Sanabel’s Seventh Annual Conference, “Responsible Growth: Learning from Global Trends and Regional Experiences”, was held under the patronage of H.E. Mrs. Asma al-Assad, The First Lady of the Syrian Arab Republic , at the Omayyad Convention Palace in Damascus, Syria from June 1st – 3rd 2010. His Excellency, the Minister of State Planning Commission, Dr. Amer Lotfi, representing Her Excellency the First Lady of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mrs. Asma al-Assad, inaugurated the conference.

The Sanabel Annual Conference is – by far - the largest microfinance event in the region.This year’s conference was attended by more than 600 participants and featured 70 speakers from the region and around the globe. A diverse audience of microfinance practitioners, government officials, investors, donors and other industry stakeholders in the Arab region were present, which demonstrates a growing interest in the microfinance sector in the region.

The conference focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the Arab region as it continues to grow, and the implications that global trends and developments have on the region.

In addition to the wide-ranging conference program, the conference also presented a significant networking opportunity. Participants represented a broad spectrum of industry-related representatives and professionals ranging from microfinance practitioners, bankers, investors, and donors to government officials and other industry stakeholders.