Doha, March 3, 2010: The World Economic Forum announced today the selection of Dr. Pawan G. Patil, Chief Economist and Chief Economic Development Officer of Doha-Based Silatech to its class of 2010 Young Global Leaders.   This honor is bestowed by the World Economic Forum each year to recognize the most distinguished young leaders nominated below the age of 40 from around the world. 

Silatech was founded in 2008 by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, Chair of Silatech's Board of Trustees.  Silatech, which means 'your connection' is an innovative social enterprise created to meet the urgent need to generate new jobs, opportunities and hope for young people, starting first in the Arab World.

Patil was educated at Harvard, Oxford and London School of Economics.   Since his selection to the World Bank's Young Professionals Program at age 27, Patil earned client engagement and investment responsibility in major middle income countries such as China, India and Indonesia from an early stage in his career.  Over his career, Patil has lived or worked in virtually every region of the developing world.   He has managed and and led numerous large-scale  initiatives in support of those most economically disadvantaged - the rural and coastal poor, and adolescent girls and young people.. 

"I have come to know Pawan very well over these years," said former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari, recipient of the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize and member of Silatech's Board of Trustees, who formally nominated Patil for the WEF honor.  "He has a deep intellect and creative mind; He is passionate, thoughtful, and fully committed to service.  Pawan is a leader, an innovator, and social entrepreneur whose contributions to the world have already concretely improved the lives of millions, and he is just beginning, " said Ahtisaari.  

The Selection Committee composed of the world's top media leaders and chaired by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Heshemite Kingdom of Jordan, selected Patil after screening thousands of young leaders from around the world and from a myriad of disciplines and sectors.  "Your nomination is in recognition of your record of professional accomplishments, your commitment to society and your potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world through your inspiring leadership" said Klaus Schwab, founder of the Davos-based World Economic Forum and Executive Chairman and Founder of The Forum of Young Global Leaders in announcing the 2010 honorees.   

Patil is the second Silatech executive to be so honored by WEF.  Mr. Rick Little, Silatech CEO was named a WEF Global Leader of Tomorrow in 1996 after founding Quest International and the International Youth Foundation, two organizations with global reach impacting millions of young people. "I am delighted and honored to be walking in the footsteps of my mentor, Silatech chief executive and friend, Rick Little and pursuing a journey of common passion and purpose to support the hopes and aspirations of millions of young people living around the world," said Patil. 

Pawan Patil joins tennis great Roger Federer of Switzerland, fashion designer Stella McCartney of Great Britian, Syrian first lady Asmaa Al Assad, singing sensation Wyclef Jean of Haiti, Twitter co-founder Evan Williams of USA, H.R.H. Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia and other global personalities, business leaders and opinion shapers to the 2010 WEF class of Young Global Leaders.   "I am grateful and humbled to be in the company of such remarkable leaders and global personalities, and look forward to thinking and working creatively together on how to improve the state of the world," said Patil. 

Patil is the architect and founding chief executive officer of the Global Partnership for Youth Investment.  This trilateral public, private, civil society partnership was co-founded by The World Bank Group and ImagineNations Group in 2007 to support the economic advancement and social inclusion of young women and men.  He serves on the founding global advisory board of Nike Foundation.   Patil, a former elite athlete with world championship honors, lives in Doha, Qatar with his wife L.M. Ling and their two children Bodhi and Meijin and is currently on leave from the World Bank.

Author said: Photo from left to right:  Pawan Patil, Rick Little, Martti Ahtisaari  © Elaine Little

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About Silatech
Silatech is an innovative initiative engaging the private, public and civil society sectors to promote large-scale job creation, entrepreneurship, and access to capital for young people.  It is intended to help address the critical issue of youth employment, a serious and growing challenge impacting countries throughout the Arab world.  With the support of His Highness the Emir of Qatar and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, Silatech was first announced in 2008 at the UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum in Madrid and launched in June 2008 at the first Doha Summit.  Silatech means "your connection" in Arabic, and its strength is in partnering with leaders, corporations and organizations around the globe to promote opportunity and innovation.  More information can be found at www.silatech.com.

© Press Release 2010