The conference which also features Jordan Ahli Bank and the King Abdulla II Fund for Development among its Sponsors is a response to the leading positions some women are now taking across communities in the region and celebrates the current roles and life stories of successful women leaders across professional and public life.

Elizabeth Filippouli, GTF 2012 Founder andDirector, commented: ‘Our partnership with the Columbia Global Center and Oasis500 in Amman creates the perfect combination of venues for Global Thinkers Forum 2012. I have just visited both CUMERC and Oasis500 at Business Park and I was so impressed with the teams and their facilities; exceptional architecture, state-of-the-art facilities and veryrelaxing environments,very alive with a wonderful energetic buzz. We are also thrilled about co-hosting the Oasis500 Angel Investor Network Event together with the Global Thinkers Forum Awards Dinner. Talent and Entrepreneurship will be in abundance!’.

Professor Safwan Masri,Director of the Columbia Global Centers | Middle East and Chair of the Columbia Global Centers Director Group notes: ‘We are very excited to partner with the Global Thinkers Forum 2012 in this important effort to recognize and celebrate the role of women in our communities.We look forward to hosting such accomplished and remarkable women and hope that their stories and experiences serve as an inspiration to many others around the region.’

At a time of change for the region many preconceived ideas are changing across politics, governance, business and society. GTF promotes the extensive participation of women as a necessary and positive imperative for our world and the creation of just societies. GTF also encourages the participation of young people and welcomes students for free.

Oasis500 Angel InvestorNetwork Event and the Global Thinkers Forum Awards will take place as one event on Sunday October 7, 2012

www.globalthinkersforum.org

–Ends–

About Global Thinkers Forum

The Global Thinkers Forum (GTF) is a non-profit initiative and a platform to create dialogue and bring current and future leaders together to discuss governance, society, progress and the future. GTF takes place in various cities around the world and has been created to reposition perceptions about governance through a global perspective.GTF 2012Amman, Jordan (October 6/7/8) focuses on the role of the modern MENA woman, in the region and globally. This is a turning point for MENA and many preconceived ideas are changing across Politics, Governance, Business and Society. GTF promotes the extensive participation of women as a necessary imperative for our world and the creation of just societies. GTF encourages the participation of young people.

Global Thinkers Forum was founded by Director Elizabeth Filippouli, a Strategy and Development expert and former journalist withAl Jazeera English and international media. Elizabeth was educated at theUniversities of Athens, London City and Oxford Said Business School.

www.globalthinkersforum.org

For more information contact:

[Tim Warnes tim.warnes@globalthinkers.com and info@globalthinkersforum.org]

Oasis500 is the first development and investment company of its kind in the MENA region. It aims to support entrepreneurs by providing them with funding and training in an effort to accelerate the transformation of business ideas into start-up companies in the ICT, digital media, and mobile technologies and content sectors. Oasis500 aims to facilitate the launch of 500 start-up companies within the next five years, which will create an incentive for aspiring entrepreneurs and generate job opportunities within the world’s fastest growing sectors. Since commencing its operations in September 2010, Oasis500 has successfully secured investments for 49 technology companies, in addition to a number of other investments that were unmatched by any investment fund in the region.

For more information, please contact:

Oasis500 marketing department at info@oasis500.com or visit www.oasis500.com

Jordan Ahli Bank

Established in 1955, Jordan Ahli Bank is a leading Jordanian financial institution with a presence in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon and Cyprus; Ahli Bank has substantially contributed to the progressive development of the banking industry in the Kingdom. Since inception, the management of the bank has actively sought to develop advanced solutions that meet the needs of its target segments, prioritizing innovation and commitment to high standards. Renowned for its rich lineup of products and services and its segmented approach to product development, Jordan Ahli Bank continues to exceed the expectations of its customers by providing inventive banking services for personal and premium banking clients as well as for micro, small, medium and large corporations. With rising competition within the Jordanian banking sector, Ahli Bank has implemented a far-reaching strategic plan to not only maintain its leading position in the market but also to propel its continued growth and set new benchmarks for the industry. Carrying the banner of “My Power of Change,” the bank’s vision is to become a best practice, state-of-the-art financial services institution. The transformation program is designed to benefit all stakeholders, including shareholders, clients, employees, regulators and the community at large. In addition, the bank aspires to become a key regional player in the financial services industry within the span of a decade. Ahli Bank’s historical commitment to social responsibility ensures its continued involvement within the community, sponsoring numerous activities for different social, cultural and charitable causes. The bank distributes its support over many areas of sustainable development, including health, education, entrepreneurship, sports awareness, and environmental preservation.

The King Abdulla II Fund for Development

The King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD) was established by a royal decree in 2001 as a non-governmental organization. Its aim was to support the Jordanian community by driving human and infrastructure development. KAFD works to further develop key sectors in Jordan and improve local standards of living for all segments of the Jordanian community, targeting individuals, public and private sectors and civil society organizations.