from the various lectures provided by professional staff of both Akhtaboot and TAG-Knowledge which will cover skills of writing a resume, how to sit for a job interview and strategies adopted in finding a job in addition to others.
The job fair runs October 19th and 20th from 10 am till 7 pm at TAG-Knowledge Headquarters.
http://www.ameinfo.com/245199.html
14 Oct 2010
TAG-Knowledge and Akhtaboot Promise A Unique Career Opportunity at 1st Job Fair.
AMMAN (Teletechwire): Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Samir Al Rifai, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with the presence of Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the first job fair organized by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Society (TAG-Knowledge) and Akhtaboot (http://www.akhtaboot.com) kicks off October 19 at TAG-Knowledge headquarters opposite the University of Jordan.
Set for October 19-20th, the job fair promises a unique experience for job seekers who are looking for a “genuine” opportunity to find a job and start their career.
“There is a definite demand right now for new ways to research and secure genuine job opportunities as well as gain leading industry insight on career tips and advice,” TAG-Knowledge Executive Director Mr. Tareq Hammad said:
“Our goal is to create an environment that offers face-to-face networking opportunities with reputable companies that are currently hiring in the local market. The job fair is a great opportunity to look for a job or maybe a better job in various fields and industries,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Co-founder of Akhtaboot (http://www.akhtaboot.com) Eng. Yousef Shamoun said: “The Akhtaboot – TAG job fair will bring together both employers of choice and qualified job seekers from across Jordan. Employers will get the chance to physically interact with potential hires and conduct on the spot interviews, considerably improving their recruitment cycles. Job seekers, on the other hand, will also benefit from one of the largest gatherings of top notch companies, as well as career related workshops conducted periodically during the job fair.”The easy-to-navigate floor plan at TAG-Knowledge just opposite the University of Jordan will feature pavilions dedicated to recruiting, career services, youth employment, education and training and entrepreneurship.
Attendees will also benefit from the various lectures provided by professional staff of both Akhtaboot and TAG-Knowledge which will cover skills of writing a resume, how to sit for a job interview and strategies adopted in finding a job in addition to others.
The job fair runs October 19th and 20th from 10 am till 7 pm at TAG-Knowledge Headquarters.
About TAG-Knowledge
TAG-Knowledge is the latest initiative taken by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the Arab organization for global professional services and the regional professional leader with 73 offices in 29 countries & over 2000 professionals.
About Akhtaboot Cares Initiative
The Akhtaboot Cares Initiative (ACI) is a comprehensive CSR program that was developed through partnerships with a number of second parties and educational institutions in the Middle East and GCC region. Through the ACI Akhtaboot maintains an ongoing presence in the region’s educational institutions and career-related events by developing and executing specific training programs that are tailor-made to educate graduates-to-be and job seekers on how to approach the job market and to smoothen their transition into the professional world.
http://teletechwire.com/20101014/1439.php
13 Oct 2010
TAG-Knowledge and Akhtaboot Promise A Unique Career Opportunity at 1st Job Fair.
(MENAFN Press)-Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Samir Al Rifai, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with the presence of Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the first job fair organized by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Society (TAG-Knowledge) and Akhtaboot (http://www.akhtaboot.com) kicks off October 19 at TAG-Knowledge headquarters opposite the University of Jordan.
Set for October 19-20th, the job fair promises a unique experience for job seekers who are looking for a "genuine" opportunity to find a job and start their career.
"There is a definite demand right now for new ways to research and secure genuine job opportunities as well as gain leading industry insight on career tips and advice," TAG-Knowledge Executive Director Mr. Tareq Hammad said:
"Our goal is to create an environment that offers face-to-face networking opportunities with reputable companies that are currently hiring in the local market. The job fair is a great opportunity to look for a job or maybe a better job in various fields and industries," he added.
Meanwhile, the Co-founder of Akhtaboot (http://www.akhtaboot.com) Eng. Yousef Shamoun said: "The Akhtaboot - TAG job fair will bring together both employers of choice and qualified job seekers from across Jordan. Employers will get the chance to physically interact with potential hires and conduct on the spot interviews, considerably improving their recruitment cycles. Job seekers, on the other hand, will also benefit from one of the largest gatherings of top notch companies, as well as career related workshops conducted periodically during the job fair.”The easy-to-navigate floor plan at TAG-Knowledge just opposite the University of Jordan will feature pavilions dedicated to recruiting, career services, youth employment, education and training and entrepreneurship.
Attendees will also benefit from the various lectures provided by professional staff of both Akhtaboot and TAG-Knowledge which will cover skills of writing a resume, how to sit for a job interview and strategies adopted in finding a job in addition to others. The job fair runs October 19th and 20th from 10 am till 7 pm at TAG-Knowledge Headquarters.
About TAG-Knowledge
TAG-Knowledge is the latest initiative taken by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the Arab organization for global professional services and the regional professional leader with 73 offices in 29 countries & over 2000 professionals.
About Akhtaboot Cares Initiative
The Akhtaboot Cares Initiative (ACI) is a comprehensive CSR program that was developed through partnerships with a number of second parties and educational institutions in the Middle East and GCC region. Through the ACI Akhtaboot maintains an ongoing presence in the region’s educational institutions and career-related events by developing and executing specific training programs that are tailor-made to educate graduates-to-be and job seekers on how to approach the job market and to smoothen their transition into the professional world.
http://www.menafn.com/pr/pr_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093371367
06 Oct 2010
An interview with Mr. Chairman during the Online Educa Berlin Conference by Harold Elletson.
IN PROFILE: UN GAID Chairman Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh is an extraordinary man, who has built a career as one of the Arab World’s most successful entrepreneurs in the face of adversity and despite overwhelming odds. Since 2009, he has been Chairman of UN GAID (the UN Global Alliance on ICT for Development), and he is passionate about his role in helping the world to achieve the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh will be a keynote speaker at ONLINE EDUCA BERLIN 2010. He spoke to Harold Elletson about his life and ambitions.
By Harold Elletson
UN secretary General Ban Ki-Moon could not have found a better person than Abu-Ghazaleh to undertake this gargantuan task. Now 73, he has struggled for most of his life to achieve what would have seemed impossible to others. Forced to leave his home in Palestine in 1948, he settled in Lebanon, where he set his heart on winning a place to study at the prestigious American University in Beirut. It was an almost impossible task for a young Palestinian refugee.
“I owe my education to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency),” he recalls. “I was a refugee in Lebanon. When I wanted to join the American University in Beirut in 1956, there was only one scholarship offered by UNRWA for the top Palestinian student. So, I had to be the top Palestinian student. I earned it, went to University and graduated with distinction.”
Since then, he has never looked back, building his Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organisation (TAG) into a world-class company, which employs thousands of people in the Arab World and beyond. “I started in Kuwait in 1972, with a one-man office. Today we have 73 offices. The latest is in Kabul in Afghanistan. That shows how the organisation thinks. We always believe there is an advantage in being the first mover. At the moment, we are the only professional services organisation working in Afghanistan.”
TAG’s growth has been remarkable, and it has established itself as the leader in several different sectors. “We started as an accountancy firm in Kuwait. In five years, we became the biggest in the region. We became bigger than any of the big eight in the region. Then we became involved in intellectual property. Within twenty years, we had become the leading intellectual property firm in the world. Then we went into management consulting, IT, legal services and education. Now the group has 28 operating firms, including the largest translating firm in the world.”
Typically, Abu-Ghazaleh spotted the importance of intellectual property and the commercial opportunity associated with it fifty years ago - long before any of his competitors. “I was at a conference in San Francisco, organised by Time Warner when I first heard the expression. I was intrigued. At first we started advising governments on how to devise laws on intellectual property. Now we do a lot of portfolio management and show clients how to enhance the value of their brands and trademarks. The fact that we started as an accountancy firm was a great advantage. Having a financial background meant that we could appreciate the importance of intellectual property as a financial asset. We have been able to help our clients to understand its importance as an asset.”
Abu-Ghazaleh’s activity in the education sector has been no less ambitious and determined. As someone whose own life was transformed by access to knowledge, he is driven by a realisation of the opportunity technology brings to deliver the benefits of high-quality education to a wider audience. The TAG Organisation has recently launched a major new training initiative in the Arab World, the ‘TAG Knowledge Society,’ which aims to help young Arabs to develop new professional qualifications and upgrade their skills. TAG is creating a network of ‘one-stop shops,’ which are a combination of free internet cafe, business centre, stationery shop, classroom and digital library.
“We have tutors,” he says “who enhance students’ use of the internet and teach languages, for example, or how to sit for an interview. Because of limited resources or delays in introducing new technologies at their schools, the students can use our new technologies. We keep them updated. There are recruitment officers for job opportunities. The centres are a knowledge oasis. The students call them a ‘knowledge paradise.’ We get the top students in the region – those who know the value of knowledge.”
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh brings both his strong belief in the transforming power of education and his innovative management approach to his new role as Chairman of UN GAID. Originally a member of the United Nations taskforce on the use of ICT for Development, he succeeded Craig Barret, the CEO of Intel, as Chairman of UN GAID. “GAID is a multi-stakeholder agency, not just a UN agency,” he points out, “but it is under the umbrella of the UN and supported by them.”
Ban Ki-Moon had given GAID the task of focussing on issues relating to ICT for Development. From the outset, Abu-Ghazaleh was determined to use GAID to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Progress towards the MDGs had been mixed and he developed a “very ambitious programme”, which the Secretary General endorsed in April this year.
Abu-Ghazaleh has taken a typically innovative approach and GAID has created a new tool to help developing countries play their part in reaching the Millennium Development Goals. “Reports are useful. Studies are useful. But what we have is a hands-on implementation tool.”
The implementation tool is the ‘MDG Enabler,’ which GAID has developed with help from companies, including Microsoft, Intel and Ericsson and the enthusiastic support of academia and many governments. The response of developing countries has been very positive, with the UN representative of one African country describing it as “long overdue.”
Abu-Ghazaleh realised that, in focussing too much in the past on issues, such as ‘connectivity’ or ‘access,’ there had been some duplication of effort by UN GAID. There was no need to replicate the work of other organisations, such as the ITU. Instead of competing with other agencies, GAID had to focus on one thing, which was not being done by anyone else. He became convinced that what was urgently needed was a centre in cyber space, where countries could choose implementation tools and strategies and have access to virtual consultations from leading experts.
“It has been a beautiful exercise,” he says. “Developed and developing countries have been working together for the sake of the developing world in order to put resources into the engine.” He describes the end product – the MDG Enabler – as being “like a GPS in a car. You must have a car and a driver. But the GPS gets you there. The MDG Enabler gets you there.” Now the Kingdom of Bahrain has offered to host a virtual centre from which advice, help and consultancy can be provided to help countries to meet their Millennium Development targets.
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh’s efforts and enthusiasm have not gone without recognition. He was decorated by King Hussein of Jordan and by the President of Tunisia and has received a Gold Mercury International Award, as well as honorary degrees and doctorates. As a great admirer of France, however, he is proudest of the award of Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, which was presented to him in 1985.
Despite his success, there is still an air of regret about him, though. At its root lies his concern for the land that he was forced to leave back in 1948. He is understandably uncompromising in his attitude towards recent events in Palestine. “There is an occupation and the occupation has to end,” he says. “There is no peace process. It is a misnomer. There are UN resolutions and they have to be implemented. The occupiers have become more intransigent and more aggressive than ever. They are demolishing more homes and villages. They have killed 2,000 people in Gaza. The world comes up with polite and modest statements but nothing is done. There are two million people in gaol in Gaza and the whole world is watching. The whole world is silent.”
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh has never forgotten his origins and is immensely proud to be both an Arab and a Palestinian. He has long campaigned for the “Arabisation” of the Internet and, before the end of the year, he will launch TAGITOP, the Arab World’s first regionally based laptop. A state-of-the art product with a named account from Microsoft, it will adapt to the needs of the region and pre-load programmes for schools and the business community.
At the same time, he is actively involved in capacity building initiatives in Palestine. His organisation has played a part in helping to boost computer literacy and he is proud of what his people have achieved, despite their circumstances. “Basic literacy for people between the ages of 15 and 30 is 95 per cent. And Internet literacy is at the top of Internet literacy levels for the region. One of the highest Internet literacy standards in the world is in Palestine – in spite of the occupation and the unbearable life there.”
The TAG organisation has been working closely with UNRWA on projects in Palestinian refugee camps, involving the refurbishment of computers and the development of skills. It has not been easy but it is a part of what Abu-Ghazaleh sees as his duty towards the Palestinians and others in the Arab World. “I have learnt to work with agencies and international organisations,” he says. “You can get things done if you want to.”
It is a characteristically positive view of life, which belies the many difficulties he has had to overcome. “My life has always been a blessing of suffering,” he says. “I tell my grandchildren – don’t think of suffering as hardship. Think of it as a blessing.”
Only time will tell if the suffering of his homeland has been a blessing too. He remains optimistic. “Every occupation in history has ended,” he says.
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh will deliver his keynote speech in the opening plenary of ONLINE EDUCA BERLIN 2010 on Thursday, December 2, 09:00 – 11:00.
Dr Harold Elletson is the Chairman of the New Security Foundation and a former Member of the United Kingdom Parliament.
October 6, 2010
http://www.icwe.net/oeb_special/news181.php
