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Arab Tech Emerging: Connecting the Next Generation of Innovators

***We are selling tickets at the door, cash only***

The tumultuous "Arab Spring" one year ago placed a spotlight on the urgency of addressing youth aspirations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In particular, a slow rate of job growth and stagnant youth unemployment poses both a serious risk, in terms of social and political unrest, as well as a great opportunity for tapping the skills of a highly educated population.

As in the rest of MENA, the majority of people in the Palestinian Territories (Gaza and the West Bank) are young, well-educated, and unemployed. To address this state of affairs, in 2011 Mercy Corps launched the Arab Developer Network Initiative in Gaza and the West Bank, with funding from Google.org and The Source of Hope Foundation.

The technology sector has a growing demand for Arabic content, and creating jobs in this sector can have a multiplying effect for each new job created, an estimated three additional jobs are added elsewhere in the economy. The Arab Developer Network Initiative aims to generate increased economic opportunity for talented young people in the Palestinian Territories, and create a more robust startup culture across the region, generating new opportunities for investment, partnering and mentorship.

How can U.S. companies and technology experts leverage the extraordinary talents of young people in this region to help revitalize the global economy and create more jobs, both at home and abroad?

Come hear global business development experts from Google, Startup Weekend, and Mercy Corps

When: Thursday, February 2nd / Reception 6pm - 6:30pm, Program 6:30pm - 8pm
Where: 415 Westlake Ave N Seattle WA 98109 (South Lake Union)
Price: $10 wine, beer, hors d'oeuvres served

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS EVENT?

**Individuals interested in gaining insights into Middle Eastern tech business, culture and the aspirations of the next generation of young Arabs

**Social impact investors and philanthropists looking to engage in the Middle East

**Technology experts interested in volunteering as trainers or mentors to young Arab developers and entrepreneurs

Note: The entire event is wheelchair accessible