As GBSN expands its reach and looks to grow its network, the MENA region presents numerous opportunities, along with a wide range of challenges. In an effort to understand the region better, I recently participated in the 2010 EFMD Conference in the MENA Region, which took place in Dubai this November. More than 100 participants from around the globe heard presentations on the current state of management education in MENA, the need for both locally established programs and international campuses offering programs in the region, and the future challenges and opportunities facing the widely diverse countries that make up MENA.

For GBSN, MENA presents an opportunity to engage in a growing market for business education and apply its experience and network expertise to the many challenges ahead. As a region focused on strengthening entrepreneurship and teaching culturally applicable business practices, GBSN believes MENA offers an excellent opportunity to scale its programs and continue to build capacity that successfully combines global best practice with local relevance.