MANAMA: Gulf Finance House chairman Esam Janahi, a member of Young Global Leaders, will co-chair the World Economic Forum (WEF) which opens at the Dead Sea, Jordan, today.

During the three-day event he will underline the challenges posed by the global financial crisis and draw on his experience in identifying the circumstances that led to the downturn and the essential decisions that must be taken to ensure a return to prosperity.

The forum brings together leading members of the global business, economic, political and media communities to address the most pressing challenges of the day.

Co-chairs are selected on the basis of experience, excellence and prominence within their respective sphere's of influence.

Alongside his fellow co-chairs, Mr Janahi has played a pivotal role in setting the agenda for the forum and will address delegates during the opening plenary, arena session and closing plenary.

Discussions will primarily focus on a review of the global economic downturn and will seek to underline the causes, identify the lessons that can be learned and discuss what regional efforts can be made to redress the balance.

Mr Janahi will lead a session entitled, 'Unconventional Capital-ism', that will examine the influence entrepreneurs throughout the Arab community can have in future economic prosperity across the region.

"It is critical for the world's business, economic and political leaders to work as one in the pursuit of a remedy to the global economic crisis," said Mr Janahi. "As leading members of the regional community, it is our duty to participate in the debate and analyse the steps we can take in contributing to a truly global solution," he added.