As part of an ongoing series of events aimed at fostering dialogue and action on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for liberty has teamed up with the Jerusalem International YMCA to put on the Middle East 2.0 – Israeli-Palestinian Young Business Leaders Forum. Its aim is to bring together ambitious young professionals and entrepreneurs, who are striving to become Palestine and Israel’s future business leaders. The goal is to have 10 participants from each side in order for the forum to feature the greatest variety of interests and pursuits. The overarching objective for the participants is to challenge themselves, expose themselves to new ideas and build lasting relationships between Israeli and Palestinian future business leaders that transpire into partnerships and joint-ventures.

Its framework will be a three-hour, late afternoon meeting, consisting of two parts: One part will be dedicated to dialogue sessions concerning personal, business and societal issues. The second ninety minute session will provide the opportunity to engage with high-profile speakers in a private environment. The list of potential speakers includes such leaders as Prime Minister Salam Fayad, Yossi Vardi, as well as foreign speakers, such as Quartet Envoy Tony Blair and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.

The first of these meetings will occur mid October 2010 and will run for one year.

Please click here for the application