Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
HE Dr.Talal Abu-Ghazaleh in 2006
Born	(1938-04-22) April 22, 1938 Jaffa, Palestine
Nationality	Jordanian, Palestinian
Education	American University of Beirut
Occupation	Entrepreneur
Organization	Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organisation
Known for	Chairman of TAG-ORG
Children	4
Awards	-The Worldwide Alumni Association of AUC Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2016, from the American University of Beirut (2016). - Honorary Award for recognition and acknowledgement of the strong partnership with he United Nations Development Programme, Jordan (2016).
Website	www.talalabughazaleh.com

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh (Arabic: طلال أبو غزالة; born April 22, 1938) is the chairman and founder of the international Jordan-based organisation, the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org). Dubbed as the godfather of Arab accounting,^[1] Abu-Ghazaleh has also been credited for promoting the significance of Intellectual Property in the Arab World.^[2][3]

Early life

Born on April 22, 1938, in Jaffa, Palestine, his father, Tawfiq, was a dealer for oil companies such as Shell and Mobil, in Palestine. And his mother, Adeba, was Syrian from Damascus.^[4][5][6] Eventually the 1948 war caused Abu-Ghazaleh to face exile to the Lebanese village of Ghaziyeh.

Education

While still an undergraduate at the American University of Beirut, he was a teacher and translator.^[7] He has done Ph.D. in Management and Economics, Jerash University, Jordan in 2016, Ph.D. in Business Administration, Mutah University, Jordan in 2015 and Ph.D. in Human Arts, Bethlehem University, Palestine in 2014.

In 1969, upon hearing a speech on intellectual property (IP) at a Time-Warner conference in San Francisco, USA, Abu-Ghazaleh decided to launch a career in the fields of Intellectual property rights (IPRs) and accounting.

In 1972, two firms - Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Company (TAGCO) and Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) - were set up, specializing in the fields of accounting and IP respectively. Since then, Abu-Ghazaleh founded a total of 140 professional service firms specialized in various sector fields such as management, consulting, legal services, IT and much more.

Over the years, Abu-Ghazaleh managed to establish close partnerships with global organizations such as the UN and the WTO.

On April 4, 2007, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon appointed Abu-Ghazaleh, as deputy chairman of the UN Global Compact during its second meeting held at the UN headquarters in New York.^[8]

On October 24, 2007, Abu-Ghazaleh was inducted to the IP Hall of Fame in Chicago, USA, to become the first expert from outside the G8 countries to join the world's most prominent figures in IP.^[8][9] However, the organization has since withdrawn the award following anti-Semitic comments he made. ^[10]

On June 17, 2009, UN appoints Abu-Ghazaleh Chair of UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development. After receiving a letter from the Under-Secretary General of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) HE Sha Zukang inviting him to lead the Alliance, composed of representatives from public, private and civil society sectors as well as international organizations.^[11]

On November 25, 2010, HE Senator Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) was appointed a member of the Upper House according to a Royal Decree by His Majesty King Abdullah II . ^[12]

Selected honors

• Senator, Jordanian Upper House, The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (2016).
• The Worldwide Alumni Association of AUB Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2016, from the American University of Beirut (2016).
• ֺ Honorary Award for recognition and acknowledgment of the strong partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, Jordan (2016).
• Honorary Award for Enhancing the Sino-Arab Relations from HE Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, Egypt (2016).^[13]
• Abu-Ghazaleh Social Responsibility Awards launched by CSR Regional Network for his efforts in social initiatives, Kingdom of Bahrain (2014).
• Visionary Leader Award from the Asian Education Leadership Awards, the UAE (2013)
• Member of the WTO Panel on Defining the Future of Trade, Geneva, 2012.
• The Arab Award for Media Creativity from the Arab Media Forum, Kuwait-2012.
• Member of the Upper House, Amman, Jordan, (2010-2011).
• Man of the Year Award from Palestine International Institute, Amman, 2012.
• Award of “Arab ICT Personality” of the Year 2010 from Union of Arab ICT Associations, Kingdom of Bahrain (2010).^[14]
• Honorary Award, The Arab Federation for the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights (AFPIPR), Jordan, 2009.
• The International Lifetime Achievement Award, Dubai, UAE, 2008.
• IP Hall of Fame Inductee, IP Hall of Fame Academy, Chicago, USA, 2007.
• Aljazeera Award for Lifetime Achievement, Qatar (2004).

• Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, Canisius College, New York, USA, 1988.
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, The American University of Beirut, Lebanon (1960).
• Decoration of the Republic of Tunisia, 1985.
• Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur, France, 1985.
• Coat of Arms of the Kuwaiti Association of Accountants and Auditors, 1983.
• Gold Mercury International Award, Bahrain, 1978.
• Decoration of Independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Jordan 1967.^[14]

Selected chairmanships

• Jordanian National Orchestra Association – JOrchestra (2014).^[15]
• Chair of the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University College of Business (TAG-UCB), Kingdom of Bahrain (2012).
• Chair of the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh International University (TAGI-UNI), Lebanon (2012).
• Chair of the Jordanian Economic Observatory, The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, (2012).
• Chair of the Research Centre and Strategic Action, Switzerland, (2012).
• Chair of the Arab Baltic Foundation for Business and Education, The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (2012–present).
• Chair of the All for Palestine Initiative, France (2011–present).
• Chair of the Supreme Advisory Committee, International Cooperation Organization, Turkey (2012–Present).
• Chair of the Economic Policy Development Forum (EPDF), The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (2011–present)
• Chair of the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN), Germany (2010–present).
• Chair, Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID), New York – USA (2009-2010).
• Chairman, The Afro-Asian Knowledge Society Council- Egypt (2009).
• Chair of the Arab World of Internet Institute, USA (2008).
• Chairman, Encyclopedia of Excellence and Civilization Committee, Riyadh – KSA (2008).
• Chairman Board of Directors, UN Global Compact, New York – USA (2006–2008).
• Chair of the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA), Belgium (2007–present)
• Chair of the Universal Charter of the United Nations, USA (2007-2008).
• Chair of the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Graduate School of Business (TAG-SB), The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (2006–present)
• Chair of the United Nations for Information and Communication Technology and Development, New York (2006-2010).
• Chair of Evian Group Governing Body, Geneva – Switzerland (2006–2009).
• Chair, Evian Group-Arab Region (EGAR) (2006–2009).
• Vice-Chair, ֺ the United Nations for Information and Communication Technology, New York – USA (2006).
• Chairman, Business Action to Support the Information Society (BASIS), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris - France (2006–2008).
• Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce, France (2005–Present)
• Chairman, Board of Trustees, Perspective Europe, Paris – France (2005–2007).
• President, Arab Intellectual Property Meditation Society (AIPMAS), Amman-Jordan (2003–present).
• Chairman, Advisory Committee on Internet Governance, United Nations Information and Communication Technologies Task Force (UN ICT TF), New York – USA (2003–2004).
• Chairman, The International Chamber of Commerce Task Force (ICC TF) on Internet Governance, Paris – France(2003–2004).
• Chair, Commission on E-Business, Information Technologies and Telecoms, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris – France (2001–2008).
• Chair of the United Nations Information and Communication Technologies Task Force (UN ICT TF), New York – USA (2004–2006).
• Chairman, The Arab Regional Network of the United Nations Information and Communication Technologies Task Force (UN ICT TF), New York – USA (2001–2004).
• Chairman, The Working Group on Human Resources and Capacity Building (HRCB) of the United Nations Information and Communications Technologies, (UN ICT TF), New York – USA (2001–2002).
• First chairman of the Arab Internet Names Consortium (AINC), Amman- Jordan, (2001).
• President, Licensing Executives Society-Arab Countries (LES-AC), Amman-Jordan (1998–present).
• Chairman, U.N. Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR), New York – USA (1995–1996).
• Chairman, United Nations Committee of Experts on Professional Qualifications Standards, Geneva (1995–1998).
• Chair of the Middle East Council, Center for Strategic and International Studies, USA (1995-1997).
• Chair of the United Nations for the Development of Accounting Education, USA (1995).
• Chairman of the Committee for the Newly Industrialized and Developing Countries Affairs, the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) (1989–1992).
• President, Arab Knowledge and Management Society (AKMS), New York – USA (1989–present).
• Chair of the Affairs of the Modern Industrialized Nations and Developing Countries, the International Accounting Standards Committee (1989-1992).
• President, Arab Society for Intellectual Property (ASIP), Munich (1987–present); in consultative status to the World Intellectual Property Organization, (WIPO).
• Chair of the International, Arab Society of Certified Accountants (IASCA), London (1985–present); in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, (ECOSOC).^[16]

Selected board memberships

• Member of the Advisory Board of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, the United Arab Emirates (2014)^[17]
• Member of Bretton Woods Committee, the United States (2014).
• Global Social Responsibility Ambassador of CSR Regional Network, Kingdom of Bahrain (2014).
• A Royal Commission to enhance integrity system, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (since 2013).
• Council on Arab Relations with Latin America and the Caribbean (CARLAC), the UAE (2013).
• World Trade Organization (WTO) Panel on Defining the Future of Trade, Switzerland (since 2012).
• Festival of Thinkers, the UAE (since 2011).
• International Advisory Board, University of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain (2010-2011).
• International Advisory, E-City for King Hamad Ibn Isa Al Khalifa, Kingdom of Bahrain (2009).
• Board of Directors, UN Global Compact, New York, USA (2006–2008).
• Advisory Board, Evian Group, Geneva, Switzerland (2005–2009).
• Honorary Board Membership, Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organization (2008).
• Executive Board, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris- France (2006–2009).
• Board of Trustees, Arab Anti Corruption Organization (2007–Present).
• International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), France (2007).
• Board of Directors, King Hussein Foundation, Washington, USA (2005–Present).
• The International Consultative Board, the World Coalition, New York, USA (2005).
• Board of Directors, World Links Arab Countries Advisory Council, (2004–2005).
• Public Sector Consultative Group, International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), New York-USA (2003–2006).
• Board of Trustees, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan (2003–2006).
• Board of Trustees, National Music Conservatory (NMC), Amman, Jordan (2003–2005).
• Board of Directors, World Links Worldwide, Washington, USA (2003–2004).
• Knowledge Economy Community, Development Gateway, World Bank, Washington, USA (2002–2005).
• Advisory Board, Industry Advisory Commission, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Geneva, Switzerland (1999–2000).
• Board of Advisors, Middle East Council of the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), Washington, USA (1995–1997).
• Member of the Board, International Federation of Accountants Council (IFAC), New York, USA (1992).
• Member of the Board, International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC), London, United Kingdom, (1988–1990).
• Member of the Arab Thought Forum (1988–present).
• Member of the Board, International Auditing Practices Committee (IAPC) of IFAC, New York, USA (1987–1990).
• Board of Governors, Keck Center for International Strategic Studies, Claremont, California, USA (1985–1988).
• Board of Trustees, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon (1980–1982).^[18]

Music patronages

• Patron, Palais Garnier, France (2016).
• Patron, Jordanian National Orchestra Association (JOrchestra) musical concerts, The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (2014–Present).
• Patron, The Second Modernity: The Artistic Collaboration of Fairuz and Ziad Rahbani Conference, Anis Makdisi Program in Literature, American University in Beirut (AUB), Lebanon (2006).
• Patron, Walid Gholmieh Symphonies (2006).
• Patron, L’Association pour le Rayonnement de l’Opéra National de Paris (AROP) (2004–present).
• Patron, Lebanese National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO) (2003–present).
• Board of Trustees and Chair, National Music Conservatory (NMC), Amman, Jordan (2003–2005).
• Private Concert by Ramzy Yassa & Ghada Ghanem Concert, Cambridge, UK (2004).
• Patron, l'Opéra de Paris, France (2001–present).
• Private concert by the Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (2000).
• 28th General Assembly for the International Music Council, Petra, (Jordan) (September 1999).
• TAGO Golden Jubilee concert, London, UK (July 1997).
• Private concert by Ramzi Yassa, Seattle, USA (1994).
• Patron, Freunde der Salzburger Festspâele, Salzburg, Austria (1976).^[14]

Initiatives and publications

• • Talal Abu-Ghazaleh ICT Dictionary 2nd edition (2013).
  • Talal Abu-Ghazaleh IP Dictionary 2nd edition (2013).
  • Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Dictionary of Patents (2012).
  • Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Legal Dictionary (2012).
  • Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Collocations Dictionary (2012).
  • Abu-Ghazaleh ICT Directory (2008).
  • The Abu-Ghazaleh Accountancy & Business Dictionary (2001).
  • The Abu-Ghazaleh IP Dictionary (2000).
  • The Abu-Ghazaleh English-Arabic Dictionary of Accounting (1978).

References