Beirut is one of the most interesting cities I have had the chance to discover in the Middle East. It really is that bridge between the so-called East and West. Its people, society and culture are as dynamic and complicated as their politics and that is why having the session in Beirut was the wisest choice.

The session began with an introduction of what FIQR6 was and the point of this brainstorming session to prepare for the upcoming conference in Bahrain. In addition, all participants the chance to introduce themselves and which organization they are representing , which gave me the opportunity to introduce TIG and talk about what it does and its purpose to empower youth through technology. It was definite a minus that my Arabic was not so fluent that I could express myself with big terms as technology and globalization, however it was really an opportunity that I understand Arabic or I would not have been able to be at such a conference. Nonetheless, all of them also understood English, so my speaking English was not really such a problem.

As an Arab youth living outside the Arab region, but also experienced living in Egypt for the last three months, I was able to add an outsider perspective to the whole session. The first part of the session focused on Arab youth as leaders today and that youth are now the decision makers with its elders and that we must change cultural ideas that our elders only know best and youth must only learn from their elders. Next we discussed the current situation of Arab youth in the Arab region, where youth from all countries in the Arab countries got to speak of their personal experiences and problems most specific to their country. It was extremely interesting to see the similarities, and overall moist youth were disappointed that they were not being represented enough, culture of not disputing word of the elders, nepotism, not promoting risk taking, bureaucracy, economic issues, not enough opportunity for educated youth, media, emigration, and dependence on West.

The second part of the session was dedicated to discussing the five topics of energy, technology, social responsibility, investment and media. There were presentations and brainstorming where I also had a chance to discuss TIG and how they use technology to empower youth. I also mentioned the FIQR6 discussion board that was also launched so we could continue discussing the issues in preparation of the conference. Finally I emphasized the need to have more Arabic content, the Arabic website, and the Arabic contest that recently finished as space for Arab youth to express themselves. Overall the session did bring out many great ideas which will hopefully be implemented following the Bahrain conference in December!