Coinciding with the Arab Economic, Social and Development Summit organized by the League of Arab States on January 19 and 20, 2009 in Kuwait, the League of Arab States and the government of Kuwait organized The Arab Private Sector and Civil Society Forum on January 17 and 18 2009 at the Courtyard Marriot Hotel in Kuwait, with the participation of over 900 delegates from all over the Arab World.

The Forum discussed the main issues on the agenda of the summit, and debate future prospects of cooperation and coordination among the Arab countries, as well as projects that are to be presented at the summit for approval and ratification. The forum submitted its recommendations to the Arab kings and heads of state summit.

Accordingly the forum will cover the following topics:

• Facing up to the global financial crisis.
• Challenges and opportunities in trade and investment:
• Oil, gas and alternative energy prospects and projects.
• Developing the basic infrastructure: Road networks, railroads, aerial and maritime transport, etc.
• Issues of food security and agricultural development
• The environment, climate change and water resources.
• Development of human resources.
• Arab Youth Issues.

The League of Arab States has delegated the task of organizing the forum to Al-Iktissad Wal-Amal Group.