Jordan's King Abdullah II warned here Sunday that countries would have to face up to the democratic challenges of the era of information technology (IT) or risk being left behind.
"New technologies in telecommunications and information have revolutionized the world's economic, political and social landscape," he told an Abu Dhabi conference organized by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies.
King Abdullah said the global changes posed "great challenges ... which call for a clear approach, solid leadership and a commitment to adapt," warning that those who failed to react would be left trailing.
"Lasting development, a solid economy and social prosperity cannot be achieved without a democracy based on the political will to see justice and equality prevail," he told the conference on "State Management in the Age of IT."
"Political stability, economic reforms and a state founded on the law form the basis of all economic development," King Abdullah said.
The Jordanian monarch arrived on Thursday for a five-day visit to the Emirates during which he has also toured Dubai's Internet City free zone, the first of its kind in the world -- ABU DHABI (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
