Arab Bank is the strategic sponsor of the 11th National Innovation Forum

Ramallah - Ofoq News - The Arab Bank renewed its strategic sponsorship of the activities of the Eleventh National Forum for Creativity and Excellence, which was held this year under the title “Smart Palestine” and organized by the Supreme Council for Creativity and Excellence under the patronage of His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas, which was attended by His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Muhammad Mustafa on his behalf, with the participation of a number of ministers and prominent representatives of the public and private sectors, in addition to an elite group of creators, innovators and entrepreneurs.

The Arab Bank's strategic sponsorship of the forum for the fifth year in a row comes as an extension of its firm commitment to supporting the creativity and innovation system in Palestine, and enhancing the role of knowledge, technology and entrepreneurship in achieving sustainable economic development. This sponsorship also reflects the bank’s keenness to support competencies and talents, and encourage qualitative initiatives that contribute to refining their capabilities and expanding opportunities for their participation in economic activity.

The forum, whose activities extended over two days, witnessed several activities that included dialogue sessions and specialized discussions that addressed the role of innovation and technology in facing economic and development challenges, and ways to enhance opportunities for growth and competitiveness, in addition to an exhibition of Palestinian ideas, creative projects, and innovations in various fields.

The Arab Bank also participated in a dialogue session that addressed the role of financing and investment in building a flexible and sustainable economy, and the importance of enhancing opportunities for the growth of entrepreneurial projects and creating an environment supportive of innovation, with the participation of representatives of leading financial and investment institutions and entities concerned with entrepreneurship.

Commenting on this sponsorship, Dr. Jamal Hourani, Director of the Palestine Region at the Arab Bank, stressed that the continuation of strategic cooperation with the Forum for the fifth year in a row reflects the Bank’s commitment to the importance of investing in Palestinian competencies and enhancing the role of creativity and innovation in supporting the progress of the national economy. He pointed out that the innovative ideas and solutions presented by creative people confirm the importance of providing a supportive and stimulating environment that allows these ideas to be developed and transformed into applicable projects that meet the needs of society and serve the various economic sectors.

Hourani added that the role of financial institutions extends beyond providing banking services to include actively contributing to enhancing economic participation and expanding opportunities for various segments of society, especially the youth. He explained that the Arab Bank continues to develop its banking services and solutions, in addition to implementing initiatives and programs in the fields of education, youth empowerment, and enhancing financial culture, which contributes to building national capabilities and supporting effective participation in the economy.

For his part, Engineer Adnan Samara, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Creativity and Excellence, stressed the importance of holding the eleventh session of the forum under the title “Smart Palestine,” and the visions it presents to enhance the role of knowledge and innovation in developing the Palestinian economy. He also valued the ongoing strategic cooperation with the Arab Bank, praising the importance of the role of financial institutions and the private sector in supporting the system of creativity and excellence, and enhancing opportunities for creative people and entrepreneurs to contribute to economic and social development.

It should be noted here that Arab Bank is considered among the leading banks locally and regionally in terms of adopting advanced banking solutions and services that keep pace with the latest technological developments in the banking industry. Arab Bank recently won the “Best Bank for Digital Banking Services for Individuals and Companies in Palestine” award, which was awarded by Global Finance magazine, based in New York.