GULF SoL DIALOGUES

Leaders in the Gulf Region face unprecedented economic and social challenges at both the local and global level. As challenges become more complex, they confound traditional solutions and novel quick fixes that fail to consider their deeper systemic problems. More holistic approaches are needed that address their root causes and interdependencies.

The purpose of the Gulf Society for Organizational Learning is to build a capacity for profound systems innovation and change by promoting dialogue and collaboration across all sectors of society: business, government, education, and non-profit civic organizations. Our members represent a community of leaders who are committed to developing these capabilities in their organizations and in the broader society.

Since its inception in 2004, Gulf SoL has sponsored four major public events to explore issues of deep importance to the broader community:

• Shaybah Café, in May 2004, gathered business leaders from across Saudi Arabia to reflect on economic and social challenges for the future, and corporate social responsibility in addressing them.
• Hawar Dialogue, in September 2004, convened thought leaders from the Gulf Region from business, education, and non-profit organizations to explore the challenges of prospering in a global economy while preserving local culture and values
• Jeddah Dialogue, in May 2005, brought together an expanded group of industrialists, entrepreneurs, academics, and local social thought leaders (including many speakers from the Jeddah Economic Forum) to discuss the impewrative of creating jobs for young nationals in the region.
• Megaprojects & Learning Dialogue in May 2006, examined a specific theme: how to leverage the recent boom in large projects for industrial expansion and infrastructure development to build local capability in project management, engineering, procurement, & construction.