Jordan Times
Thursday, May 17, 2007
$10 million science fund
launched in Petra
By Mohammad Ghazal
PETRA — Nobel laureates and prominent world figures wrapped up their two-day
meeting here on Wednesday by launching a $10 million fund to support scientific
research and promote scientific cooperation in the region.
The Middle East Science Fund will operate under the umbrella of the King
Abdullah II Fund for Development and include a number of Noble laureates on its
board of directors.
It is designed to assist academic and scientific institutions in the region and
help research and studies that will reflect on sustainable developments.
The fund will support Jordanian, Palestinian and Israeli scientists, and later
expand to benefit others in the Middle East, said Elie Wiesel, whose New
York-based Foundation for Humanity organised the conference of Nobel laureates
in Petra along with the King Abdullah II Fund for Development.
In concluding remarks at the end of “Petra III: Building a Better World”, King
Abdullah reiterated the important role of Nobel laureates in “championing issues
and ideas that can contribute to the region’s development and enhance the living
standards of its people”.
“Giving hope to young generations would positively reflect on the region,” the
King said.
At the opening of the conference, King Abdullah said the fund will bring global
support for “academic excellence and research, encouraging advances and training
tomorrow’s scientists”.
King Abdullah also called for inter-border cooperation in solving the Mideast’s
common problems, including economic development, environment, youth and health.
Around 33 Nobel laureates and more than 200 prominent figures voiced support for
the project, saying it would enhance peace in the region.
The gathering in Petra also explored a wide range of health, economic and
environmental issues.
Meanwhile, the conference announced the formation of a committee to come up with
recommendations on how to enhance socio-economic development in the Middle East.