4. Forum on Economic Co-Operation: IT and Internet in the Middle East, 16. - 20. July 2006

From July 16 to 20 the Wittenberg Center for Global Ethics was the host of the “4th Joint Economic Seminar” between Israel and Jordan. Headed by Mr. Ushi Krausz from The Peres Center for Peace and General (ret.) Mansour Abu Rashid from the Amman Center for Peace and Development, representatives from business and civil society met in Wittenberg to advance the peaceful change in the Middle East via establishing business relations. Thanks to the active support of the DaimlerChrysler AG and Mr. Rosenberg, representative of DaimlerChrysler Israel, as well as the Wittenberg-Center, this exceptional conference could be realized at that very difficult situation.

The motto of the 4th Wittenberg Forum on Economic Co-Operation was IT and Internet in the Middle East. This year’s conference pointed out various possibilities of cooperation, which can enhance the mutual understanding between the conflicting parties by means of the New Media. In the joint declaration, which was signed at the end of the meeting, the significance of a deepened economical cooperation was emphasized. Furthermore concrete projects were elaborated by the participants, who will convert them into practice in the near future. The declaration is now being transferred to the political authorities of the respective countries.

The Middle East Forum took place in an unique atmosphere of mutual respect. The awareness of a common problem, the search for possible solutions to this conflict, as well as the city of Wittenberg as a neutral location had been the impellent and inspiring influences. The participants, whose families were partly personally affected by the dramatic on-site incidents, agreed that initiatives from business and civil society give hope towards a common future in the Middle East, although it might still be a long way to go. With these impressions in their minds the participants have returned to their home countries meanwhile.