The Dow Chemical Company Foundation pledges USD 2 million to Young Arab Leaders

Dow chairman and CEO, Andrew Liveris, affirms commitment to the Middle East by supporting The Global Action Program

The Dow Chemical Company, a world leader in science and technology, signed an agreement today with Young Arab Leaders (YAL) to support the organization’s admirable endeavor, The Global Action Program; an initiative designed to encourage dialogue between leaders across the globe. Through its charitable arm, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, The Dow Chemical Company has committed over USD 2 million to support various initiatives under the ‘Arab and American Dialogue Program’ in 2008 and 2009. Andrew N. Liveris, chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company and His Excellency Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of YAL signed the agreement in the presence of Dow’s Board of Directors and YAL’s Executive Leadership.

At today’s media conference and signing ceremony, Dow announced plans to leverage the YAL Global Action Program, part of YAL’s initiative for inter-regional dialogue, at American universities where the company already has strong relationships. The Global Action Program is structured around Action Forums that draw leaders and decision makers from across the globe with the aim of initiating dialogue to foster understanding, and cooperation. One of the key components of the program will be the exposure of rising young professionals and leaders to the life and culture of other regions through fellowships, internships and other programs that offer learning opportunities.

Addressing the press at the signing ceremony, Liveris said, “Dow has always believed in strongly supporting the aspirations of the local communities in which it operates and in contributing to sustainable global economic development. Through our YAL alliance, we aim to increase mutual understanding and respect between two diverse regions - the Middle East and North America. Dow is honored to form this partnership with YAL.”

Endorsing Dow’s stance and philosophy, His Excellency Dr. Sulaiman, said “It is with pride that we partner with Dow and its Foundation to create concrete strategies for inspiring and innovative projects and dialogue that is action-oriented and designed to mobilize young leaders to help create a well connected global community with greater mutual understanding.”

YAL is an independent not-for-profit organization headquartered in Dubai, UAE with chapters across the Arab World. YAL has a network of prominent Arab men and women eager to trigger positive change in the region and across the world. Their core values are: excellence, meritocracy, accountability, entrepreneurship, tolerance and candor. The organization aims to bridge the awareness gap between the region and the rest of the world.

About Dow

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of innovation, science and technology to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company offers a broad range of products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $49 billion and employs 43,000 people worldwide. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

About The Dow Chemical Company Foundation

Established in 1979, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation serves Dow’s philanthropic needs by providing charitable gifts to eligible non-profit organizations in the communities where Dow operates that contribute to community success, support sustainability, foster science in society and stimulate innovation.

About Young Arab Leaders

The Young Arab Leaders is a network of Arab men and women who have seen the power of action in their own lives, reached unprecedented levels of success for their age, are positive and can see beyond today’s difficulties to that vision of a prosperous Arab future. These leaders are currently in prominent positions of responsibility and are destined for extraordinary achievement, and they believe that their efforts today can have an impact on their communities, countries and the region as a whole. For more information please visit: www.yaleaders.org