Jordan Times
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Princess Basma reaffirms
Jordan's commitment to global principles
AMMAN (JT) — Her Royal Highness Princess Basma, who is in China to attend the
Beijing + 10 Conference, was received by President of the People's Republic of
China Hu Jintao on Monday.
Princess Basma conveyed the best wishes of His
Majesty King Abdullah to the Chinese president.
In his opening remarks, President Hu Jintao stressed the importance of women's
full participation to ensure peace and development all over the world. He also
pointed out that promoting gender equality has a far-reaching impact on human
civilisation and progress.
Speaking at the plenary session of the conference, “Towards Gender Equity and
Common Development,” Princess Basma reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to the global
principles of gender equality, development and peace.
Referring to the national, social and political transformations that have taken
place in the Kingdom in the pursuit of gender equality, the Princess said that
despite major constraints, Jordan can be proud of the achievements made.
Princess Basma commended King Abdullah's efforts in creating a vision of
equality of opportunity for all Jordanians, and encouraging women to participate
fully in the development processes.
“The legal and political framework is more supportive of women's rights, and the
process of reform is opening up new opportunities for women to engage in the
public spheres. Government and civil society are working together to mainstream
gender into their policies, institutions and planning systems.”
Noting the fundamental changes taking place in the status of women, Princess
Basma pointed out that, “we are witnessing the increasing influence of a new
generation of young women and men for whom the ideal of gender equality is an
accepted, rather than an alien concept.”
In her concluding remarks, Princess Basma stressed the importance of
acknowledging the clear message of the Beijing conference, which seeks to
promote a better status for women worldwide. “Our meeting in Beijing helps us
achieve this ambition, just as it strengthens the long friendship and bond of
understanding between Jordan and China.”
The three-day conference will cover thematic workshops on women and decision
making; economic empowerment; human rights; sustainable development; poverty
eradication; and women and HIV/AIDS. The outcome of the conference will be the
adoption of the Beijing + 10 Declaration, entitled: “Solidarity for Gender
Equity and Peace.”
More than 1,000 participants, including delegations from 89 countries consisting
of ministers, government representatives, national women's groups, and
influential international civil society organisations are attending the
conference.
At the opening session of the conference, Princess Basma attended an exhibition
on the “Ten Year Achievements of Chinese Women,” to commemorate the 10th
anniversary of the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women. The Beijing
Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted unanimously at the Fourth World
Conference on Women in September 1995, to reflect a new international commitment
to the goals of equality, development and peace for all women everywhere.