Abu-Ghazaleh Discusses Developmental Programs with UNDP Representative in Syria

Abu-Ghazaleh Discusses Developmental Programs with UNDP Representative in Syria

DAMASCUS --- June 1, 2008 --- As part of the global development strategies and within his plans to come into close contact with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) offices in the region, Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Vice-Chair of the UN Global Compact, visited the UNDP headquarters in Damascus today.

A meeting was convened with Mr. Ismail Ahmad, the UNDP representative in Syria, during which an action plan and numerous developmental programs were agreed upon.

This included supporting the center of creativity and business development affiliated with the Deir Al-Zour Chamber of Industry and Commerce, in order to develop the capabilities of small enterprises. Related to this, it was decided to create a center similar to that of Deir Al-Zour at the University of Damascus.

One of the other major topics on the agenda was the coordination between the Arab Quality Assurance and Accreditation Network for Education (ARQAANE) and the University of Damascus to support the level of education in Syria.

It is worth noting that ARQAANE was established under the honorary presidency of Amr Mousa, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, with the executive leadership of Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh and Dr. Saleh Hashem, Secretary General of the Association of Arab Universities.

Additionally, Abu-Ghazaleh and Ismail Ahmad had settled on creating both a center for accrediting the ?ISO? quality assurance certificate with the Syrian Ministry of Economy.

The two parties had also decided to establish another joint center between the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization and the UNDP to modernize and refurbish used computers within the framework of the UN Secretary-General?s program to distribute half a million computers for developing nations? schools before the year 2012.

They concluded by approval to hold a meeting next July, with the purpose of launching a Global Compact center in Damascus, in collaboration with the Global Compact center in New York and the UNDP. The meeting will include the participation of pioneering companies in Syria that are committed to the service of society.

A memorandum of understanding was signed to execute these programs and form a follow-up committee.