Available human and capital resources in the Arab region may secure socio-economic development. In the Arab Science & Technology Foundation, we have been seeing much potential throughout the region even in less fortunate countries. Key objective is to mobilize and effectively deploy the Arab scientific community.

Science and technology are universal activities involving the cooperation of large numbers of individuals located in various types of institutions. The challenge that faces developing countries is how to focus on and integrate the personal, institutional and national aspects of scientific activity. In order for their research to be effective, scientists need to belong to a system that links them to their society, their culture and their economy.

Positive change could be achieved if sufficient support is provided to the Arab Scientific Community so it would play its role in bringing sustainable development into the region. Hence, Dr. Alnajjar's central thesis here is that the objectives of Arab human development, from an S&T prospective, can be met through the development of infrastructures essential for the networking of scientists.

In his speech, Dr. Al Najjar  will show that Arab countries already possess considerable scientific efforts. He will further prove that we need connectivity and describe the ASTF approach for empowerment of the Scientific Community.