09 April 2009
To tackle topical issues such as HR's role in streamlining and downsizing initiatives and successful HRD practices for the 21st century

The 21st edition of GETEX Dubai, the Middle East's leading education fair, has announced that the HRD & Training Forum 2009 will feature international HR professionals, training managers and providers from the UAE, UK, The Netherlands, South Africa and other parts of the world who will lead discussions on effective HR strategies to cope with the economic downturn.

The discussions and presentations during the HRD & Training Forum 2009 will be divided into three distinct sections: Regional Focus, which will tackle recruitment and HR strategies in the region; Economic Spotlight, whose topics include HRD strategies in light of the economic downturn as well as the effect of the credit crunch and Web 2.0 on recruitment; and Innovative Training Practices, which will include a panel discussion on emerging strategies, tools and resources for effective HRD in the 21st century. The Forum will conclude with two special workshops on the topics "Performance Psychology - The Leaders Role" and "CIPD Certificate in Training Practice."

Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences & Exhibitions (IC&E), organisers of the event said: "In times of downturn, it is very important that firms prevent erosion of crucial assets such as their knowledge workers. At the same time, service providers and HR managers alike are under pressure to demonstrate discernable Return on Investment on human resources development strategies."

"The GETEX HRD & Training Forum 2009 will serve as a platform for companies to access essential resources, knowledge and expertise that will enable them to optimise the benefits and ROI of their recruitment and training initiatives. We have prepared topicsal discussion points and an impressive line-up of international speakers to create an information-intensive event," added Godinho.

One of the critical discussion points during the Forum will be concerning the topic "Evaluating the role of HR in streamlining and downsizing your organisation," wherein UK-based Caroline Griffiths, Managing Director of Bradfield Consulting, will discuss ways to effectively implement structural change and to drive motivation during a period of change. Another important discussion point is the UAE's nationalisation program, which will be incorporated in the topic "Nationalisation - Evaluating the success of recruiting in the private sector" to be discussed by Essa Al Mulla, Executive Director of the Emirates National Development Program (ENDP). Dr Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director of Knowledge Village, will also be speaking at the event, as will Bjorn Aris, founder of Return on People in the Netherlands.

The HRD & Training Forum 2009, sponsored by Dubai Knowledge Village, is part of the expanded line-up of concurrent conferences and seminars designed to reinforce the status of GETEX Dubai as the most comprehensive platform for learners, academics, job seekers and education procurement specialists to interact, network and exchange ideas. GETEX Dubai will also feature the 2009 Global Forum on Innovation and Technology in Teaching and Leading, which will focus on the impact of information and communications technology on the region's education sector.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, GETEX is a platform for education-oriented companies and institutions to present their academic and career-enhancing training programmes, education technologies, scholarships and consultancy services for students, parents, educators, professionals, corporate representatives and others who have a stake in the education sector.

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© Press Release 2009