IREX and the Arab Thought Foundation (ATF) [5] will launch new social entrepreneurship and library programs in 2011. The first program, Masool, aims to create economic opportunities in Saudi Arabia for youth entrepreneurs with a commitment to socially-responsible business. The second program, MENA Public Library Landscape, explores the potential of public libraries throughout the Arab region with a view to support libraries as modern institutions to preserve local cultural heritage, increase public access to Arab and Islamic cultural materials, and serve community needs.
In December 2010 in Beirut, IREX and the Arab Thought Foundation (ATF) formally approved a Memorandum of Understanding and announced the new programs. IREX’s President Bob Pearson participated in the ATF FIKR 9 conference “Shaping the Future…Arab’s Role?” and spoke on a plenary session on Human Capital and Talent Development.
During the first quarter of 2011, an ATF delegation will visit IREX library program in Romania and IREX Washington's office to develop concrete actions for the partnership and set an implementation plan for the approved programs.