Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great privilege for me to be with you this evening, and to have the opportunity to share some thoughts on the prospects of universal humanity, and how its powers can help shape a better world for all, in this millennium.

Allow me to begin by thanking the Red Cross for hosting this event and for giving me this memorable chance to address such a distinguished audience. The even strongly demonstrates, not only the Red Cross’s strong commitment to the cause of humanity, but also the timely and wise judgment to initiate a debate on the role of culture, peace, security and human rights in shaping our common future, irrespective of race, religion or color.

In a world that has become far more challenging than ever before, it is up to us, the global family, to break down the barriers of fear, mistrust, and racial prejudice. Unless we can truly understand and respect each other, clearly identify that evil, misled people do not represent one religion, people or demographic location, we shall never be able to create the kind of world we are proud to hand on to our children and future generations.

It is unfortunate that violence has invaded our homes and families on a world – wide scale. Everyday in the news the sights and sounds of death and destruction assault us, and unfortunately the majority of these incidents are not natural disasters, but disasters created by human beings against each other.

I believe like most parents, I have struggled to come to terms with what I see going on in the world, and particularly, my Region, while trying to explain to may young children why their world seems so unsafe. While past generations had the ability to protect their youth from information, we are unable to do so in this advanced information age, where news is available on so many mediums. I have soul – searched after many very deep conversations with my children about why this is happening. Conversation I never expected to have with them so early in their lives.

The hardest aspect of parenting in this country is that we don’t have just and right answers for our children. Unfortunately, due to the turbulent political lives we live in our region, and the threat of terrorism that we have faced as a nation since its inception, I do not have the luxury of hiding the truth from my children. My greatest challenge is in preparing them, by making them aware, while trying to protect the innocence of childhood they and every child deserves.

I believe the only solution, is for us to overcome the myths of the past and move beyond towards a new chapter of mutual recognition, acceptance and respect. We must strive to establish a new era where diversity is cherished and differences tolerated. This calls for dialogue among cultures, faith and religions, one that would ensure complementarity, and emphasize the universal moral values that we all uphold. I always try to remind myself, that by the grace of God, I have seen the world, been exposed to many people and cultures, and have made friends from all religious backgrounds.

We can never judge others or expect them to understand dynamics they have never been exposed to. In Third World countries, where poverty is a day-to-day battle for survival and human dignity, there are many vulnerable people who can be manipulated in to an unjust cause. Poverty is an epidemic and unless treated can eat away the fabric of any society or country, unless identified and treated. While some nations can afford to this, others cannot.

We must unleash the patent positive force of humanity in all of us, to enhance what is humanly common, and transcend what is politically, culturally and religiously divisive. Only through releasing this power can we make the millennium better, for it must be one that calls for equality among people, rich and poor, strong and weak. It must address the necessity to bridge divides, be they economic, social or digital. I believe that as a global family, we must all do some soul searching if we are to come together, to face and fight the realities, so much easier to ignore, to ensure a safer, more dignified, and secure future for us all.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The tragic events of September 11^th, 2001, have changed the world beyond expectation. More than ever, we now realize that there needs to be a shift in our thinking from an emphasis of the concept of individual nations and states, to a one-world approach, where national and ethnic interests are relegated, to give way to universal human interest. The world is slowly moving from strictly protecting rights of states, to safeguarding human rights, universal values, and moral principles. The tragedy that we collectively suffered last September must be a reason to unite humanity, and not to divide it into Eastern and Western Civilizations. There is one civilization, and it stands solidly against terrorism, anarchy and violence. It is a cumulative experience of human values and history, which advocates tolerance and co-existence. I would like to thank my dear friend Vickie McCall, who in recognizing this need for tolerance and understanding, invited me to Utah, in an attempt to break down barriers of misunderstanding. Her horrendous experience at the Pentagon, would have broken most people, but she turned a tragedy into a personal triumph by deciding to do something about it. I have always believed that human resilience is unlimited, but it is how we deal with tragedy that sets us apart.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is my message to you today, and I convey it to you on behalf of My King and country. His Majesty King Abdullah and all Jordanians stand behind the United States and indeed the world, in fighting the dark forces of terror that threaten our security and our future. As a country we have suffered at the hands of terrorism losing two Prime ministers, and a number of our diplomats overseas have had our National airplanes hijacked, and our airline building bombed. We are also challenged constantly to protect our strategic interests, and interests of foreign countries on our territories.

As a family we have also suffered at the hands of terrorism since the establishment of Jordan with the assassination of my Great Grandfather King Abdullah the 1^st, in front of my late father His Majesty King Hussein. My Great Grandfather was martyred in the name of regional peace. My late Father also worked until the last moments of his life in the name of peace, surviving seven assassination attempts in his life time. My brother King Abdullah, no stranger to terrorism, continues this Hashemite legacy dedicating his life to peace and security for us all.

After the attacks on the United States, he offered all available assistance in this regard, including sending Jordanian troops to help the ongoing effort in Afghanistan. We have also called for a better understanding of our Islamic Religion. We know that Islam condemns and abhors the actions that are subscribed to it, and that are carried out in its name. At the same time, we have also called for renewed collective international effort to solve the outstanding problems in our world, and not to further delay the promise of justice to the Palestinians and security to the Israelis.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We in Jordan, have created a model of the modern outlook of a Muslim state. It is an example of tolerance, diversity, freedom and democracy. Women enjoy the right to work in all sectors of life, including government and military. They have the freedom to dress as they feel appropriate, cover themselves or not and in accordance to their faith. As a Muslim working woman I dress the same way at home as I do overseas.

Muslims and Christians depend on each other and work side by side for the future of their nation. Christians are an integral part of Jordanian society on all levels. Indeed, Christ was baptized in the river Jordan, and our country is rich with Christian religious sites and churches. In the Qur’an, scriptural communities of Christian and Jews were entitled to free exercise of their religion, under Muslim protection or conscience. In Islam, we are all represent Ahl Al Kitab, believers of the book, representing the three Monotheistic Religions, believing and worshipping the same God. Surely this should bring us together, for we have far more in common than we have differences. Instead of celebrating all we have in common, we look to the few differences to cause division and strife.

Jordan is proud to be a guiding light in respect to its human rights, and a main pillar advocating universal common values of peace and coexistence in a region that has been deprived of both for far too long. We have come to understand that humanity is synonymous with equality. This perception of inequality, killing and destruction, has been justification and reason for many wars through out history. Prosperity, development and the respect for human life have been realized in societies where all people are considered equal and are not judged on their individual merit and achievement, not race, color or religion. We are proud that His late Majesty King Hussein, made sure that our Constitution protects the rights of all Jordanians, both men and women. It also ensures that Jordanians who are followers of different faiths are treated equally without prejudice. King Abdullah continues this legacy with his determination to build equal opportunities for all and with special privileges for none.

This commitment to humanity is derived from the teachings of Islam. Islam has laid down universal fundamental rights that apply to all mankind, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. In Islam, human blood is sacred. Women’s honor and chastity are to be respected under all circumstances according to the teachings of our religion. When we speak of human rights in Islam, we really mean that these rights have been granted by God, and hence cannot be withdrawn by any one person. They include the security of life and property, the protection of honor, personal freedoms, freedom of expression, conscience and conviction, and equality before the law. I am proud to be a Muslim, Islam is my guide, and conscience, it gives me strength and protection, and it is the Religion of my parents and of my children, and incorporates everything I hold dear. I have an incredible respect for all the followers of the three Faiths whom believe as I do.

The world must unite in its goal to have a shared vision, irrespective of religion, nationality, ethnicity, color or race. It is not enough for us to talk about alleviating the suffering, or creating dialogue or even respecting other religions. Our words must be followed by deeds. Actions that will leave a lasting influence on people, and that will ultimately establish tolerance and respect. Leaders and nations must be guided by a vision of a more stable, peaceful and humane world. A world that does not accept terrorism on any level, but has the wisdom and compassion not to punish a whole people for the evil actions of a few. Only then are we likely to live up to the expectations of our children, and deserve the respect of future generations. All of us are the children of a forgiving and merciful God…let us act that way together.

Thank you very much.