His Majesty King Abdullah II
Speech at the International Parliamentary Union
April 30, 2000
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a privilege to address you today at this gathering of distinguished parliamentarians and representatives. Your meeting symbolises the most sacred rights of civil society, those of freedom and democratic rule. Your choice of venue attests to Jordan's success in translating an Islamic Hashemite heritage of Shura, into a modern institutional policy of political participation, and the rule of law. The timing of this meeting at the beginning of this century is in itself a challenge. It calls for rising up to the expectations of all those whom you represent, and to help in their fulfilment.
It is a historic moment for all of us, and in particular for the International Parliamentary Union, this oldest of multilateral organisations, when we can collectively review accomplishments, and acknowledge shortcomings. Most importantly, it is the time to chart a plan that directs our action for the future.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The economic success achieved by the community of states in the last century also marks some of its failures. Whereas progress ensured the adoption of interdependence and even democratic political norms, as values that have ushered us into a new millennium, it has also failed bridging the gap between those who have and those who don't. As the global economy has charged forward, many poor countries have been left behind. Strapped by debt, cut off from the technology boom, and tied to a globality that is dragging them down, these countries attribute their predicament to an unfair economic system. In fact, the numbers are quite bleak: worldwide, as many people now live in absolute poverty, as did a decade ago. Half of the world's 6 billion people live on less that two dollars a day. In sub-Saharan Africa, those who live on less than one dollar a day are 46 per cent of the population. Many of these countries are represented here today, and expect this meeting to call upon the international community to offer forgiveness for their debts. The message was clearly echoed in the final communiquÈ of the meeting of the Group of 77, recently held in Havana. It called for greater participation in global economic decision-making, increased aid and exports to underdeveloped countries, greater technology transfers, and the cancellation of unsustainable debt.
This is the reality that represents the challenge in front of you, legislators and representatives of civil societies, which have adopted democracy as a way of political participation. In many cases these societies, however, have failed to deliver the economic opportunity and sustainable social development that they desired. Global interdependence placed this failure at the top of the international agenda and at the centre of the dialogue between North and South. Its effect and magnitude supersedes that of political conflicts and regional strife and casts its shadows on ongoing discussions between cultures and religions.
As technological advances quickly transform the world around us into a knowledge-based economy, the old divide is assuming a new digital dimension. It is the reality of economics superseding politics in terms of importance and priority on the global agenda, as evident in a recent pre- millennium summit report submitted by the secretary general of the United Nations Organisation. It clearly places economic security well ahead of conflict resolution. It emphasises the role of education and helping poor countries leapfrog many of the long, painful stages of economic and political development. Three of the four initiatives identified in it are related to new technology, and include a U.N. Information Technology Service and a Health Inter-Network. It is indeed a simple but powerful message: The new economy is changing the world as we know it, and we must have the right tools to rise to the challenge. Your role would be to stimulate collective action among states to have the vision and the leadership to make the world a better place, and to chart a course for its peoples this new millennium.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The next few days will witness your deliberations and debates on important global issues. They cover an entire spectrum of political, economic, social and cultural issues. As representatives of our modern international civil society, which is based on effective political and economic participation and calls for accountable and transparent governance, you assume a big responsibility indeed. The practical results and recommendations that will come out of this meeting will measure your success and build upon your union's past achievements. I am confident that you will rise to the expectations of all those who have vested you with the power to help transform their dreams into a living reality. The existing times and challenges necessitate a priority action plan that must address itself to the prospects of change in our world. Global prosperity, equal opportunity, and an even distribution of the wealth of knowledge must replace the existing gaps, dichotomy, and barriers to entry into the world economy. They must form the pillars of the New World Order. Developing countries should be provided with frameworks to facilitate their necessary access to the evolving knowledge economy. Only then can real and effective change be achieved, one that will result in a marked and tangible improvement in the quality of life of all peoples. Only through such a vision and leadership can globality transform itself to benefit all mankind.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
You are visiting Jordan at a time when change is seeing us through. Our new beginning provides a model for peace, for regional cooperation and most importantly for hope to our young generation. Guided by a belief that the real obligation of governments is to ensure the provision of medical, social, educational and environmental services to all citizens, we have limited its involvement in economic activities. Free markets determine resource allocation and government provides the necessary laws and regulatory frameworks. We have made it a priority to address the challenges of meeting international standards in technology, education, and production, and grasp the full benefits of globalisation. We have cemented our democracy and institutionalised our respect for human and civil rights. Accountability, inclusion and merit have guaranteed the survival and unity of this Kingdom. They will continue to be its guiding lights towards a bright future. We have made peace with our neighbours and we are eager to widen its scope for it to become comprehensive, just and lasting. We are keen to deepen its strength for it to chart new horizons in regional cooperation models.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your presence in this holiest of lands marks a historic opportunity for achieving peace and reconciliation among the peoples of the Middle East. Now is the time to make the peace that we have long aspired for. It is the time to transcend our differences and to shift our resources to an investment in the future. It is time to declare that justice, security, and acceptance of each other's beliefs, rights and dreams are essential if the Middle East is to have a future. Let us resolve our lingering conflicts. They have pained families and tested wills for too long. Let us instead join together to widen our participation in the knowledge economy, to become a centre for excellence and to provide the opportunity for our young and bright talents. Let us provide an example where religions can live together through understanding and tolerance, and where the differences are respected in a pluralistic model that draws strength from diversity. Most importantly, let us give meaning to our respect for democracy and finally heed the call of the majority of our peoples who long for peace, stability and prosperity.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, you come to Amman united in your respect for the sanctity of democracy, pluralism and human rights. You bring a commitment to make our world a better, safer and fairer one. Your meeting will prove to be a milestone in the process of change that we aspire. It will mark continuity in the struggle of your union for freedom, democracy and human rights. It will testify yet again for the noble goals that it stands for, those of equality and excellence. I wish you all the best in carrying out the heavy responsibilities that you shoulder in fulfilling the dreams of many and in changing their world for the better. Yours is a democratic dialogue that tells the story of how understanding and cooperation can see us through the challenges of our difficult times to the safe shores of prosperity and future promise.
Thank you very much.