The COVID-19 pandemic has entered a precarious new phase, as the spread of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 increases exponentially. In the MENA region, inadequate rates of vaccination, caused in part by widespread\u00a0vaccine hesitancy<\/a>, are fueling a surge in new cases as health systems struggle to keep up. According to the\u00a0National Institutes of Health\u00a0(NIH), the MENA region has experienced some of the highest COVID vaccination hesitancy in the world. The business community plays a vital role in facilitating trust in and promoting the acceptance of vaccination efforts \u2013 chambers of commerce and business associations are instrumental to this effort as trusted sources of information and services to their members.<\/p>\n Representing Business Partners to CONVINCE (BP2C), Abby Shapiro shared BP2C resources, toolkits, and information about the Global COVID-19 Workplace Challenge. BP2C is an initiative of The USCIB Foundation, for which Shapiro serves as Secretary. Shapiro is also Executive Vice President for Strategy and Business Development of USCIB.<\/p>\n Other distinguished speakers included:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n CIPE, Stephen Rosenlund, Deputy Regional Director, MENA<\/em><\/p>\n U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Steve Lutes, Vice President, Middle East Affairs<\/em><\/p>\n AmCham MENA, Mohamed Bataineh, Chairman<\/em><\/p>\n Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Samir Khalil, Executive Director, Middle East and Africa<\/em><\/p>\n International Organisation of Employers, Matthias Thorns, Deputy Secretary-General<\/em><\/p>\n AmCham Egypt, Member of the Pharmaceutical Committee, Mr. Magued El Sayed, Head of Government Affairs and Market Access, Sanofi<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Press Coverage of the event included: <\/strong><\/p>\n