Abu-Ghazaleh Discusses the ?Virtue of Suffering? at AMDEC Conference

Our nation had contributed to the global civilization in all fields; and it will play a significant role in the future
ALEPPO --- March 10, 2009 --- Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), discussed the ?Virtue of Suffering? in the closing session of the Africa and Middle East Development Council (AMDEC) conference held in Aleppo with the participation of more than 20 Asian and African countries.
The conference, convened March 5-10, 2009, was organized by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) under the patronage of Dr. Amer Husni Lutfi, minister of Economy and Trade.
Youth issues in the Arab world and North Africa and suggested developmental projects for youths were among the topics discussed by the participants.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh shed light on his own personal experience since childhood till graduation with excellence from the American University of Beirut despite the suffering he passed through due to the forced displacement of Palestinians in 1984 and the difficult living circumstances they experienced.
?Instead of feeling disappointed and weak, I decided to confront my own suffering, overcome it and transfer it to a virtue,? he said.
?To remain as one nation , we have to work hard and not to give in to despair and suffering, so I had to learn and this was a virtue, and I had to work while studying and this was another virtue, and my work provided me with strength and experience,? Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh elaborated.
?I don?t know what despair is. What our enemy is trying to do is to push us towards failure; shall we help the enemy in his quest? Of course no, we should beat our enemy by being better than him.?
In his remarks, Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh explained how the brain pumps with ideas the same way the heart pumps with blood ?brain is just like any other muscle that needs practice and flexibility, and if neglected, it will fade away gradually and this is by itself a crime.?
He pointed out that he is a living example of hard work and perseverance where he managed to establish the largest and the most leading Arab organization that offers various services among which are accounting and intellectual property protection.
In the conclusion, Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh stated that ?our nation had contributed to the global civilization in all fields; and it will play a significant role in the future.?
?We have to fail the enemy?s scheme which aims at destroying our will and confidence in the future,? he concluded.
Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a worldwide community of young active citizens ages 18-40 who share the belief that in order to create positive change, we must take collective action to improve ourselves and the world around us.
It held its first international conference in Mexico in 1944 with 8 member states which increased to 100. It includes more than 6000 branches; five of which are in Syria consisting of 600 members. These branches participate in a number of activities in business world and voluntary activities.