His Majesty King Abdullah II
Remarks by His Majesty King Abdullah II
at the United Nations
2005 World Summit
New
York
16 September 2005
Bismillah ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim --
Your Excellencies:
Five years ago, the world’s leaders met here to declare a new vision, for a new
age. The Millennium Summit was a response to a global moral consensus: our world
can no longer deny the basics of life and peace to billions of people.
Five years later, it is clear that we acted not a moment too soon. Humanity has
seen the dangers of a global system that excludes people – especially youth –
from opportunity and hope. Now, the people of the world are looking to us: to
bring our nations together; to act with urgency; and to achieve results.
I am honoured to report that Jordan is on track to achieve the majority of its
Millennium Development targets. The challenges are real and there is much to be
done. But gains are being made in poverty reduction, health, education, gender
equality, the environment, and more. This effort is only part of Jordan’s much
larger national strategy – a comprehensive, inclusive approach to reform and
development.
Yet, we do not act in a vacuum. Our country, our region, and the world, are all
affected by the prospects for peace. One critical step is to ensure zero
tolerance towards those who promote extremism. Jordan has worked with the
international Muslim community to oppose extremist interpretations of Islam.
Jordan wants true, moderate, traditional Islam to replace fundamentalist,
radical and militant Islam, everywhere in the world, for every single Muslim.
In November of 2004 we issued the Amman Message, which sought to clarify the
true nature of Islam – what it is, and what it is not. Then, last July, over 180
scholars met in Amman. They represented 45 countries, and were supported by
fatwas from 17 of the world's greatest Islamic scholars. Together, they
achieved, for the first time in history, a unanimous consensus on a number of
critical issues.
First, the declaration recognized the legitimacy and common principles of all
eight of the traditional schools of Islamic religious law. Second, it defined
the necessary qualifications and conditions for issuing fatwas. This exposes the
illegitimacy of the extremist fatwas justifying terrorism, which contravene the
traditional schools of Islamic religious law and are in clear violation of
Islam's core principles. Third, the declaration condemned the practice known as
“takfir” (calling others apostates) – a practice that is used by extremists to
justify violence against those who do not agree with them.
Even as we work for peace, development must go forward. Important in this effort
is millennium goal seven: international partnership.
When developed nations commit to active, increased development support, they
advance global progress for all. The world knows what is needed: fair trade,
increased direct assistance, and debt relief. The recent G-8 agreement on debt
relief for the poorest nations was a positive step. The European Union has put
forward a calendar on increased assistance. We need to continue and expand such
efforts.
This is particularly important with regard to the key group of lower-middle and
middle-income countries. Our countries have a major role in regional and global
stability. Many of us have been forging ahead full steam with reforms, and are
on the verge of reaching higher income levels. That success can translate into
real development gains, only if it is nourished and sustained. A group of
determined leaders, mostly from middle-income countries, are discussing shared
concerns –free and fair trade, targeted aid, and more. We have agreed to
continue our discussions on ways to reach accord with the developed nations.
This World Summit recognizes that our globe is one of shared dependence – and
shared opportunity. We have a strategic and also a moral mission. It is now in
our hands to prove to the world’s people, especially our youth, that our
international institutions work – and that global justice is real.
Thank you very much.