September 2016 Abu-Ghazaleh Receives an Honorary Doctorate in Management and Economics from Jerash University Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Cambridge IT Skills and Malibero Sign Agreement to Train 20,000 Graduates on ICT Skills Abu-Ghazaleh and the Salt Development Corporation Sign Cooperation Agreement 1
Abu-Ghazaleh Receives an Honorary Doctorate in Management and Economics from Jerash University JERASH The Council of Deans of Jerash University awarded HE Dr. Talal Abu- Ghazaleh, Chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), an Honorary Doctorate in Management and Economics in recognition of his distinguished role in developing the fields of Management and Economics nationally and internationally. In remarks at the ceremony, Dr. Abu- Ghazaleh expressed his pride and thanked Jerash University for this honor stating, I feel very privileged to be awarded this Honorary Doctorate from Jerash University. He stressed on the important role which the educational institutions play and the significance of keeping pace with the latest developments in this vital field, conveying his readiness to continue in promoting and supporting education in various fields through TAG-Org s educational and professional institutions. He also stressed that Education is the basis for everything in life and therefore, must never be ignored. Meanwhile, President of Jerash University, Dr. Abderrazaq Bani Hani said, It is with honor that Jerash University awards Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh this Honorary Doctorate as an appreciation for his modern and distinguished ideas. He added, Awarding this Honorary Doctorate is also a source of pride from our end, as Dr. Abu- Ghazaleh is one of the figures who deserve this honor. Dr. Bani Hani stated, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh is one of the leading national figures in Economics, Investment, and Business, whom has had invaluable contributions at all levels, and with a wellknown reputation in the field of knowledge creation and innovation. Jerash University is a private Jordanian university that was established in 1992. With 12 main faculties, it has 23 specializations offered for the Bachelor s Degree and eight specializations offered for the Master s Degree. It has two Department Faculties: one for Scientific Research and the other for Student Affairs, which includes many specialized centers. 1
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization Organizes Phase II of Art in the Service of Humanity Campaign of Samar Shamsi AMMAN-Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG- Org), in cooperation with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Amman, Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) and Emirates Human Rights Association (EHRA), organized Phase II of renowned Emirati artist Samar Shamsi Humanitarian campaign in support of Syrian children refugees at Zaatari Camp. Held under the theme Art in the Service of Humanity at the children s school of the Camp, the campaign aimed at alleviating the sufferings of children displaced by conflicts and wars, and who lost their families, homes and schools. TAG-Org s representative and head of the campaign Loay Abu Osbeh said that the support of TAG-Org is part of its Social Cooperate Responsibility headed by HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh who frequently seeks to support the next generation of future builders out of his belief that children refugees are capable of being successful despite the hardships they face. Meanwhile, Shamsi expressed her happiness of being among children who were displaced by conflicts and wars and had to endure hardships and sufferings pointing out that the campaign is an endeavor to relieve some of their pain, and express it through art. She added that art always addresses human conscience as well as good values and beauty in this universe, and it helps alleviate the suffering and pain and draws a smile on the faces of the innocents. Counselor of UAE Embassy in Amman, HE Mr. Faisal Shahi said that Jordan is an important country for the Emirates and what the Emirates is providing to serve the Syrian refugees cannot be compared to what Jordan is presenting thanking everyone who helped in the campaign and the camp s administration. GAM representative and Communication manager Eng. Ibrahim Hashem thanked TAG-Org and all those who helped in making this initiative a success adding that while the global humanitarian society is encouraging Jordan to keep its borders open we thank international donors for their continuous efforts in assisting the Kingdom. The campaign distributed Our Colors Our Dreams book to all children in the Emirati and Zaatari camps prepared by Shamsi and includes her own drawings through which she tries to interpret what comes in the mind of children who are seeking peace. The campaign targeted children from 4-9 years old and distributed in Phase I special packages that included children s books and coloring pencils. 2
Abu-Ghazaleh and Audit Bureau Extend Contract for Enhancing Capabilities AMMAN - The Arab Society of Certified Accountants (Jordan), chaired by HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, and the Audit Bureau headed by HE Dr. Abed Kharabsheh have extended their contract for training on audit methodologies executed by the Society for the Bureau s employees. HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh expressed his pride in the Bureau s confidence in the work of the Society thanking Kharabsheh for his role in maintaining public money in Jordan through building the capacities of the Bureau s employees. He stressed that this agreement is a continuation of the real partnership between the private and public sectors as per the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II pointing out that education is a continued necessity stating that the Society and the Audit Bureau are partners in the implementation of this project, due to the support of the World Bank, which always focuses on supporting sustainable projects that build capacities. The signing reflects the continuation of the Bureau s confidence in the professionalism of the Society in the implementation of the previous bids professionally and with high efficiency. Under this contract, the Audit Bureau employees, of both genders, shall be trained on the implementation and application of audit procedures manuals in public companies and the joint venture projects, between the public and private sectors, after the implementation of pioneering audit projects at the public companies, according to the best international standards and practices, taking into account the applicable legislation in addition to the audit conducted on the major partnership projects between the public and private sectors. It is worth mentioning that the Society has been awarded the tender invited by the Audit Bureau and funded by The World Bank to train the staff of the Bureau on audit procedures on public companies as well as the projects of partnerships between the public and private sectors. The tender has been extended to include a greater segment of the Bureau s staff. 3
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Cambridge IT Skills Training Center Accredits German- Jordanian University for Training and Examination AMMAN Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Cambridge IT Skills Center (AGCA-ITC) accredited the German-Jordanian University (GJU) as an official venue for conducting AGCA-ITC training courses and examinations in both Arabic and English languages. The agreement was signed by HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), and Dr. Natheer Abu Obeid, President of GJU, in the presence of other GJU faculty, administrative members, and TAG-Org representatives. This venue accreditation comes as a continuation of over 100 accredited TAG-Org centers established across the Kingdom to support youth education and provide state-of-the-art facilities for capacity building in order to equip the young generation with the means to excel in the business world. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh expressed that he is pleased with this cooperation, as GJU is one of the leading universities for providing high quality education and in having the highest employment percentage for its graduates. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stated, An independent institution is needed to evaluate Arab universities using standards applicable in the Arab region that relate to the environmental context of Arab countries and based on market needs. Dr. Obeid said, This is yet another form of cooperation with TAG-Org, as we aim to continue in expanding our work in the field of education, and in continuing to deliver the best educational standards. He added, There is always a need for establishing top quality universities that help contribute and add value to the economy. TAG-Org holds the exclusive right in all Arab countries to grant the IT International Cambridge Diploma in Arabic through an official signed agreement with Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) -University of Cambridge which is part of University of Cambridge in England. The exam covers the following: an introduction to Information Technology, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft Internet Explorer. 4
Abu-Ghazaleh and the Salt Development Corporation Sign Cooperation Agreement AS-SALT HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), and HE Mr. Marwan Al Hamoud, Chairman of the Salt Development Corporation (Emaar) Board of Directors, signed a cooperation agreement to qualify and provide training for As-Salt youth community. A Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Station (TAG-KS) was established at the Salt Development Corporation fully equipped by TAG-Org in the context of its initiative of establishing 100 centers in the different governorates of Jordan, particularly for institutions that involved in youth. The establishment of this Station comes as part of the objective to facilitate the provision of the latest technological and communication means and tools to the youth, which helps qualify and provide them with the needed experience and resources to enhance their knowledge and skills, and in issuing training certificates. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh expressed his pride in the city of As-Salt that has graduated the first batch of students in Jordan from As-Salt Secondary School for Boys. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh indicated, This Station comes as part of a series of Knowledge Stations that TAG-Org has established across Jordan with the aim of spreading knowledge among its citizens, adding that TAG-Org s professional services are always available for the Corporation and for the local community. Al Hamoud stressed on the important role and distinguished leadership that TAG-Org has portrayed in serving the nation, that is in line with the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II saying This Station will contribute to developing the skills of the youth in As-Salt city and in obtaining knowledge that qualifies them to compete in the labor market, and in turn mitigate the problem of employment. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Potash Company HE Mr. Jamal Al Sarayrah praised this cooperation and other similar work contributions made from all national institutions that are beneficial to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan saying The Arab Potash Company also carries out its social responsibilities by creating projects such as building schools and hospitals, in addition to other ones that benefit the country. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of the former Higher Education Minister and TAG- Org s Senior Advisor HE Dr. Amin Mahmoud, Senator and former Ambassador HE Mr. Hasan Abu Nimeh, and other administrative representatives from Salt Development Corporation, and the Mayor of Greater Salt Municipality, Eng. Khaled Al Khashman. 5
Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, UNDP and Abu Ghazaleh Launch a Study on the Indirect Impact of the Syrian Refugee Crisis on the Jordanian Economy AMMAN- The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation launched a study on the Indirect Impact of the Syrian Refugee Crisis on the Jordanian Economy funded by the United Nations Development Programme UNDP, and prepared by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting (Tag-Consult). The results of the study were presented during the launch, which included the analysis of the indirect impact of the Syrian Refugee Crisis in Jordan since 2011 until present, and the total indirect economic impact of the crisis on the Jordanian economy for the years 2014 and 2015 - that amounted to almost 5.78 billion US dollars in costs. The study also showed that the rate of increase between 2014 and 2015 was around 38% and through application of this percentage for the year 2013 (negatively) and for the year 2016 (positively). The total impact for the period from 2013 to 2016 is approximately 12.37 billion dollars. HE Engineer Imad N. Fakhouri, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation stated that the timing of the study is very significant as it coincides with the UN General Assembly meetings and the Conference related to displacement, so it will be one of the tools which Jordan will be armed with to demand international support. At the same time, the Minister urged the international Community to compensate Jordan for the hardships it endures on behalf of the international community. 6
He underlines the significance of this study in calculating the indirect expenses endured by the Government because of the crisis indicating that the Government is scientifically and statistically attempting and in partnership with UN organizations and international agencies to document the international needs, the needs of the hosting communities and the Treasury to ask for support to alleviate the effect of the crisis that might go on and on. Fakhouri said that the Government is working relentlessly on developing its response plans to the Syrian Crisis to be presented to the international community. HE Mr. Edward Kollon, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator indicated: Since the start of the crisis, UNDP advocated the need to addressing Jordanian host communities, in addition to refugees in the country. UNDP launched in 2012 a multi-donor programme to support host communities and refugees in Jordan focusing on the national and northern governorates of Irbid, Mafraq and Zarqa, with an inter-disciplinary package of support focusing on strengthening livelihoods and municipal services delivery. The programme, totaling more than USD 70m and supporting more than 3 m residents, was successful in fostering social cohesion while innovating for results.. HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh indicated, This study includes all the indirect impacts of Syrian Refugees on the Jordanian economy. He pointed out, According to the Geneva Declaration in 2008, the indirect costs refer to lost resources and opportunities resulting from armed violence and this requires compensation from people and institutions. HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh said, This study does not include the impact of direct costs that are usually of interest to donor countries, although impact of the indirect costs are as equally important. He added, The study also does not include the impact of Social Security and the economic effects that result from it. HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh thanked UNDP for their extensive support in funding the study as a sign of their constant support. He also thanked the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation for providing the guidance and relevant data that was the basis for completing the study, pointing out that the government will request funding from parties, institutions, and countries based on the results of the study. 7
Abu-Ghazaleh and Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan Honor Outstanding Iraqi Students at Jordanian Universities AMMAN HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), and Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan HE Ms. Safia Al-Souhail honored outstanding Iraqi students at universities across Jordan during a special ceremony held at Talal Abu- Ghazaleh University. Ms. Al-Souhail expressed her appreciation to Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh for his efforts regionally and internationally, and for recognizing Iraq s outstanding students who have excelled at various universities across the Kingdom. The Ambassador also thanked all educational institutions and stressed on the important role of education, capacity building and training in supporting Iraqi students. She expressed her pride in this these students who have managed to excel in all diverse specializations, particularly in Pharmaceutical studies stressing on the continuous cooperation and cultural exchange between Jordan and Iraq which started in the 70s and remains strong particularly in the field of education stating that senior Jordanian officials did graduate from Iraqi universities and today Jordan is doing the same The Ambassador informed students that TAG-Org will guide them in achieving their goals and help them find job opportunities as it is challenging to match today s labor market needs with students acquired skills. 8
Meanwhile, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh expressed his love for the country of Iraq and TAG-Org s proposed cooperation with the Embassy of Iraq in facilitating educational, capacity building, and training services. He indicated, Iraq represents Arab history, civilization and culture, and it has a special place in my heart as I consider it the backbone of all Arab countries. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh addressed students saying that they should always take their education to another higher level, and that every Iraqi student who wants to enroll at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Graduate School of Business (TAGSB) will receive a special scholarship, noting that TAGSB has the lowest unemployment rate among its graduates. He also stressed on the importance of acquiring a Management in Business Administration (MBA) degree, as it can be applied to all aspects of life not just business. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh informed students that TAG-Org s mission is to create awareness on the importance of directing nations towards knowledge creation and the world of ICT especially for the young generation who intend to build the future. He added, Solving all our problems, including unemployment and debt, is through knowledge creation and innovation. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh praised HE the Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan for her role, work, motivation, and readiness to contribute to Iraq noting that she has also been selected to be the Ambassador of Iraq in Palestine, as she is in Jordan. He advised students, If you want to reach the peak, you must have a mission and to sacrifice everything to fulfil this mission. The event was held in the presence of a number of distinguished university professors, journalists and media representatives and students families. Outstanding students were awarded shields and certificates meanwhile, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh offered them 32 TAGITOPS. 9
Egypt s Al Ahram to Publish Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Rise to the Top Book Written by Maher Makled AMMAN Writer and journalist Maher Maklad will be publishing his new book entitled, Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Rise to the Top through Al Ahram Center for Publishing. Stated in the official description provided by Egypt s Al Ahram newspaper, the book is about the life of HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, a Palestinian refugee who reached global fame after selecting education as a different approach to resist Israeli occupation. The book also portrays Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh a leader and role model in different periods of his life where he brings forward his sense of belonging, and loyalty towards his family, society and all who stood by him in difficult times. The book gives a rare glimpse of Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh s private world, business management strategy and how he built Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization that competes and sometimes leads the top global companies around the world. The book also highlights how Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh gave in silence and provided dedication towards his goals and how each phase of his life gave a rich set of details and lessons. The first chapter of the book talks about Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh as a successful global personality, who represents the bright image of an Arab who managed to achieve so much and became a source of pride to all Arabs. The writer intentionally deviated from writing a typical biography and decided to give readers the opportunity to enjoy the achievements of Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh and then his early life. According to the author, the renowned late journalist Mohamed Hassanein Heikal promised he would write the introduction for the book, but unfortunately the former Editor-in-Chief of Al Ahram Daily Newspaper passed away early this year. The friendship between Dr. Heikal and Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh was very close on both professional and personal levels for four decades. 10
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Cambridge IT Skills and Malibero Sign Agreement to Train 20,000 Graduates on ICT Skills AMMAN HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), and President of Malibero Company Eng. Aymen Omar signed a cooperation agreement to train 20,000 graduates on ICT skills in Jordan. TAG-Org holds the exclusive right in all Arab countries to grant the IT International Cambridge Diploma in Arabic through an official signed agreement with Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) -University of Cambridge which is part of Britain s University of Cambridge. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh said, At TAG-Org, we strive to provide the best level of services, particularly in the field of Education, and also in delivering online educational programs through the best means and latest standards for the youth in Jordan, and in the Arab region as a whole. Through its cooperation with TAG-Org, Malibero Company was able to implement training programs in different governorates of Jordan for the past four years, and in graduating over 5,000 students of different nationalities. Meanwhile, Eng. Omar stated, We are proud with this strategic cooperation with TAG-Org as we are pleased in further developing our company as a continuation of the journey that started four years ago. He added, We have graduated thousands of students of different Arab nationalities and we are looking forward to continuing this journey. This cooperation comes in the context of the company s constant efforts to provide the best services through the most advanced levels of technology, and in qualifying graduates to keep pace with the development and rapid progress in the world of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), that directly reflects on the business world. This diploma qualifies students with IT skills through the programs that teach the best methods for building and developing Human Resources capabilities and enhancing Information Technology skills that exceed the standard professional level. 11
Abu-Ghazaleh Patronizes Graduation Ceremony of Hand in Hand We Build the Future National Initiative AMMAN HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), patronized the graduation ceremony for students who took part in the Hand in Hand We Build the Future national initiative workshops held by the Jordanian National Forum for Raising Awareness and Development in cooperation with the Ministry of Education for the northern governorates of Jordan. On the sideline of the ceremony, students had the opportunity to meet and know more about Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh as an economist and businessman and about his successes in life at various levels. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh compared life in the past and now and how information technology and communication have developed paving the way for a better future. Dr. Mohammed Al Bdour, general secretary of the Forum, indicated, This event represents the start of the road of accomplishments, one that always continues towards achieving more success, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II.. He added, My dear generation, you are the creators of the future, and through knowledge and education you will work hard to achieve success and contribute to the development of the Kingdom in the future. Mr. Nabil Dalou, coordinator of the Jordanian National Initiative, welcomed the distinguished guests and thanked TAG-Org for hosting the event and in continuously providing their educational expertise and professional services to promote youth. Mr. Fadi Daoud, Director of the EPDF Youth Initiative which is headed by Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh, indicated, The partnership between the initiative and the EPDF Youth is a true depiction of Hand in Hand We Build the Future motto stressing on supporting the initiative all over the Kingdom by TAG-Org. He added, Through these training workshops held, extending to governorates beyond Amman to Ajloun and Irbid, we will continue to provide children with the initial basis through the best type of expertise for equipping them with beneficial skills needed for the future. Outstanding students were honored, as well as all the students who successfully completed the training in addition to the best father and mother. 12
TAG-Org Media Newsletter Prepared by: Media Department Executive Director: Roufan Nahhas Designed By: Design Department For any inquiries, please email us at: media@tagorg.com 13