His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday said next month's meeting of the World Economic Forum at the Dead Sea will launch a new vision of specific reforms and set deadlines for the Arab world.

“Regional leaders from the private sector and NGOs are already meeting, to define a new regional vision — a vision for the Arab world in the year 2010. The goal is a plan of action, including specific reforms, and set deadlines. Already, a region-wide poll is surveying public views,” King Abdullah said in his address to the WEF's Asia Roundtable here.

“The Arab people also know we need reform — political, economic and social. Such reforms will revitalize the engines of growth and promote real development... Reform is in our own hands.”

Reiterating the importance of homegrown reform, King Abdullah said “deep change cannot succeed unless it responds directly to its own society.”

“It must reflect public priorities and concerns. No action imposed from outside will generate that public buy-in,” he said.

More than 600 participants from 34 countries gathered at the two-day event to identify their critical issues and generate insights necessary to develop the right strategic response.

In Jordan, King Abdullah said, reform plans were based “on the idea of an open, modern civil society rooted in true Arab-Islamic values: Peace, tolerance, rule of law and the pursuit of excellence.”

“Jordan has been in the lead... We've formed a committee of leaders from across society — an inclusive group of people, representing different parties — the media, the private sector and more. They are developing a comprehensive, national reform agenda. Its guidelines will give the government a consistent framework for many years to come,” the King added, referring to the Steering Committee for the National Agenda, whose guidelines are expected in September.

A vibrant private sector was critical to future prosperity and key to new ideas and creativity that can expand productivity, King Abdullah said.

“One reality that is very clear is the critical role of civil society and the private sector. No progress can be made without your participation,” King Abdullah told the World Economic Forum's Asia Roundtable meeting here.

“Countries that advance are countries that create a partnership between government and people. Again and again, we've seen growth and development take root where there is stability and justice, thrive where there is opportunity, and expand with openness and partnership,” the King stressed.

But he said the private sector “does not act alone.”

“The public sector also has a critical role. It is the public sector that opens the doors to a society that is rich in opportunity. One key is an enabling environment: Fair and consistent regulations, transparent and clear governance,” the King Abdullah.

The Jordan Times