Introductory Remarks
HM King Abdullah II Annual Leadership Lecture
The Harris School of Public Policy Studies
University of Chicago
September 18, 2006

H.E. President Fernandez, Dean Mayer, Distinguished guests, Members of the University:

On behalf of HM King Abdullah II, allow me to thank you for your warm welcome. It is a great pleasure to be in Chicago. To me, and many others around the world, this is one of the truly great cities - a global hub of innovation, commerce and outreach. Its rich diversity shows the strength of an open society. Its great universities teach the power discourse and reason. And its baseball teams … yes, its baseball teams … finally proved the enduring human spirit of perseverance!

I’m delighted to have a chance to visit this great university where Jordanian intellectuals and students have enjoyed years of exchanges with you … I hope the future will bring an even closer relationship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The initiative taken by the Harris School of Public Policy Studies in establishing His Majesty King Abdullah II Annual Leadership Lecture Series, and having at the University of Chicago distinguished world leaders and leading experts, to discuss international affairs only serves as a catalyst for scholarship and change. This lectureship crystallizes the imperative of public policy dialogue – not just about goals and values, but about how to induce positive change.
It is a special privilege to be part of this lecture series, and your continued interest in global affairs is itself, leadership. Today, no one who cares about security and opportunity at home can ignore the wider world. There has never been a more important time to be cognizant of international facets to enhance our understanding; and work together to protect our future.

On a global basis, that means giving people credible alternative to disparity and violence. It means creating a win-win process because of expanded opportunity, peace, and justice. Within a short period of time, Jordan’s socio-economic reforms have had tangible results in economic growth poverty reduction and debt alleviation. We have a long way to go, but this could not have happened without the appropriate frameworks and solid partnerships with the international community particularly the US, which has quickly become Jordan’s number one trading partner and export market through tools like the QIZ/Jordan-US FTA.

This dialogue is just beginning. It is a universal dialogue, and it should be all inclusive. None of us should take an ambivalent attitude toward the future. Indeed, this lectureship will certainly play a part through providing a platform of intellectual exchange with distinguished Global leaders.

It is a great honor to be in the presence of His Excellency President Leonel Fernandez of the Dominican Republic who has provided a model of leadership in the Western Hemisphere. His pioneering credit program benefiting thousands of students...his outstanding management of the Dominican Republic’s economy in challenging times are but little examples bearing testimony to such leadership. President Fernandez’s unique vision-early on-in recognizing the potentials of open trade in creating new markets, and increasing comparative advantages embraces the promise of an even brighter future for the Dominican Republic and the whole CAFTA region.

With no further ado, we all look forward to hearing from His Excellency