DuPont emphasizes the need of an inclusive, collaborative approach to drive growth in the Arab World

DuPont, a leading innovation and market-driven science company, participated at the World Economic Forum meeting held in Dead Sea, Jordan. Ian Hudson, DuPont President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, underlined the global challenges and the importance of inclusive innovation to develop the solutions that will help solve the challenges of the Arab world.

Addressing the food and nutrition needs of a growing population is the defining global challenge of this century. DuPont's goal is to partner with local governments, private sector, universities, research institutions, NGOs and farmers that fuel collaboration and engage customers in inclusive innovation. DuPont dedicates 60% of its $1.7 billion annual Research & Development investment to increase global food production across the value chain by boosting crop yield through advanced seed genetics, practices, and product innovations that help farmers maximise productivity and quality, advancing the nutritional content derived from crops such as soy beans and by supplying innovative packaging materials to preserve food quality with efficient quality-testing systems to ensure a safe food supply.

The World Energy Outlook predicts energy consumption will increase by 60% in the next 25 years, with most of this growth occurring in developing countries including Middle East. Today’s challenge is about finding secure, environmentally-sustainable and affordable energy sources, and DuPont is applying the power of science to address local challenges with solutions including alternative energy (photovoltaics, biofuels, wind energy and fuel cells), renewably sourced products and energy efficient products.

Progress is made when the right people come together at the right time. Every challenge is an opportunity; the challenges of feeding a growing population, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and protecting lives and the environment are challenges that DuPont is actively addressing in close collaboration with other stakeholders. Innovation will be essential to meet the challenges in the Arab World and collaborating with local players will not only be more effective in addressing the problems but will also bring more knowledge intensive employment opportunities to the region,” commented Ian Hudson.

Economic growth and job creation are key areas in the Arab World where large-scale collaboration is needed including public/private efforts in research and development, especially to develop and implement a strategy for improving productivity, development of enhanced science-based education systems and youth leadership programs in key developing markets, such as the Middle East. DuPont is applying its deep knowledge of science and experience to address these concerns – all contributing to creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere.

DuPont is well positioned for accelerated and sustainable growth in the Middle East and North Africa region, which represents one of the fastest growing markets for the company. In the past two decades, DuPont has focused on the development of base infrastructure, localized technology exchanges, research collaborations and regional governmental authority cooperation.