His Majesty King Abdullah II
Special Address by His
Majesty King Abdullah II
at the World Economic Forum
January 26, 2007
Davos, Switzerland
Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim;
Thank you, Charlie. It’s a great pleasure to be with you. This is the fifth year
that Rania and I have had the privilege to attend this meeting in Davos. It
never fails to be an extraordinary experience. We are honored to be with you
again.
My friends,
We meet here at an historical moment for my region and the world. After nearly
seventy years of Arab-Israeli conflict; after a 40-year occupation of
Palestinian land, there is new international attention and willpower to end this
long and destructive clash. It is a rare opportunity to effect change … to
marshal global commitment and resources, and help create a new dynamic of hope
in the Middle East.
We cannot afford to miss this opportunity. The continued denial of Palestinian
rights is a firestarter for global and regional crises, crises that are arising
more frequently, with greater destruction. The dangers are recognized by the
Forum’s Global Risks Network, which names Middle East instability as a “core
global risk.”
We must act. And all of us have a contribution to make. The exceptional leaders
who gather here bring insights, tools and strategies from the world’s most vital
sectors. Over the years, these Forums have built unparalleled bridges of
understanding and progress. The challenge now, is to carry this work forward to
success. The priorities we identify must lead to action; action that will help
create a sustainable and self-reinforcing peace.
It begins with new expectations – a vision of where the Middle East can be in
ten years’ time.
It is a vision of ordinary life where people can go to shop or work without fear
… where ambulances don’t face checkpoints to get the sick to hospitals … where
young people are able to build families and plan long careers … where the
first-grade students of 2017, Israeli and Palestinian, can look back as adults,
and have no memory of the conflict years. History shows that peoples with bitter
grievances can find reconciliation and go forward. This can happen in the Middle
East.
It is a vision of an expanding regional economy, whose resources and energies go
into productive growth, not wasteful conflict … where cross-border partnerships
and shared interests will create new synergies … and where smart investments in
our young people will expand access to opportunity. History shows that peace and
progressive policies can create economic miracles in developing regions. This
can happen in the Middle East.
It is a vision of an Israel that is at peace in the neighborhood, and is part of
the neighborhood. History shows that longtime adversaries can define new
relationships of peace and regional cooperation. This can happen in the Middle
East.
And it is a vision of a sovereign, viable, and thriving Palestine, whose people
are engaged in creating a future of prosperity and progress. In all history,
global justice promises no less. This can, and this must, happen in the Middle
East.
Building such a future requires courage and commitment. The Arab States
demonstrated just that in 2002, when we united behind the Arab Peace Initiative.
This landmark initiative put forward bold proposals for a sustainable peace: two
states, living side by side … security guarantees for Israel by all Arab states
… Israeli withdrawal from Arab territories occupied since 1967 … a sovereign,
viable and independent Palestine … and a comprehensive settlement and lasting
resolution.
It is time to take advantage of the unprecedented opening that this Initiative
represents. To the Israeli public, let me say: the Arab Peace Initiative is
real. Work with us. Isolation and unilateral action can never lead to the
positive future that you and your neighbors want and need.
To the Palestinian people, I say: you have suffered long enough. The Arab Peace
Initiative, can deliver on its promise: lasting independence, security, and a
share in the opportunities of the 21st century.
To the international community, especially the members of the Quartet, I say:
You have an historic role and responsibility to stand behind a peace. Your
determination to achieve results will be critical to success – and it will send
a global message about your values and leadership.
And to all of you, here, I say: It cannot be left to government alone. An
important part of an irreversible peace is creating the foundations for
co-existence. The majority of people on both sides want peace – and they will
risk moving forward if they trust the process can work. That means tangible
results, and sooner rather than later. No one does that better than the
achievers in this room. Regional and international business, NGOs and other
civic groups are urgently needed – as project partners, facilitators, funders,
investors … and visionaries.
There are opportunities in every sector: cross-border partnerships that give
both sides a stake in the future of peace … development and education
initiatives that engage young people … investments in economic growth and
opportunity … communications projects that create new dialogue … professional
exchanges that bring together experts to work on common concerns like health,
water, the environment … information sharing between civic groups in
humanitarian relief, children’s services and so forth … and much more.
Many of these areas involve the highly effective mechanism of public-private
partnerships, something we in Jordan have spearheaded. I know a number of you
are already working on activities in areas I’ve named. But I believe we can
multiply our impact.
This May, Jordan will be hosting a World Economic Forum meeting bringing global
and regional leaders to the shores of the Dead Sea. It is the fourth time we
have hosted this influential dialogue on the future of our region. At this
critical juncture, I have proposed that this year’s meeting focus exclusively on
building peace structures. We want the world’s top leaders to come to the heart
of the Jordan Valley … lend their support to the region’s creative thinkers and
achievers … to explore the possibilities … design strategies … mobilize
resources … and achieve results. And I am extending an invitation to each and
every one of you, to join us in this tremendously important enterprise.
My friends,
The challenges are certainly real. But it is because the stakes are so high,
that we must seize every chance to make a difference. In the years ahead, the
Middle East faces major requirements for development. Youth are more than fifty
percent of our population; they are coming of age with high expectations for
opportunity, for security, for respect. The means to respond are there. We are
rich in human talent and a heritage honoring education and culture. There is
economic promise in IT, tourism, and more … increasing regional economic
cooperation … and dynamic young leaders who are committed to the future. I am
especially proud of all that Jordanians have done to tackle development and
reform. Such initiatives have been a priority for Jordan for the past eight
years, and we are achieving success.
All this can give us great confidence for the future of the Middle East. And
that is vital for the entire global system, in which our region plays such a
strategic role. But the region cannot move forward with an unhealed wound. There
must be peace.
My friends,
The theme of this Annual Meeting is the shifting power equation. But world
shaping events and changes are not just challenges, they are choices. We have
the power to shift the equations – whether it is peace and war; or poverty and
prosperity – by what we do, together, to understand and take action.
Now is not the time to isolate good ideas in professional silos. Nor can we
accept walls between different peoples and faiths. Here at Davos, in May at the
Dead Sea, we can re-imagine the future … and then help make that vision happen.
The movement is real. I urge you to be part of it. To bring the promise of this
century to those who desperately need it. To create a future for them, for us.
Thank you very much.