Jordan Times
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
King, Queen receive Peacemaker
Award
AMMAN (JT) — Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania have been recognised
by Seeds of Peace for their commitment to promoting world peace.
“It is time to drop the rhetoric of fear and launch a conversation of the heart
— one that builds on common values, as fellow citizens of an ever-shrinking
world,” Queen Rania said as she accepted the award on their behalf in New York
on Monday.
“I believe the terrain at stake is much wider than the Middle East… For I am
concerned about the dark cloud of fear that is separating East from West and
obscuring our ability to work through our problems together,” she added, voicing
her concern over the divide.
Queen Rania, who has been speaking out about the need to increase dialogue and
understanding, especially between the East and West, outlined the role that
every individual has in this regard.
“All of us have a responsibility to tend and nurture the soil — to ensure that
when these seeds touch down, the ground is not barren and cold.”
“My husband and I are determined to do our part,” she stressed.
Past recipients of the John Wallach Peacemaker Award have included His Majesty
the late King Hussein, who was a great supporter of the organisation’s effort,
former US president Bill Clinton, former US secretary of state Madeleine
Albright and Egyptian First Lady Suzanne Mubarak.
“It is especially meaningful for me, as a citizen of Jordan, to be continuing
along the path set by His Majesty the late King Hussein,” the Queen said.
“Poised at the crossroads of East and West, and in the cradle of humanity’s
great religions, Jordanians know that intercultural respect is not an option, it
is an obligation. But even more, for us, it is an opportunity to become our own
best selves, by opening our minds and hearts to the rich diversity of humankind.
We are proud of our role in promoting peace — in our region, and beyond,” she
added.
“Seeds of Peace is both inspiring and humbling — for it shows us all the simple
power of friendship to change the world. By giving young people the chance to
get to know one another in person, instead of through the distorting lens of
bitter legacies and conflict, Seeds of Peace is creating a new generation of
thoughtful leaders who approach the world with open minds and empathetic eyes,”
said the Queen.
Also recognised this year were television newsman Ted Koppel, for his
outstanding contribution to journalism, and Jane and Robert Toll, CEO of Toll
Brothers Inc., for their dedication and support.
Seeds of Peace, founded in 1993, is dedicated to empowering young leaders from
regions of conflict with the leadership skills required to advance
reconciliation and coexistence.
Over the last decade, the organisation, which still focuses on the Middle East,
has intensified its impact, dramatically increasing the number of participants,
represented nations and programmes.
From 46 Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian teenagers in 1993, Seeds of Peace has
expanded its programming to include young leaders from South Asia, Cyprus and
the Balkans. Its leadership network now encompasses over 3,000 young people from
several conflict regions.
The advisory board includes Clinton, George H. W. Bush, the 41st US president,
Her Majesty Queen Noor, Shimon Peres and Saeb Erekat.