3.18.2008 - 08:00pm ET

(CSRwire) DUBAI, UAE - March 18, 2008 - The Dow Chemical Company through its philanthropic arm, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, signed an agreement with the Young Arab Leaders (YAL) in December to support in 2008 and 2009 the organization's inspiring endeavor, The Global Action Program.

A key component of the Dow sponsored program is the second Global Action Forum being held in New York on March 14 - 15, 2008. Two hundred young Arab and American Leaders from business, media, government and non government organizations (NGO) community will take part in highly focused discussions and debates, aimed at establishing long-term networks of cooperation between the two regions. This forum will build on the success of the previous Forum held in 2006. Participants will focus on cultivating and developing innovation in the Arab world and will address regional policy reform issues impacting entrepreneurship.

As Dow is the presenter of the forum, senior leaders from Dow will be participating in the event including John Dearborn, president - India, Middle East & Africa, Dow, and Mike Gambrell, executive vice president, will be a keynote speaker on Day 1 of the forum. Commenting Dearborn said, "Dow is proud to be an active member at the Global Action Forum in the US this year. This is one of the key initiatives that Dow has committed to support in 2008 and 2009 towards being a part of the Arab community through the Young Arab Leaders. At Dow, our pledge to engaging major world challenges is fundamental to our future. With YAL we envision nurturing leaders who would meet all these challenges for a better tomorrow,"

Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, chairman of the board of Directors of YAL and governor of DIFC, said, "With the aim of supporting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation between leaders in the Arab world and their counterparts in the USA, the 2006 action oriented Forum brings together 200 American and Arab leaders, resulted in a series of commitments and tangible initiatives to help Arabs and Americans find common ground for greater understanding, knowledge exchange and business opportunities. It is a matter of pride that with Dow, we will create concrete strategies for inspiring, innovative projects and dialogues that are action-oriented and designed to mobilize young leaders to help create a well connected global community with greater mutual understanding."

About YAL

Young Arab Leaders (YAL) is an independent pan-Arab organization that aims to create a new generation of young leaders capable of actively participating in the region's development process and driving it into a new phase of growth. It is a network of the region's leaders from the business community, politics, academia, media, arts, culture and civil society, who are committed to improving the state of the Arab world.

About Dow

With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

About The Dow Chemical Company Foundation

Established in 1979, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation serves Dow's philanthropic needs by providing charitable gifts to eligible non-profit organizations in the communities where Dow operates that contribute to community success, support sustainability, foster science in society and stimulate innovation.

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