Jimmy Wales to chair World Economic Forum on the Middle East
Alongside the Duke of York
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Jimmy Wales is set to co-chair the annual World Economic Forum on the Middle East, an event billed as "the foremost global gathering of political, business and cultural leaders."
The Wikipedia co-founder will chair the event alongside Khalid Abdulla-Janahi, chairman of Bahrain's Ithmaar Bank; Mohammed Alshaya, executive chairman of the Kuwait conglomerate The Alshaya Group; and His Royal Highness The Duke of York, Britain's special representative for international trade and investment.
According to the World Economic Forum, Wales was tapped for the mid-May conference because of his impeccable leadership skills. "Co-chairs for our meetings are chosen for the contribution they have made and continue to make globally, regionally or within their industry," Mark Adams told us via email from the Forum's Geneva headquarters. "The Forum tries to identify leaders - the majority from business - but also politics and thought leadership - who are recognized for the work they have done and the leadership they have offered in their field."
But his participation in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East does not indicate Jimmy Wales is prepared to discuss Middle East economic issues. "The meeting is taking place in the Middle East - but the idea is to bring the region out to the world and the world into the region," Adams continued. "In other words, his expertise in terms of business, knowledge etc. is the important thing here, not necessarily any knowledge of the region - which he may or may not have."
He also said this: "At present the gossip and allegations directed towards Mr. Wales remain just that - gossip and allegation - and as such, the Forum has no comment to make."
But we didn't ask about gossip or allegations. Presumably, the Forum is referring to the Willypedia Affair. And the questions over the way Wales handled funds belonging to the Wikimedia Foundation, the charitable organization that runs Wikipedia. And the strange case of the big-name venture capitalist who befriended Wales before donating large amounts of money to the Foundation.
Of course, that last bit may be an example of Jimbo's "expertise in terms of business."
Meanwhile, The Reg has decided that a Jimmy Wales April Fools story is no match for the real thing. ®
COMMENTS
How exactly is he a businessman ?
The oversized head that he has gained in no way makes him a businessman, much less a successful one.
He could conceivably qualify himself as a successful lobbyist, though.
But where culture is concerned, he needs quite a lot of educating before being able to tout himself as culturally knowledgeable. And given his stance on moderating, along with his penchant to change the odds in whatever way suits him, I seriously doubt that any forum presided by His Wackyness and buddies will have anything to bring to the public as far as Knowledge is concerned.
We will certainly find out what misguided female is accompanying him, but he needn't preside a forum for that - I'm sure there are a few rags available who'd be happy to publish a line on that subject. Maybe even a picture.
Like I care.
Is it true?
That Sub-Lieutenant HRH The Duke of York's nickname in the Navy was C*nt?
Partly because he expected those senior to him to call him Sir? And insisted on being accompanied by his new wife following the fleet in some style on one of the RFAs.
Allegedly.
Priceless
wikipedia founder
duke of york
in the World Economic forum
truly the lunatics are in charge of the asylum
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