His Majesty King Abdullah II
Remarks by His Majesty
King Abdullah II
during the Arab and American Action Forum
September 19, 2006
New York, USA
Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim; In the
Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Thank you Saeed. And thank you all for your warm welcome. I am tremendously
pleased to be here. Young Arab Leaders are making a major impact throughout -
and beyond - our region. Your work and leadership have helped shape a new action
ethic: forward-looking, determined to develop our strengths, and participating
fully in global progress. Your achievements are reason for great pride … and
great hope.
We also welcome the partnership of our many American friends, especially those
of you who are here today. The CGI has made possible important new
relationships, and it is nurturing the leadership - on both sides of the
Atlantic - that can carry us forward. May I say a special word of appreciation
to the Young Arab Leaders organization, under the able direction of Saeed, who
has led the way to a new face of business leadership, one that is both, globally
aware and globally responsible.
This Forum takes place at a critical time. Recent crises have demonstrated a
worrying disconnect between peoples and regions. I hear young Arab men and women
ask if America is listening to them. Such divisions are bad news for all of us.
Because in this century, prosperity and peace cannot be achieved in isolation,
or gained by force; they are the products of two conditions only: global
cooperation and mutual respect.
In the Middle East, that means getting the message out that regional and global
peace is the only way to achieve the better life that people want and deserve.
Outside the region, the message needs to be heard that a better future depends
on global partnerships - and the Arab Nation is your partner, in both peace and
progress.
The fact is, that even despite the burden of regional conflicts, the Arab World
has been moving forward with a vision for the future. The private sector has put
its talents and energy to work expanding opportunity and accelerating economic
growth. Young Arab professionals are guiding innovation and delivering on
performance at NGOs and in the education and health systems. Business leaders
have collaborated on landmark, region- wide initiatives to strengthen civil
society. In Jordan and elsewhere, there is a serious commitment to good
governance and reform.
This kind of effort makes an obvious, direct contribution to development. But it
does more. It inspires people throughout society about the power of positive
action. When a corporation builds libraries in impoverished communities … when
Jordanian technology experts work with global corporate partners, to put
computers in classrooms and expand access to the Internet … when leading private
sector enterprises commit to building housing for educators: they are not just
investing in the future. They are serving as models to our youth; models of
civic responsibility, and hope.
There is no question that the Middle East faces immense - and very immediate -
challenges. The private sector is key. We will need almost 50 million new jobs
over the next five years; by the year 2020, today's employment level must
double. We can't afford a constant cycle of conflict, draining resources that
are needed for priorities like education, health, and infrastructure. We must
meet people's expectations for democracy, opportunity, and a better quality of
life.
Such efforts must be home-grown. And young Arab leaders are already driving the
way forward. But our American and other global partners have another important
international role. Many of you have worked with our people; been to the Middle
East; experienced our culture and heritage. You've heard the Amman Message and
other initiatives, articulating Islam's abiding social values: respect for
others; social justice; peace.
My friends,
Recent crises, especially the crisis in Lebanon, shout out the urgent need for a
better partnership among us, especially for peace. The evidence is clear:
piecemeal and unilateral solutions do not work. None of us will be able to move
forward until there is a comprehensive solution to the region's core problem.
Palestinians must be empowered to shape a future of hope in a viable, sovereign
Palestine. Israel must be part of the neighborhood, making peace with all.
In 2002, the Arab states broke the old cycle with a landmark peace proposal. It
promised security guarantees for Israel to live in peace with its neighbors … a
sovereign, viable, and independent Palestine … and a process that would lead to
a comprehensive settlement.
The Arab action was an unprecedented opening. It laid the groundwork for
specific actions to reach an end to conflict. It supports the two-state solution
that is the only basis for lasting peace. And let us move swiftly, before more
young lives, more young hopes, are destroyed.
My friends,
It is in our hands to make a difference. Your vision and leadership will make a
critical difference. Over the next few days, you will be considering new private
sector initiatives that can drive progress and peace. Your work can create a
pattern for success, not for future generations only, but for today's societies.
In November, the Young Arab Leaders group will meet in Jordan. I welcome you
all, and I look forward to the reports of your work here in New York.
To our American friends, I say: join us. With a collective will to act, our
partnership can build a future that benefits us all.
Thank you very much.