From Privilege to Competition: The Role of
the Private Sector
What measures can be implemented to
transform the private sector into an engine
for economic growth and development? How to
combat “crony capitalism” and help create a
level playing field for a competitive
private sector? What governance reforms are
needed to unleash the potential of that
sector, combat organized crime, and prevent
the emergence of oligarchies?
Nickolay Mladenov, Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Bulgaria
(ii)
Islam in Constitutions: Equality and
Citizenship Rights
Does reference to Islam in constitutions
undermine democratization, civic values or
equality before the law? Will constitutions
based on Islam threaten social cohesion and
exacerbate communal tensions? How will such
constitutions reflect the rights and
aspirations of other political and non
political groups whether religious, or
secular, communist or liberal?
Abdelmonem Aboul Fotouh, Presidential
Candidate, Secretary-General of the Arab
Medical Association, Presidential Candidate,
Egypt
(iii)
Abdoulie Janneh, United Nations Executive
Secretary of the Economic Commission for
Africa (ECA).
(iv)
Dealing with the Legacies of the Past
Addressing the legacy of past atrocities is
intimately linked to the nature of the
conflict, the identity of perpetrators, and
the prevailing societal and cultural norms.
Are models such as National Commissions on
the Disappeared and Truth and Reconciliation
Commissions, suitable mechanisms for dealing
with the legacy of past atrocities in the
Arab region? What are the lessons learnt
from the experiences of other countries?
Essop Pahad, Former Minister in the
Presidency, South Africa
(v)
Ensuring Equity and Citizenship
What are the major challenges to social
cohesion during periods of transition? How
can traditional or customary societal
mechanisms, including tribes and ethnic
groups, be involved in efforts to address
those challenges? What mechanisms are needed
to ensure the involvement of women in
decision-making? What steps can be taken to
promote a renewed sense of civic identity
and, in particular, how can educational and
cultural initiatives support this process?
Asma Jehangir, Chairman of the
Human Rights Commission in Pakistan,
President of the Supreme Court Bar
Association, Pakistan
