Forum Agenda and Participant Biographies - Brookings Institution

OUndtABLE sEssiOns
Tuesday, april 12, 2011
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
SESSION
The Role of Religious Leaders in Development: Case Studies from Asia
This session, convened by the Asia Foundation, will examine the role of religious leaders in development. The Asia Foundation
and leaders of religious organizations in Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the Philippines will draw from their experiences
in Asia to explore how Muslim leaders are well placed to contribute to national and community development efforts. The
session will also examine the potential for religious leaders to leverage their stature, respect, and influence to help drive
governance and social reform.
A Candid Assessment: The Status of the Middle East Peace Process
The Arab-Israeli peace process, despite a short-lived resumption of direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis seven
months ago, is at a standstill. Meanwhile, popular upheaval around the region, along with escalating violence between
Israelis and Palestinians, threaten to sideline hopes for a peaceful settlement. How can the parties overcome the current
impasse? And what role can the United States play in facilitating negotiations in the short-term and ending the conflict in
the long-term?
The Obama Administration’s Engagement with Global Muslim Communities
In his 2009 Cairo speech, President Barack Obama sought to create a better relationship between the United States and
global Muslim communities. This session will feature key administration officials who are integral to President Obama’s
outreach to these communities. The panelists will speak about the kinds of projects they are working on and the global
partnerships they have been engaged in. Panelists will also examine how effective this engagement has been and what challenges
still lie ahead.
The Role of Youth in the Arab Upheaval
Youth activists have played a leading role in the recent protests taking place across the Middle East and North Africa. This
session will explore the relationship between youth mobilization and the changing political dynamics of the region. Can
youth activism, whether through grassroots mobilization or civic engagement, be sustained? If so, what does this phenomenon
mean for the future of the region and for U.S.-Muslim world relations? This session will feature youth activists who
have been on the front lines of the Arab uprisings.
Looking at One Another: How U.S. and Muslim Perspectives Have Evolved Over the Last Decade*
How has public opinion in the United States and in global Muslim communities changed since the events of 9/11? Has
public opinion in global Muslim communities changed since President Obama came into office? What are the most critical
issues, here in the U.S. and abroad, that influence public opinion and shape the public discourse? This session will feature
public opinion experts and journalists who can speak to these issues.
* Open to the media
2011 U.S.-ISLAMIC WORLD FORUM
Y e A R OF ChAnge
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