Day 1

Day 2

Registration

Opening Theater

Embracing the Future

What best defines identity? Al-Sharq Forum focuses very carefully on the ‘four major civilizations’ of the MENA region: The Arabs, Kurds, Persians and Turks. Yet, it doesn’t define the vast identities - which are complex and loaded within their own selves. the question that begs to differ, is there any need to at all? Is collectivization of identity truly the way forward for the region? Can they keep up in a fast changing world, where identities are no longer perceived the same way as in history books? For that matter, are collective identities even necessary for the unity and rebuilding of the region? Or is there a greater force or principle out there that manages to keep races and regions united?. Wadah Khanfar the president of Al Sharq forum will come and speak about the Transnational identity of Al Sharq and foresee how the region will look like in the near future.

Keynote speakers

session

Welcoming Remark

10:35

My Message to the Leaders of the Future

How do we establish a more justful and stable world order? Mahathir Mohamad is coming to advise the youth on the moral necessity when initiating a new political model in the region. His vast and valuable political knowledge from his 22-year period serving as the Malaysian Prime Minister will also be showcased when exploring and assessing what makes a healthy and positive political formula versus what is destined for failure. The former prime minister will also share with the audience the importance of gaining popular support and how. This is best represented through the Malaysian population electing him as Prime Minister five consecutive times.

Keynote speakers

session

Keynote speaker

10:45

The Future is Auspicious: Welcome to Al Sharq Youth Forum

In this speech, An ASYF representative will highlight the need for a thematic platform for the Youth of the region to meet and discuss the region’s vision. Additionally, he/she will present the efforts and projects that ASYF is striving to achieve, as well as the Youth’s strategies and long term objectives. Would like to be part of this network?

other activity

session

ASYF TALK Video

11:00

Media and the Human Spirit

The Future will be Decentralized

Decentralization is often a symbol of advancement and progress, as it entitles more freedom and inclusivity. Decentralization may be a driving factor for greater creativity due to the increased involvement and responsibility given to employees, facilitating more growth and smooth flowing of connections and operations. In this segment, Vít Jedlička the president of Liberland, will talk about the potential changes that may occur as a result of decentralization of managements, such as increased peer to peer connections and decision making where it was applied Liberland.The motto of Liberland is “To live and let live” because Liberland prides itself on personal and economic freedom of its people.

Spotlight

session

Spotlight 1

11:30

A Blockchain Revolution

Blockchain technologies, which power digital currencies such as bitcoins are becoming increasingly more popular and used. Amongst the many uses of blockchain technologies are the ability to store data permanently and securely, allow peer to peer connections, as well as various services in the health and educational sectors. Blockchain technologies ensure that transactions remain transparent to prevent attempts of corruption. With the potential embedded, blockchain technologies are well and truly paving a revolutionary movement in the modern world.

Spotlight

session

Spotlight 3

11:40

Networking Session

12:00

Creative Chaos: Lessons from Westphalia

The World, Ten Years from Now

Lurdes Vidal Bertran , Ibrahim Kalin Presidential Spokesperson, Ambassador, Deputy Secretary-General of the Presidency and Special Adviser to the President of Turkey , Jafar Mahallati Presidential Scholar in Islamic Studies at the Religion Department of Oberlin College , Nihad Awad ‏‏‏‏‏National Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations , Mohammed Dangor Former Ambassador

The New Age of Humanitarianism

Technology has become a vital aspect of life, as it has radicalized the way we view and interact with things. A digital humanitarian is anyone with a big heart and access to the internet, who make use of big data and social media posts to track people in need and disastrous situation, to contribute in their aid and support. An example of a task a digital humanitarian may partake in, is analyzing trending twitter hashtags; such as the #Sandy, and checking such info for credibility, if verified, humanitarian organizations are informed, allowing aid to be sent a lot quicker than previous procedures. You qualify to be a digital humanitarian, do you choose to be one?

Spotlight

session

Spotlight

03:00

Digitizing the State

Governance 2.0 aims to replace old fashioned operational systems. Estonia is an example of a country fully operating on Governance 2.0, as it created a fully operational and convenient governing system, in which IDs, signatures, health and criminal records, biometric data, etc, are stored/used. Companies such as Bitnation use Governance 2.0 to offer both governmental and conventional services. Governance 2.0 is created to be more fitting for a technologically occupied world and electronically run modern world. Are you a fan?

Spotlight

session

Spotlight 5

03:10

Breaking Taboos

Social media has allowed people to become daring in their character and challenging of others’ beliefs and traditions, allowing some to confidently attack and insult others. Social media has broken the border, discouragement and fear that may arise in face to face confrontation, as it has created an interface that enables some to insultingly ‘joke’ on controversial topics. Social media has encouraged waves of people to direct insults to certain political and social groups, creating mass hatred towards them, and an overall undermining of the targeted groups, i.e. islamophobia.

Spotlight

session

Spotlight 4

03:20

Jewar: The Future of Pluralism

Post-Arab risings, it was portrayed that religion and shared culture was not the basis of unity in societies, it was the will for freedom/justice. Shared interests is what unites the masses, and creates shared perspectives and aims. Pluralism may be achieved in a post-ideological manner, where we’re connected through networks, such as Facebook. Networks are able to connect people worldwide on shared interest, whilst overlooking users’ personalism. The youth have a substantial role in the construction of a plural society; being the largest social media using demographic, they can utilize it to create an age of unity unrestricted by beliefs/backgrounds, to achieve a goal, whilst also shaping a new society, driven by justice and inclusivity. The future lies within pluralism, will you steer the wheel?

Constructing a plural Society after the Arab uprisings by Khalid Hajji

Networking Session : Tea Time

VR / AR and the Future of Journalism

The field of journalism is dramatically improving with the rise in technological advancements, such as Virtual Reality (VR). VR is slowly becoming incorporated into modern journalism. Some examples of VR in journalism include, the 360 degrees VR-based videos and documentaries, such as the infamous “Fight for Falluja” by New York Times. Further technological advancements with an expected delightful impact on journalism are anticipated, especially because journalists are quickly adapting to such radical changes. Will you adapt to the new reality?

Spotlight

session

Spotlight 6

04:55

Big Data for Big Times! What you need to know

Big data is the storing of large data sets to understand patterns, trends and behaviors, usually used by businesses to effectively market certain products/agendas. Big data is controversial in the sense that an user is unaware of just how much is being stored, is it moral for businesses to have such immense information about its users? Amongst the advantages of big data are its reliability and security, whilst, some of its disadvantages are the heavy adaptation and readjustments firms undergo to make effective use of big data, as well as its high costs. Are you a fan?

Spotlight

session

Spotlight 7

05:05

What Happens When we Snap Out of it, and the Buzz Fades? The Future of Media.

Experts in the field of media will gather to share their rich knowledge and experience in this respective fields to discuss and raise ideas as to what direction they expect media to be headed in the future, as well as potential advancements/developments or radical changes that may affect the way media is used or viewed. Additionally, the audience will be able to interact with the speakers, either online through the conference’s application, or verbally.

Building Novel Businesses, Differently

Discovery: finding new opportunities in the region, inspired by its current conditions and difficulties, and its future prospects. Starting a business in conflict zones. How technology unlocks new possibilities e.g. sharing economy companies (Careem, Uber, Airbnb, WeWork, ..)

Kerim Ture

Building and Growth: building and growing businesses in MENA. Overcoming bureaucracy, cultural difficulties, and relative lack of funds. Challenges in scaling from a MENA country to another.

Impact of businesses: how some businesses are challenging and changing cultural norms e.g. Careem female drivers, some Telfaz11 shows, etc.

Panel

session

Panel

11:00

The Future of Commerce: A Digital Currency Revolution

How Business Can Boost Culture?

Over the past two decades, the world has undergone some major revolutions and advancements, in fields such as communication. Indeed as communication revolutionized with the invention of the telegraph and phonograph, etc. The many revolutions that took place have played a large factor in shaping the values and methods of business that we use in the modern world, as they have aided in transforming the world into a small community where ideas are freely shared, hence creating a people of more accepting and open minded values.

Spotlight

session

Spotlight

11:20

Break - Networking Session: Tea time

12:00

The Future of Al Sharq Region and The Islamic World: Economics, Businesses, and Youth

Ahmad Ashkar the founder and CEO of Hult Prize will talk of the current monetary and investment situation in the modern world. Speaker may also discuss trends found in successful investments and provide a guide for future investors. Ashkar will also speak of the future of money in the near future, showcasing his opinion on hard money, a move towards digital currency, etc. Don’t miss out!

Panel

session

Keynote speaker

12:40

Lunch Break

02:00

The Mars Generation

The Mars Generation is a project with the fundamental aim of expanding the human sphere in outer space, however, also to educate and excite youth and establish an understanding of the importance of space exploration and “Science, Technology, Engineering and Math” (STEM) education to the future of humankind. The project doesn’t solely focus on exciting people, but also educates the masses of the advantages of investing in space exploration. Don’t be spaced out, join the movement.

Spotlight

session

Spotlight

02:10

The Future of your Organs: 3D BioPrinting

In the technological age, health is taking major leaps forward, with near impossible tasks of the past becoming very probable in the near future. 3D Bioprinting of tissues and organs is a medical and scientific process, aiming to create instant organs when in demand, whilst eliminating the hassle of allocating an unrejectable donor. Indeed, as labs would potentially be able to create

Spotlight

session

Spotlight

02:20

The Internet, Cyberwar, Nation States and You

The Great War of Semiconductors

Sanad Bushnaq Expert in advanced technology and semiconductors from Japan

02:30 - 02:40

The semiconductor industry is a 300 billion USD market that has an average annual rate of increase of 7% per year. For its critical role in power and security, nations are in a continuous great war to gain the global edge of this strategic technology.

Governments are constantly developing strategies and issuing policies to actively assist national companies to become key players in this industry. Americans had the lead during the early 1980s, before facing intense competitive pressure from the Japanese who seized the lead in the late 1980s. Today, while Americans are back on top, there is an intense competition between the Japanese, Koreans and the Taiwanese, the major players in the 21st century.

How about Arabic countries, Turkey and the middle-east?

Is it possible to become active players in this critical industry?

Do we have the needed resources to shine in this world?

What do we need to join the great war of semiconductors?

Spotlight

session

Spotlight

02:40

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of you

Machine Learning; which is a branch of Artificial Intelligence that focuses on teaching computers how to do specific tasks very well, has seen a huge leap in development in the past few years. This is pushing automation to the next level. Whether it is self-driving cars, smart manufacturing robots, or software that can analyze and understand data to make critical decisions quickly; all these improvements are pushing humanity forward technologically. But what are the impacts on job, society, and wealth distribution? How will the next wave of automation change your future?

Al Sharq Symphony

The first interactive conference in Al Sharq region bringing hundreds of worldwide experts and youth elites to achieve paradigm shift in our awareness of the most trending future patterns in politics, business, technology, science and art.