In 2020 the Middle East will be characterized by economies that prosper, governance systems that are stable and transparent, and dynamic societies that celebrate diversity. Is this future possible? What economic and social potential could be unleashed in a Middle East at peace? What leadership role must key regional powers play?

Nik Gowing, Main Presenter, BBC World, United Kingdom, led an interactive filmed debate on exploring potential political, economic and social realities for the Middle East by 2015.

"This exercise is about unconditional thinking that breaks taboos," Gowing said. "We want to capture ideas, optimism and new thoughts. It's about projecting a Middle East at peace...it's about a new Middle East."
To provide a detailed and creative vision for the future of the region, participants broke into smaller groups to brainstorm on the following issues: pluralism; civil society; unemployment; trade and tourism; investment and infrastructure; education, skills and training; and the role of women.

On pluralism, participants stressed the importance of good governance and education as basic building blocks for a more open society, one that is conciliatory and inclusive. On civil society, ensuring accountability in the rule of law and developing public-private partnerships were strongly endorsed. Participants said transparency is achievable and could lead to good governance, and overall, a better society.

"With 200 million people under the age of 24 in the Arab world, how do you satisfy their aspirations?" Gowing queried.

One participant from the group discussing employment and the imminent job crisis said that the jobs are there, but that the right training must be available as well as mobility. "If we create mobility in the Arab world then the jobs will be there, it is achievable," he said. Another participant said that the private sector should take the lead in absorbing all these people joining the workforce, not the public sector. "To absorb the huge numbers we will have to create a lot of new companies in new sectors." Reforming the banking and capital market sectors and promoting economic liberalization were cited as key to solving high unemployment rates.

The group discussing trade and tourism envisioned a borderless society to improve trade and integration. "It is important to be able to move around," a participant said. "The day we have a visa-free Arab world, investment would come naturally."

Many agreed that education is one of the biggest challenges facing the region. Part of the problem, however, is that teaching is viewed - as in many other parts of the world - as an unattractive, low-paid profession. It was noted that many countries in the region have some level of educational reform underway, but most agreed that much more needs to be done given the scale of the challenge, and that the role of the private sector is fundamental to improving the situation.

Education for women is also seen as an important component of reform in many countries in the region. Several recognized the growing awareness of women's potential contribution to the economy. "If women aren't fully integrated, the economy will lag," said a participant. Institutional steps, such as quotas, are one way of improving women's participation in the economy, as well as in government. Although mindsets about the role of women are changing, many doubted there would be women heads of state in the region by 2015.

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