Silatech Names Tarik Yousef as New CEO

July 31, 2011 - PRLog -- Silatech announced today that Dr. Tarik Yousef has been named Chief Executive Officer, and assumed the post on 1st July 2011.  As Founding Dean of the Dubai School of Government, Dr. Yousef is one of the most respected economists and recognized authorities on issues of youth employment, economic development and education in the Middle East and North Africa. He is a founding member of the Silatech Knowledge Consortium, and has been engaged with Silatech since it was first announced in 2008 at the world gathering of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in Madrid, Spain.  Dr. Yousef will assume the role held by Rick Little since Silatech’s founding in 2008.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Founder and Chair of the organization said: "Tarik is exactly the right person to build on what Rick Little has so successfully established.  At this historic time in our region, with millions of young people calling for change and economic opportunity, Tarik understands the importance of this moment and is ready to help us lead Silatech into its next stage of growth.. Her Highness added: "His extensive background and knowledge will further propel Silatech in unleashing the positive potential of young people and connecting them to economic opportunities.  Most importantly, Tarik is a natural fit with the values and mission that have guided Silatech from the beginning – envisioning a world in which every young person is prepared to succeed, engaged in decent work, and actively pursuing their dreams.”

Prior to becoming founding Dean of the Dubai School of Government, Dr. Yousef was the Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah Professor of Arab Studies at the Centre for Contemporary Arab Studies and Associate Professor of Economics in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Tarik received his PhD in economics from Harvard University, worked as an economist at the Middle East Department of the International Monetary Fund, was Visiting Professor in the MENA Region of the World Bank, and a Senior Advisor for the UN Millennium Project.   He is actively engaged in the Global Agenda Project of the World Economic Forum and provides regular television commentary on issues related to the Middle East.


Rick Little, Chairman of Silatech’s Executive Committee and member of the Board of Trustees, stated today, “I am absolutely delighted Tarik is joining our team as Silatech’s chief executive.  Having worked together over the past several years, I know he is well suited to help us lead Silatech into its next generation of growth. Tarik is a colleague and friend, and I very much look forward to continuing our work together to change the odds for millions of young people.”
"Joining Silatech is a great honor for me, both personally and professionally.  It provides an incredible opportunity for me to do the work I am most passionate about – improving the lives of young people," said Dr. Yousef.  “I have deep respect for what has been created over the past three years in Silatech.  It is grounded in solid evidence of “what works”, focused on an urgent need, and built on the inspired vision of its founder Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.  I am also grateful to continue working closely with Rick Little, who has provided great leadership in creating and building Silatech from an idea into an effort that is truly unique in the region.  I am thrilled to join Silatech and this remarkable team because I am convinced that through its bold vision, strong partnerships, practical goals, and a commitment to getting results, we can make a profound difference in the lives of young people,” he said.
Since beginning its program operations in 2009, Silatech and its partners have helped tens of thousands of young people learn critical skills, connect to job opportunities, or create their own small enterprises.  Thousands more have voiced their ideas and opinions through the Silatech Index, which is influencing policies and investments across the region.