How can new ideas help propel economic development in the Middle East and foster greater stability and a turn away from radicalism? For example, does the possibility exist to create a Mediterranean trade agreement that supports panregional development and promotes peace? What new educational and economic models—such as microfinance—could encourage development and opportunity in Palestine or what can be done to ensure equitable sharing of water resources as populations within the region grow? Still further, how can cultural dialogue and cultural understanding be used to lessen regional tensions and further regional collaboration and exchange?
 
David Andelman (MoC), Editor, World Policy Journal
Raghida Dergham, Columnist and Senior Diplomatic Correspondent, Al Hayat
Craig Newmark, Customer Service Rep & Founder, Craigslist
Riz Khan, Worldwide Director and Host, “Riz Khan” - Al Jazeera International
Professor Richard Bulliet, Professor of History Middle East Institute, Columbia University
Lord Paul Bew, Professor of Politics, Queen’s University Belfast
Ned Parker, Baghdad Correspondent, The Los Angeles Times
Dr. Torsten N. Wiesel, Vincent and Brooke Astor Professor Emeritus and
President Emeritus, Laboratory of Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University