Event dates

  July 12-13 2017

Venue

SIBA Forum venue: Golden Tulip Villa Massalia www.goldentulipvillamassalia.com 17 PLACE LOUIS BONNEFON 13008 MARSEILLE FRANCE info@goldentulipvillamassalia.com Telephone: +33 4 91 72 90 00 Fax: + +33 4 91 72 90 01 Reservations: 800 358 0846 Hosted by: The Center for Mediterranean Integration (CMI) Address: Villa Valmer – 271 Corniche Kennedy, 13007 Marseille, France Phone: +33 4 91 99 24 89

Program overview

TUESDAY JULY 11 Pre-event WEDNESDAY JULY 12 DAY 1 THURSDAY JULY 13 DAY 2
Welcoming Reception at the Golden Tulip Villa Massalia Hotel, Room KASKASI   Knowledge exchange SIBA constitution 1st SIBA General Assembly Meeting (Main Room) Development Partners Coordination Side-Meetings
Welcome Address Program overview Memories of Eschborn Process and steps followed since the initial Forum, and axes of future engagements for SIBA Update on technical assistance provided to better understand the Syrian diaspora landscape Debate: Can SIBA fill the identified gaps? “It’ll Never Work!” vs. “You Bet It Will!” Opening of the 1st SIBA General Assembly Discussion on sub-decisions called for by the Constituting Statues Discussion on and candidacy for the SIBA Board of Directors Vote on SIBA Board of Directors Development Partners Coordination Side-Meetings
Lunch Lunch
What priorities for SIBA in each country? Working together as one SIBA Constituting Statutes Membership drive Discussion with development partners on strategic support availability Discussion on Operational and Action Plan Discussion on SIBA Priority Actions Closing remarks – The Way Forward
Dinner Dinner

Background

On February 2017 the World Bank organized the “Syrian Diaspora Business Forum”, in cooperation with other development partners including: The Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Center for Mediterranean Integration (CMI), UK AID / Department for International Development (DFID), the World Bank’s Competitive Industries and Innovation Program (CIIP), and International Organization for Migration (IOM). The Forum was held at the GIZ HQ in Eschborn, Germany. The Forum convened more than 100 regional and global stakeholders that represent Syrian diaspora community, multilateral Organizations including, the World Bank Group, bilateral development institutions academic experts, businesspeople and investment partners, Policy makers, NGOs and think tanks. The core objectives of the Forum were mainly to facilitate dialogue between diaspora representatives and strengthen network and engagements with key stakeholders, facilitate knowledge sharing around sustainable opportunities for investment, new markets, skills transfer and philanthropy, and to develop a realistic and joint action plan. One of the expected outputs of this Forum was a joint action plan for a potential “Syrian Diaspora Business Chamber of Commerce” or similar type of organizational network which could effectively coordinate the efforts of the diaspora participants. During the Forum five action plans were produced related to 1) regulatory barriers, 2) youth, education and gender, 3) financial inclusion and access to finance, 4) investment and matchmaking, and 5) creating what was decided by the group to become the “Syrian International Business Association” (SIBA). The vision behind creating SIBA is to represent and empower the Syrian business community outside Syria, and to facilitate growth of Syrian businesses to contribute positively to both Syrian diaspora community and hosting countries. SIBA also aims to play a leading role in the formulation and implementation of economic and development strategies and policies related to the future reconstruction of Syria. Due to the unstable situation, and the complexity of the Syrian crisis SIBA will not be working in Syria until these conditions improve. The main objectives of SIBA have initially been defined as the following:

  • Work with international organizations and governments of host countries to improve their business climate in order to facilitate potential growth for Syrian entrepreneurs and enable the Syrian private sector to create job opportunities for both the Syrian refugees and locals;
  • Create a voice for Syrian businesses outside Syria, and form an effective platform to represent Syrian businesses abroad;
  • Present a positive image of Syrian business community, and support and coordinate with NGOs active on the ground;
  • Develop a database of Syrian diaspora investors and businesses as well as other key players to strengthen networking and encourage the active involvement of youth and women in the business sector; and
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing for sustainable investments opportunities, new markets, and skills transfer.

By the end of the Forum in Eschborn a follow-up gathering was agreed upon, to be conducted in July 2017 in Marseille, and to be hosted by the CMI and other organizers of the first event. Since that date and until the redaction of this agenda, a series of webinar meetings have been conducted with a core group of participants constituted as a SIBA interim Steering Committee working group, under the CMI stewardship and in cooperation with the World Bank Group team. These meetings discussed the organization, structure and location of SIBA, SIBA Statutes and by-laws, and some early follow-up of the action plan, including preparatory steps for this event.

Participants

This SIBA Forum will gather 80 to 100 participants, will be in the format of an interactive and learning event designed to facilitate the next steps (from the initial Forum) in networking, knowledge exchange and engagement, around the constitution of SIBA. Participants from the Syrian community include participants from the initial Forum, diaspora champions, business owners and skilled professionals. The first SIBA Forum will also bring key development players with active and potential engagements in initiatives geared towards alleviating the effects of the Syrian crisis. Participants were selected based on participation into the focus groups and interviews, participation in the initial Forum, and recommendations from development partners. The World Bank and the CMI will host the first day of the event in collaboration with partners. The leadership of the event will be taken by SIBA especially in day two.

Main Objectives

Based on what has been mentioned above the objectives of this two-day Forum are:

  • Knowledge sharing and networking for action:
  1. To share knowledge and lessons of experience in establishing initiatives similar to SIBA, and to share good practices for business associations on the regional and international levels
  2. To conduct parallel meetings of donors to discuss possible ways in supporting SIBA going forward.

2) SIBA-related matters:

  1. To present and vote on the SIBA Statutes and by-laws (resulting from a previously-conducted wide consultation be the interim Steering Committee)
  2. To discuss the organization structure and action plan
  3. To conduct the election of the board of directors

Expected Outcomes:

  • SIBA official launch
  • SIBA action plan
  • Information shared with various donors for potential support along components of the action plan

Logistics

The SIBA Forum will be held on 12-13 of July 2017 Venue: Golden Tulip Villa Massalia www.goldentulipvillamassalia.com 17 PLACE LOUIS BONNEFON 13008 MARSEILLE FRANCE Participants are expected to cover their own travel expenses. Visa letter can be requested from the CMI Only local logistics and accommodation for the Syrian community guests will be covered by the CMI.  All other incidentals or travel cost are solely at the charge of the participants. Please refer to the “SIBA Forum Invitation Letter and Logistical Information” (separate document).

About the Organizers

The Center for Mediterranean Integration (CMI)

CMI is a multi-partner platform where development agencies, Governments, local authorities and civil society from around the Mediterranean convene in order to exchange knowledge, discuss public policies, and identify the solutions needed to address key challenges facing the Mediterranean region.  Members of CMI are Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Authority, Tunisia, the City of Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, the European External Action Service (observer), the European Investment Bank, and the World Bank Group. The French Development Agency and the German Cooperation also count among its partners. Youth is the CMI’s overarching theme. Under this umbrella theme, the CMI focuses its work on five sectoral themes: Education, innovation, employability; Refugees & mobility; Development & Violent extremism prevention; Climate Change (Water & energy); Territorial cohesion & urban development. www.cmimarseille.org, Facebook : /cmimarseille, Twitter : @cmimarseille

The World Bank Group Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice

The Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice helps countries achieve the World Bank Group Twin Goals through rapid and broad-based economic growth, centered on strong contributions from the private sector. T&C is meeting growing demand for high-impact solutions that expand market opportunities, enable private initiative, and develop dynamic economies. Its country, regional, and global efforts help boost the volume and value of trade, enhance the investment climate, improve competitiveness in sectors, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.  

TUESDAY JULY 11 Pre-event
18:00 – 20:00 Welcoming Reception at the Golden Tulip Villa Massalia Hotel, Room KASKASI
WEDNESDAY JULY 12 DAY 1 Knowledge exchange SIBA constitution
8:30 – 9:00 Arrival of participants – Registration
9:00 – 9:10 Welcome Address  Janette Uhlmann, CMI, on behalf of Mourad Ezzine, Manager of the Center for Mediterranean Integration John Speakman, World Bank Group
9:10 – 9:20 Program overview Benjamin Herzberg, World Bank Group
9:20 – 9:40 Memories of Eschborn – Narrated slideshow of how SIBA was born Mumtaz Daaboul, SIBA Interim Steering Committee member Janette Uhlmann, CMI: Lessons learned from the various panel sessions   The first Syrian Diaspora Business Forum was nothing short of magical, and saw a disparate group of individual morph into a coherent and organized SIBA, a groundbreaking new networked initiative for the Syrian diaspora business community, and by the Syrian diaspora business community. This session will recall what is at stake, the lessons learned and discussions of the initial Forum, and set to stage for the first SIBA Workshop.
9:40 – 10:20   Process and steps followed since the initial Forum, and axes of future engagements for SIBA Samer Charani, SIBA Interim Steering Committee member   Members of the Interim Steering Committee will present a timeline to the audience recalling all the steps which were taken since the initial Forum. The aim is to communicate in a transparent manner what specific process was followed, and which feedback and input was gathered and considered along the way. They will also summarize the five topics on which SIBA could focus, and collect initial feedback from participants on the process, through a Q&A session. Distribution of paper version of proposed SIBA Constituting Statutes. (The vote on adoption of the SIBA Constituting Statutes will take place later, at the end of the day, at 17:00).
10:20 – 10:45   Coffee break  
10:45 – 12:00   Update on technical assistance provided to better understand the Syrian diaspora landscape John Speakman, World Bank Group; Stephanie Deubler, Jakob Rieken, Hans Joachim Zinnkann, GIZ The World Bank Group conducted several consultations with Syrian diaspora representatives in 2016/17. A survey was also designed and launched. This session will discuss the final findings, and give the audience an opportunity to get an objective picture of the kind of the main support network and groups existing today. The session will also display some examples of diaspora initiatives which have succeeded in alleviating constraints for constituencies. The GIZ Armenian matchmaking program and MENA initiatives will be mentioned. Q&A
12:00 – 13:00   Debate: Can SIBA fill the identified gaps? “It’ll Never Work!” vs. “You Bet It Will!” Interactive exercise, moderated by Benjamin Herzberg, World Bank Group This will be an Interactive session and will create an opportunity for each participant to reflect on the main issues identified in the survey and focus groups and discuss how SIBA could address those specifically. Two debates of 10 minutes each will take place. The audience will be divided in group who will each help prepare the debate candidates with a series of arguments. 12:00 – 12:10 Introduction, division of the room in two groups First debate: SIBA will help the development community reach its goal. 12:10 – 12:20 Teams prepare their respective arguments 12:20 – 12:30 1st Debate Team “It’ll Never Work”: A World Bank representative Team “You Bet It Will”: A bilateral donor representative Second debate: SIBA will work well to help my business and my community. 12:30 – 12:40 Teams prepare their respective arguments 12:40 – 12:50 2nd Debate Team “It’ll Never Work”: A Syrian Diaspora member: Samer Chamsi Pasha Team “You Bet It Will”: A Syrian Diaspora member: Rami Sharrack   12:50 – 13:00 Debriefing conclusion
13:00 – 14:15 Lunch
14:15 – 15:30   What priorities for SIBA in each country?   A series of discussions will take place on SIBA priorities in each country represented in the event (Armenia, France, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, South America, Turkey, USA, Other tbd). 14:15 – 14:20 Introduction 14:20 – 14:30 Individual exercise A sheet will be distributed by the moderator to each participant, with on it the name of each countries and the list of the four main topics identified during the initial Forum: a) regulatory barriers, b) youth, education and gender, c) financial inclusions and access to finance, d) investment and matchmaking. Each participant should rank these topics per her or his own opinion from 1 (most important for SIBA to tackle) to 4 (less important for SIBA to tackle). Each sheet will also include blank spaces for participants to indicate what they could personally contribute. The sheets will be collected and an assistant will compute the result to announce the group ranking per country, as averaged from each individual ranking, as well as give a list of individual potential contributions. This will feed into the business plan exercise on Day 2. 14:30 – 15:15 Open discussion per country, with interventions from participants from those countries. 15:15 – 15:30 Announcement about the need to nominate two Points of Contact individuals per country to help on communications, in advance of the creation of national Chapters. The actual nomination will take place on Day 2, after the election of the SIBA Board.
15:30 – 16:15   Working together as one   Surprise interactive exercise Debriefing: Lessons for SIBA and its Constituting Statutes
16:15 – 16:30 Coffee Break
16:30 – 17:30   SIBA Constituting Statutes SIBA Interim Steering Committee members represented by Samer Charani, Samer Chamsi Pasha and Mumtaz Daaboul   – Brief recall of the process described previously in the morning session. – Brief presentation of the different sections of the statutes. – Vote on adoption of SIBA Constituting Statutes (Syrian diaspora participants only) – The vote on the Constituting Statutes will take place by raising of hands. – Distribution of SIBA Membership application forms. (The Membership Fee is set at Zero USD for an interim period, until the SIBA Board, once elected, will enact a new membership fee and will be legally able to collect the Membership fees, at which point the acted Membership Fee must be paid by the Member for the Membership to carry on beyond the interim period.)   – Distribution of SIBA Board application forms (those forms would have been distributed electronically beforehand to participants, but forms will be available nonetheless in case needed).
17:30 – 17:45   Concluding Remarks   Najy Benhassine, World Bank Group  
19:30 – 21:30 Dinner at the Golden Tulip Villa Massalia Hotel Restaurant
THURSDAY JULY 13 DAY 2 SIBA General Assembly Meeting In parallel: Donor meetings
8:30- 9:00 Arrival of participants
9:00- 9:15 Opening of the 1st SIBA General Assembly (Main Room) Development Partners Coordination Side-Meetings
  9:15 – 10:30 –          Collection of the Membership forms for those who decided to fill one and to join SIBA under one of the proposed Membership types. Please note that only Full Members will have ability to vote on the SIBA Board elections. Establishment of the list of SIBA Members. Please note: The Membership Fee is set at Zero USD for an interim period, until the SIBA Board, once elected. will enact a new membership fee and will be legally able to collect the Membership fees, at which point the acted Membership Fee must be paid by the Member for the Membership to carry on beyond the interim period. Discussion on sub-decisions called for by the Constituting Statues Mumtaz Daaboul, SIBA Interim Steering Committee member The Constituting Statutes call for a number of sub-decisions, which are all timely for SIBA to be able to function rapidly. The Constituting Statutes will thus be reviewed in detail and each time a specific sub-decision is requested by the Statute, the group will work towards agreeing on the content of such. The decision will be recorded so as to collect all the sub-decisions into the SIBA by-laws. Separate Agenda
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee break  
11:00 – 12:15   Discussion on and candidacy for the SIBA Board of Directors The composition of the Board of SIBA is an important pre-requisite before SIBA can engage into any decision regarding its programming or its staffing. A Board Application would have been distributed beforehand. Each filed application will be posted on the wall in the conference room. The name of each candidates, with a picture, will be displayed on a projected PowerPoint. Candidates for the Board will have an opportunity to present themselves to the group for a few minutes each, and discuss their vision for SIBA and why they should be elected.   Separate Agenda  
  12:15- 12:45   Vote on the SIBA Board of Directors   A secret ballot, with voting rights reserved for SIBA Members (as per their handing out of their SIBA Membership application form on the morning) will be organized to vote of the seven Board members of their choosing. A voting committee of 3 people will be chosen randomly by a neutral party, with possibility for chosen people to recuse themselves, and if so, other random picks will be done until three people have agreed to serve on the voting committee. A sheet with seven lines will be handed for SIBA Members to inscribe the seven names of their choosing on it, and then put it in an envelope. Envelopes will be deposited in a ballot box, and then opened and counted by the voting committee, which will establish a tally for each name (as well as for blank or nullified votes).mResults will be announced after calculations and verifications. Welcoming words of first SIBA Board. Separate Agenda
13:00 – 14:00   Lunch   During the Lunchtime, the elected SIBA Board will meet separately and conduct its first meeting and vote of several initial motions including: –          Formal enactment of the SIBA Constituting Statues –          Vote of Board Chair, Board Secretary, Board Treasurer –          Other areas of business.    
14:00 – 14:45   Announcement by SIBA Board of the conclusion of its first Board meeting.   Discussion with development partners on strategic support availability John Speakman, World Bank Group   The development partners will be invited to intervene during this session, which will present the main strategic priorities from the donors point of view.
14:45 – 16:00   Discussion on SIBA Operational and Action Plan   The Board will lead the discussion to plan for operational needs such as establishment of the Executive Secretariat, hiring of staff, collecting membership information, collecting membership fees, etc. The country priorities discussed on Day 1 would have been computed and the results will be presented on a slide, to feed and inform the discussion on the Action Plan. The draft Action Plan drafted by the SIBA Interim Executive Committee before the event will be discussed. The priority actions decided upon after the first Forum in Germany, and documented in the Proceedings of that event, will be recalled. Priority actions will be organized in separate streams, with sub-activities and respective budgeting and fundraising requirements.
16:00 – 16:30 Coffee break
16:30  – 17:30   Discussion on SIBA Priority Actions The development partners will be invited to intervene during this session. The Board and SIBA members will discuss with donors a series of possible priority actions in several countries, as well as the support SIBA might need from development partners to fulfill each of those actions. Development partners will indicate their next steps.
17:30 – 17:45 Closing remarks – The Way Forward SIBA Board + Tbd
17:45  End of Workshop
19:00 – 20:30 Closing reception at ‘Equinoxe’ restaurant, 142 avenue Pierre Mendès France, 13008 Marseille
Note: The SIBA Board will attempt to meet again that evening for its 2nd Board Meeting. If not possible or if the Board decides otherwise, and depending of Board members travel schedule and availability, the SIBA Board might meet early the next morning at the location of their choosing, or alternatively, the Board will conduct a virtual meeting facilitated by the CMI, soon after the event.